Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here is the "immediately." This seed sprang up so fast, not out of vigorous health, but out of a lack of depth. It's a vivid picture of enthusiastic beginnings that quickly fizzle because they haven't been truly planted in the heart, revealing that rapid, emotional responses aren't always signs of deep faith.
Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching a parable about a sower scattering seed, explaining different ways people hear and respond to God's message. This particular type of ground represents those who eagerly receive the word with joy but lack genuine depth, causing their faith to wither when challenges arise. The parable continues to describe other types of soil, ultimately contrasting these shallow responses with the fruitful growth seen in those who truly embrace the message.
Have you ever seen a plant sprout up incredibly fast, only to wither away just as quickly?
This is the picture Jesus paints for a common response to God's Word.
The parable describes seed falling on 'rocky ground, where it did not have much soil.' The key here is the lack of depth.
Immediate Response, Superficial Foundation
It’s not about whether the word is heard, but how deeply it is received and rooted in a person's life.
Sometimes, a strong emotional reaction to the Word can feel like genuine faith. But is it enough?
Ask a follow-up
The 'rocky ground' isn't just barren earth; it's often described as thin soil over a hard rock.
A Surface Experience
This passage describes the same parable, highlighting that the seed fell on the rock, emphasizing the solid, impenetrable barrier beneath the shallow soil. It reinforces the idea that the word couldn't take root because of this underlying hardness.
Matthew 13:20-21Matthew's account of the same parable explains that the rocky ground represents those who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy, but lack deep roots and fall away when trouble or persecution arises. This clarifies the *consequences* of having no depth.
Hebrews 12:15This verse warns against a 'root of bitterness' springing up and causing defilement, echoing the idea of a shallow, unstable foundation that can lead to spiritual corruption. It shows how a lack of deep grounding can have lasting negative effects.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15Paul discusses building on the foundation of Christ, where the quality of one's work will be tested by fire. This relates to the seed on rocky ground, as a lack of solid foundation means the 'building' will not withstand testing and will be burned up.
pooleMark 4:5: "And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:"
See Poole on "Mark 4:3"
expositorsMark 4:3-9: "Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:"
CHAPTER 4:3-9, 14-20 (Mark 4:3-9; Mark 4:14-20)THE SOWER "Hearken: Behold the sower went forth to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it. And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And other…
The most striking thing here is the "immediately." This seed sprang up so fast, not out of vigorous health, but out of a lack of depth. It's a vivid picture of enthusiastic beginnings that quickly fizzle because they haven't been truly planted in the heart, revealing that rapid, emotional responses aren't always signs of deep faith.
Jesus is teaching a parable about a sower scattering seed, explaining different ways people hear and respond to God's message. This particular type of ground represents those who eagerly receive the word with joy but lack genuine depth, causing their faith to wither when challenges arise. The parable continues to describe other types of soil, ultimately contrasting these shallow responses with the fruitful growth seen in those who truly embrace the message.
Jesus is teaching a parable about a sower scattering seed, explaining different ways people hear and respond to God's message. This particular type of ground represents those who eagerly receive the word with joy but lack genuine depth, causing their faith to wither when challenges arise. The parable continues to describe other types of soil, ultimately contrasting these shallow responses with the fruitful growth seen in those who truly embrace the message.
"Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil." — The most striking thing here is the "immediately." This seed sprang up so fast, not out of vigorous health, but out of a lack of depth. It's a vivid picture of enthusiastic beginnings that quickly fi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026