Matthew 13:20-21
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The surprise here is that "immediately receiving it with joy" isn't necessarily a sign of deep, lasting faith. It highlights how a quick, enthusiastic response can actually mask a lack of inner foundation, leading to a joy that quickly fades when challenges arise.
Jesus has just described the sower casting seed, and the first type of ground—the path, where the seed is snatched away before it can even take root. This passage now moves to the second type of soil, the rocky ground, explaining the initial enthusiastic but ultimately shallow reception of God's word. This immediate joy without deep roots is quickly followed by falling away when difficulties arise.
Some people hear the Word and are immediately thrilled! But this outward joy doesn't always signal a lasting faith.
Jesus describes a specific type of hearer: someone who hears the word and, with immediate joy, receives it.
The Allure of the Word
This joy isn't necessarily fake. It can stem from a genuine relief from distress, a newfound sense of peace, or the appealing nature of the message itself. It's like finding a treasure you didn't know you were looking for.
The Missing Foundation
However, the crucial element is what's beneath the surface. The 'stony ground' represents a heart that hasn't been truly prepared or softened. There's no deep, abiding root system that can anchor the faith when challenges arise.
This initial joy is like a beautiful flower that quickly wilts because its roots are shallow and can't access the nourishment needed for sustained life.
What happens when the soil of our hearts is more rock than rich earth? The word might sprout, but it struggles to survive.
The parable contrasts the 'stony places' with soil that has depth. This means the heart isn't fully prepared or receptive. It might welcome the message initially, but it lacks the necessary foundation for growth.
Superficiality Over Substance
The 'stony ground' represents a hearer whose heart is not truly broken up or cultivated for the Word. There's an immediate positive response, but it lacks depth.
The Test of Trial
When difficulties come – persecution, suffering, or even just the demands of daily life that challenge the initial joy – this shallow faith falters. The lack of deep roots means the plant cannot withstand the heat or drought of adversity.
It's not that the seed is bad, or that the person had a genuine response. It's that the ground itself is unprepared to sustain life long-term.
Understand the original words
thlipsis · Greek Noun
A time of severe trial, distress, or suffering, often used in a biblical context to describe the pressures or opposition believers face for their faith.
diōgmos · Greek Noun
Hostility, ill-treatment, or oppression inflicted on others, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs. In Scripture, it specifically refers to the opposition followers of Christ face from the world.
logos · Greek Noun
The message of God, the gospel, or the truth of His revealed will. It is the life-giving power of God that works in those who believe.
skandalizō · Greek Verb
To stumble, to be offended, or to lose one's faith and turn away from God under pressure. It denotes a departure from the truth and a falling away from discipleship.
This passage describes disciples turning away because Jesus' teaching was too hard, highlighting the 'falling away' aspect of the rocky ground hearer when faced with difficulty.
James 1:14This verse points out that worldly desires and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the word, which is the same danger faced by the seed sown among thorns, a parallel to the shallow, rocky ground that lacks deep roots.
1 Corinthians 15:2Paul reminds the Corinthians that their salvation depends on holding fast to the word they heard, emphasizing the need for firm roots and perseverance that the rocky ground hearer lacks.
Hebrews 10:39This verse contrasts true believers who hold on to faith with those who fall away, directly illustrating the temporary nature of the joy experienced by those on rocky ground.
calvinMatthew 13:18-23: "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower."
- Hear therefore the parable of the sower. 19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth not, that wicked one cometh, and taketh away what was sown in the heart. This is he who received seed near the road. 20. But he that received the seed thrown into stony places, is he that heareth the word, and immediately receiveth it with joy: 21. But hath not root in himself, but is of short duration: when affliction o…
pooleMatthew 13:20: "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;"
See Poole on "Matthew 13:21" .
The surprise here is that "immediately receiving it with joy" isn't necessarily a sign of deep, lasting faith. It highlights how a quick, enthusiastic response can actually mask a lack of inner foundation, leading to a joy that quickly fades when challenges arise.
Jesus has just described the sower casting seed, and the first type of ground—the path, where the seed is snatched away before it can even take root. This passage now moves to the second type of soil, the rocky ground, explaining the initial enthusiastic but ultimately shallow reception of God's word. This immediate joy without deep roots is quickly followed by falling away when difficulties arise.
Jesus has just described the sower casting seed, and the first type of ground—the path, where the seed is snatched away before it can even take root. This passage now moves to the second type of soil, the rocky ground, explaining the initial enthusiastic but ultimately shallow reception of God's word. This immediate joy without deep roots is quickly followed by falling away when difficulties arise.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 13:20-21 is available in the Sola app.
"As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immed…" — The surprise here is that "immediately receiving it with joy" isn't necessarily a sign of deep, lasting faith. It highlights how a quick, enthusiastic response can actually mask a lack of inner found…
