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)
The key insight here is that the joy this person feels upon hearing the word isn't from a deep connection to God's truth itself, but rather from how the circumstances around it feel good at the moment. When those circumstances change and suffering arises "because of the word," their shallow roots mean they immediately find the word a stumbling block, not a source of strength.
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)
Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, detailing different responses to God's word. This verse describes the hearer who receives the message with immediate joy but lacks a deep, internal connection to it. When hardship or opposition arises specifically because of their belief, their superficial commitment quickly crumbles, causing them to abandon faith.
Some people hear the Word and immediately light up with joy! But what happens when the initial excitement fades?
This parable highlights a common response to the message of the kingdom: immediate joy. The seed falls on rocky ground, and the person receives the word with enthusiasm. It's not that they don't believe at first; they genuinely feel something real.
Instant Gratification vs. Deep Roots
This initial joy is often a reaction to the hope and promise of the Word, rather than a deep-seated conviction. It's like a spark – bright and exciting, but easily extinguished. The problem isn't the reception itself, but its lack of depth.
Think about it: when you first discover something amazing, your energy is high. But lasting commitment requires more than a first burst of enthusiasm. It needs something to anchor it.
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes those challenges come precisely because you're following God. What does that reveal about your faith?
The parable points to 'tribulation or persecution' as the critical moment of testing. This isn't just random hardship; it's specifically because of the Word. When standing for what you believe becomes costly – whether through open opposition or subtle pressure – your commitment is laid bare.
The Pressure Cooker
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Think of 'tribulation' (Greek: thlipsis) like being squeezed or pressed. It's the intense pressure that comes when your commitment to God's Word clashes with the world's demands or expectations. This pressure reveals what's truly foundational in your life.
If faith is shallow, it can't withstand this kind of heat. The joy that was once so present evaporates when the cost becomes too high.
When pressure hits, some people don't just waver – they completely abandon their faith. Why does the Word become an 'offense'?
The word 'offended' here (Greek: skandalizetai) doesn't just mean feeling a little displeased. It signifies stumbling, being tripped up, or actively turning away from something. For the shallow-rooted hearer, the very Word that brought initial joy becomes the reason for their departure when challenges arise.
The Offense of the Cross
This is the 'stumbling block' Jesus often spoke about. The cost of discipleship, the suffering involved, the rejection from the world – these become too much to bear. The initial enthusiasm couldn't anchor them through the storm, so the storm itself becomes the reason they reject the very thing they once embraced.
It's a tragic turn: what was meant to build them up now causes them to fall completely away.
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 contrasts those who trust in humans and turn away from God with those who trust in the Lord, highlighting the stability and fruitfulness of the latter, much like the parable contrasts shallow roots with deep ones.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15Paul describes building on the foundation of Christ, warning that work will be tested by fire; those whose work is consumed are said to suffer loss, paralleling the shallow hearer whose initial 'joy' is burned away by trial.
Hebrews 4:12-13This text emphasizes the penetrating power of God's word, showing it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart; the shallow hearer lacks this depth, allowing the word to be easily snatched away or withered.
1 Peter 1:6-7Peter speaks of enduring various trials so that faith, tested like gold by fire, may prove genuine and result in praise and glory, directly addressing the outcome of facing persecution when faith is not deeply rooted.
Luke 8:13This parallel account of the parable uses the phrase 'believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away,' directly correlating with Matthew's description of enduring 'for a while' until tribulation causes them to fall away.
vincentMatthew 13:21: "Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."
Dureth for a while (πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν)Rev., endureth. Lit., is temporary: thus bringing out the quality of the hearer. He is a creature of circumstances, changing as they change. Wyc., is temporal, with explanation, lasteth but a little time.For (δὲ)Rev. better, and, for the following clause does not give a reason for the tempora…
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…
The key insight here is that the joy this person feels upon hearing the word isn't from a deep connection to God's truth itself, but rather from how the circumstances around it feel good at the moment. When those circumstances change and suffering arises "because of the word," their shallow roots mean they immediately find the word a stumbling block, not a source of strength.
Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, detailing different responses to God's word. This verse describes the hearer who receives the message with immediate joy but lacks a deep, internal connection to it. When hardship or opposition arises specifically because of their belief, their superficial commitment quickly crumbles, causing them to abandon faith.
Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples, detailing different responses to God's word. This verse describes the hearer who receives the message with immediate joy but lacks a deep, internal connection to it. When hardship or opposition arises specifically because of their belief, their superficial commitment quickly crumbles, causing them to abandon faith.
"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." — The key insight here is that the joy this person feels upon hearing the word isn't from a deep connection to God's truth itself, but rather from how the circumstances around it feel good at the mom…
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Last reviewed October 2026