Luke 8 15

Luke 8:15 kjv

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 nkjv

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 niv

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Luke 8:15 esv

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 nlt

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 15 Meaning

Luke 8:15 describes those who truly receive the word of God. They are characterized by an internal state of moral goodness and receptivity, allowing the divine truth to deeply root within their hearts. This profound reception leads to persistent obedience and steadfast adherence to the word, enabling them to produce abundant spiritual fruit, a demonstration of Christ-like character and works, through enduring patience in the face of life's challenges.

Luke 8 15 Context

Luke 8:15 is the culmination of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15), a pivotal teaching on how the word of God is received and the varied responses of people to it. The parable itself uses a common agrarian image readily understood by its original audience, distinguishing four types of soil representing different heart conditions. This specific verse identifies the "good ground" as those who hear the word, keep it with a noble and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. The parable and its explanation highlight Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God and the necessary internal transformation required for its true reception. It underscores that mere hearing is insufficient; the condition of the heart, the subsequent keeping of the word, and persistent endurance are paramount for genuine spiritual growth and fruitfulness. It stands as an indirect polemic against those who might superficially engage with religious teaching, whether out of intellectual curiosity or emotional zeal, without a deep, committed transformation of heart that leads to enduring obedience.

Luke 8 15 Word analysis

• But the ones that fell on the good ground: Greek: "ἐν τῇͅ γῇͅ τῇͅ ἀγαθῇ" (en tēi gēi tēi agathēi). This refers to a specific type of soil, described as agathē (ἀγαθῇ), meaning good in a moral, excellent, or useful sense. In the metaphorical sense, it refers to a heart disposed to receive divine truth.
• are those who, having heard: Greek: "οὗτοι εἰσιν οἷτινες ἀκούσαντες" (houtoi eisin hoitines akousantes). Akousantes (ἀκούσαντες) is an aorist participle of akouō, meaning "to hear." It implies not just an auditory perception, but a hearing that leads to understanding and comprehension of the message.
• the word: Greek: "τὸν λόγον" (ton logon). Logos (λόγος) here refers specifically to the message of God, the gospel, or the divine revelation concerning the Kingdom of God, as it has been sown into the hearts of humanity.
• with a noble and good heart: Greek: "ἐν καρδίᾳ καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ" (en kardiai kalēi kai agathēi).
  • Kardia (καρδίᾳ) represents the innermost being of a person—the seat of intellect, emotions, and will. It is the core from which life's issues spring (Prov 4:23).
  • Kalē (καλῇ) means noble, beautiful, excellent, or morally upright; that which is fitting and good in outward appearance and inward character.
  • Agathē (ἀγαθῇ) reiterates goodness, implying a state of moral rectitude and a ready disposition. The combination emphasizes a genuinely virtuous and receptive inner state.
• keep it: Greek: "κατέχουσι" (katechousi). From katechō (κατέχω), meaning "to hold fast," "to possess firmly," "to retain," or "to keep a firm grip on." This implies an active, sustained effort to preserve the received word, not letting it be taken away or lost due to forgetfulness, persecution, or worldly cares. It denotes spiritual perseverance in obedience.
• and bear fruit: Greek: "καὶ καρποφοροῦσιν" (kai karpophorousin). From karpophoréō (καρποφορέω), "to bring forth fruit." This is a biological metaphor for spiritual results, manifesting as Christ-like character (Gal 5:22-23), good works (Col 1:10), or new converts. It indicates productivity stemming from the received word.
• with patience: Greek: "ἐν ὑπομονῇ" (en hypomonēi). Hypomonē (ὑπομονῇ) signifies steadfastness, endurance, perseverance, or patient waiting. It's not passive resignation, but active constancy under trial or affliction. This vital quality ensures that the spiritual growth and fruit-bearing are not temporary but sustained through all difficulties, leading to maturity and completion.

Words-group analysis:

• Heard the word with a noble and good heart: This phrase encapsulates the spiritual predisposition necessary for genuine reception. It goes beyond mere auditory input to describe an inward posture of honesty, integrity, and receptiveness that allows the divine message to take root and flourish. It emphasizes an active, positive engagement with the truth.
• Keep it and bear fruit with patience: This highlights the process and outcome of genuine conversion and spiritual growth. "Keeping it" implies not just intellectual retention, but active obedience and faithful preservation of the word's truth. This faithful keeping then naturally leads to "bearing fruit," which is the outward manifestation of internal transformation and commitment. The phrase "with patience" underscores that this entire process of spiritual growth and fruitfulness is not instantaneous but requires endurance, steadfastness, and long-suffering, especially in the face of tribulation, for the fruit to mature fully.

Luke 8 15 Bonus section

The contrast within the Parable of the Sower emphasizes that spiritual productivity is dependent on the internal disposition, not just the quality of the seed (the word) or the sower. While the word of God is perfect and unchanging, its effect varies based on the heart that receives it. The "good ground" represents those whom God, through His grace, has prepared or who, by His leading, humble themselves and yield to His truth, resulting in deep, authentic, and enduring spiritual life. This also implies that "patience" is a form of active endurance, not merely waiting, but steadfastly pursuing Christ's will and purpose through trials and delays. This perseverance is empowered by the Spirit and is essential for bringing fruit to full maturity, differentiating superficial or fleeting faith from a genuinely abiding relationship with the Lord.

Luke 8 15 Commentary

Luke 8:15 provides the interpretive key to the Parable of the Sower, unveiling the characteristics of genuine spiritual life. It moves beyond passive reception to an active, sustained engagement with God's word. The "noble and good heart" is crucial; it's not self-generated moral perfection but a humble, honest, and receptive disposition that allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate new life (Ezek 36:26-27). This good heart, having truly "heard" (understood and embraced) the word, then "keeps" it. This keeping implies an obedient persistence and a firm holding onto the truth despite trials or distractions, protecting the word's place and influence in one's life. The natural outflow of this deep root and steadfastness is the bearing of "fruit"—evidencing a life transformed by Christ through godly character and deeds. Crucially, this fruit is produced "with patience," signifying that spiritual maturity and genuine obedience are not instant achievements but a lifelong process requiring endurance through difficulties and perseverance in faith. This verse thus outlines the pathway from receptive hearing to resilient obedience and robust fruitfulness in the believer's journey.