Matthew 13 21

Matthew 13:21 kjv

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.

Matthew 13:21 nkjv

yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Matthew 13:21 niv

But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Matthew 13:21 esv

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.

Matthew 13:21 nlt

But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 21 Meaning

Matthew 13:21 describes the state of one who receives the Word of God superficially. This individual initially embraces the message, perhaps with enthusiasm, but lacks deep spiritual roots or an enduring internal foundation. Their belief is temporary and dependent on favorable circumstances. When faced with tribulation or persecution that arises specifically "because of the Word"—meaning due to their adherence to the Gospel—they stumble, fall away, and abandon their profession of faith. This illustrates that a true reception of the Word requires perseverance through difficulty and a heart genuinely transformed by it, not merely intellectual assent or fleeting emotion.

Matthew 13 21 Context

Matthew 13 presents Jesus' teaching primarily through parables, focusing on the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) is the first and foundational parable, followed by Jesus' explanation of why He speaks in parables (Matthew 13:10-17) and then the direct interpretation of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23). Verse 21 specifically expounds on the meaning of the seed that fell "upon stony places" (Matthew 13:5), elaborating on the superficial nature of the ground and the resulting failure of the seed to establish a lasting life.

Historically, Jesus taught during a period of Roman occupation and religious fervor. Discipleship meant committing to a new way of life that often challenged societal norms, Jewish traditions, and Roman authority, inherently leading to potential friction. The original audience would have understood that embracing a new, potentially counter-cultural message from a marginalized teacher like Jesus could bring social ostracism, family division, or even direct persecution. The parable thus served as a warning to those contemplating following Jesus about the reality of what genuine commitment entailed, dispelling any notion of an easy, cost-free walk with God. It implicitly warns against seeking a "gospel of convenience" or aligning with Jesus only for perceived earthly benefits.

Matthew 13 21 Word analysis

• "yet hath he not root in himself"

  • "root" (Greek: ῥίζα, rhiza): Denotes a fundamental source, origin, or a literal plant's root system. Spiritually, it signifies a deep, life-sustaining connection to God's truth, drawing nourishment and stability. The absence of "root in himself" indicates a lack of internal conviction, a shallow commitment, and an inability to draw strength from within a genuine relationship with Christ. It's not about outward expressions, but inner, vital connection.
  • "in himself": Emphasizes that the problem lies with the recipient's internal disposition and character, not with the seed (the Word) or the sower. The spiritual "soil" of their heart prevents deep spiritual growth and enduring commitment. This indicates a superficial, external receptivity, rather than a genuine regeneration and transformation of the heart.

• "but dureth for a while"

  • "dureth for a while" (Greek: πρόσκαιρος, proskairos): Literally "for a season" or "temporary." This describes a transient faith that lacks permanence. It signifies a fleeting, provisional, or fair-weather commitment. Their faith has no enduring quality, implying that the initial joy or enthusiasm is short-lived because it is not grounded in genuine spiritual transformation or understanding of the costs of discipleship.

• "for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word"

  • "tribulation" (Greek: θλῖψις, thlipsis): Means pressure, distress, affliction, or trouble. It can encompass a wide range of difficulties, from internal struggles to external pressures, all designed to press in on one's resolve.
  • "persecution" (Greek: διωγμός, diōgmos): Refers to pursuit, harassment, oppression, or systematic ill-treatment, often involving physical or social harm, for one's beliefs. This is a more intense and deliberate form of suffering specifically for one's faith.
  • "because of the word": This phrase is critically important. It specifies that the tribulation and persecution are not general hardships of life, but difficulties that arise as a direct consequence of one's allegiance to and profession of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This distinguishes it from general human suffering. It reveals that such a person is willing to receive the benefits of the Word, but not endure the cost associated with it.

• "by and by he is offended."

  • "by and by" (KJV): Implies "immediately" or "forthwith." The moment the trials appear, the superficial nature of their faith is exposed, and they stumble quickly.
  • "offended" (Greek: σκανδαλίζομαι, skandalizomai): To cause to stumble, to put a stumbling block in someone's way, to fall away, or to take offense. It refers to moral or spiritual failure, specifically falling from faith. In this context, it means to desert the faith, abandon the Christian path, or turn away from Christ when the true demands of discipleship become evident through suffering. The 'stumbling block' is the very persecution and tribulation they are unwilling to bear for the sake of the Word.

Matthew 13 21 Bonus section

The metaphor of "stony places" doesn't mean ground with loose rocks, but rather shallow topsoil directly above an impenetrable layer of bedrock. This bedrock prevents the roots from penetrating deeply to find consistent moisture and nutrients, causing quick sprouting but equally quick withering. Spiritually, this bedrock represents a heart that is hardened or unwilling to fully surrender and allow the Word to penetrate and transform its deepest desires and will. It symbolizes resistance to true change, a hidden attachment to self or worldly comforts, which impedes genuine, robust spiritual growth.

The verse indirectly touches upon the necessity of the New Covenant experience where God promises to remove the "stony heart" and give a "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). The problem is fundamentally an issue of the heart's condition and its capacity to receive and nurture the divine seed of the Word through genuine repentance and faith. Without this spiritual softening and regeneration, any spiritual growth will inevitably be "proskairos"—temporary—and collapse under the weight of opposition.

Matthew 13 21 Commentary

Matthew 13:21 paints a vivid picture of a "stony ground" believer, emphasizing that outward reception and initial enthusiasm for the Word are insufficient without inward spiritual depth. The core issue is the absence of an "inner root"—a true, spiritual connection and transformative work of the Holy Spirit within the individual's heart and will. This person hears the message and may even react joyfully, perhaps drawn by the hope, peace, or perceived benefits of the gospel. However, this superficial acceptance is quickly tested by reality. When commitment to Christ translates into "tribulation or persecution"—which are explicitly stated as arising "because of the word"—their faith proves to be without foundation.

This highlights that true discipleship is not merely intellectual ascent or emotional euphoria, but a resolute, persevering walk, ready to bear the cross. The "offense" (stumbling) occurs not because God has failed, but because the individual’s reception of the Word lacked the deep soil of a converted heart. Their desire for ease or comfort outweighs their commitment to truth. This verse is a stern warning against casual Christianity and calls for genuine, costly, and enduring faith, ready to stand firm regardless of external pressures.

• Examples:
  • Someone who professes faith for social acceptance within a community, but abandons it when social circles change or mocking begins.
  • An individual drawn to Christianity for potential material prosperity, only to turn away when faced with financial hardship or lack of instant reward.
  • A person who enjoys the fellowship and comforting messages, but leaves when personal sacrifice or challenging biblical doctrines are required.