Matthew 13 5

Matthew 13:5 kjv

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

Matthew 13:5 nkjv

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.

Matthew 13:5 niv

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.

Matthew 13:5 esv

Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil,

Matthew 13:5 nlt

Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 5 Meaning

This verse describes a specific type of ground in the Parable of the Sower, representing a kind of heart that receives the word of the kingdom. "Rocky places" denote a thin layer of soil over underlying bedrock. While the seed springs up quickly due to initial warmth and moisture near the surface, its growth is unsustainable because its roots cannot penetrate deeply for lasting nourishment and stability, leading to rapid withering. Spiritually, it signifies those who hear the word, receive it with initial enthusiasm and joy, but lack deep conviction, genuine understanding, or commitment, causing their faith to wither under tribulation, persecution, or adverse circumstances.

Matthew 13 5 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is pivotal in Jesus' teaching ministry, often called the "parable chapter." Following a series of confrontations with religious leaders who rejected Him, Jesus shifts His teaching method to parables. These stories simultaneously reveal truth to those with receptive hearts and conceal it from those whose hearts are hardened (Matt 13:10-17). The Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:3-9) is the first and arguably the most foundational, as Jesus later explains it (Matt 13:18-23), indicating it illuminates the reception of all His other teachings. Verse 5 describes the second type of ground, directly correlating to a type of hearer, immediately preceding Jesus' explanation of its meaning. The historical context reflects first-century Palestinian farming, where fields often had patches of thin soil covering limestone bedrock, a common agricultural challenge familiar to Jesus' audience.

Matthew 13 5 Word analysis

• Some fell: The Greek word is ἔπεσεν (epesen), from πίπτω (piptō), meaning to fall. This emphasizes the passive nature of the seed being scattered, highlighting the diverse responses to the singular Word.
• rocky places: The Greek term is τὰ πετρώδη (ta petrōdē). This is significant. It's not petra (solid rock or bedrock itself, a large formation), nor lithos (a small stone). Instead, petrōdē denotes rocky or stony ground, implying a thin layer of topsoil covering an unyielding, broad expanse of underlying bedrock. This immediate substratum prevents roots from growing deep.
• where it did not have much soil: The Greek is οὐκ ἔχοντα βάθος γῆς (ouk echonta bathos gēs), literally "not having depth of earth." This phrase reinforces the precise nature of petrōdē. The problem isn't the presence of rocks, but the lack of deep soil where the seed falls. This shallow depth means limited moisture retention and inability to develop a strong root system, despite initial moisture on the surface.
• It sprang up quickly: The Greek εὐθέως ἀνέτειλεν (eutheōs aneteilen) means "immediately it sprouted/rose." Eutheōs (immediately, quickly) is key, suggesting a rapid, enthusiastic, yet superficial initial response. The bedrock underneath heats up faster than deep soil, paradoxically accelerating germination in the short term, but also ensuring quick demise.
• because the soil was shallow: The Greek again is οὐκ εἴχεν βάθος γῆς (ouk eichen bathos gēs), "it did not have depth of earth." This is a reiteration from the previous phrase, but now presented as the explicit reason for the quick, yet unsustainable, growth. The problem is fundamentally one of insufficient depth for proper root development.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Some fell on rocky places: This highlights the problem is not with the sower or the seed (the Word) but with the nature of the ground or the recipient's heart. It speaks of external placement over an internal limitation.
• where it did not have much soil: This clause clarifies the issue with the "rocky places" – it's the lack of spiritual depth. It's not merely rocky, but lacking the necessary environment for robust spiritual growth.
• It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow: This links the immediate, enthusiastic response (sprang up quickly) to its inherent flaw (shallow soil). It suggests a quick acceptance based on superficial excitement or fleeting emotion, rather than a deep, well-rooted conviction. The "quickness" is a sign not of health, but of instability.

Matthew 13 5 Bonus section

The underlying bedrock in the parable's "rocky places" often represents an untransformed or hardened heart. This can stem from a variety of "roots"—unbelief, resistance to repentance, love of the world, or unwillingness to count the cost of discipleship. The apparent "joy" mentioned in the explanation (Matt 13:20) might be the joy of expectation, of finding something new, or of release from immediate guilt, rather than the deep-seated joy that comes from truly comprehending the kingdom of God and submitting to its Lordship, which can sustain through suffering. This parable emphasizes that quickness in receiving the word is not always a mark of true spiritual vitality; enduring faith requires roots that go deep into the fertile soil of a responsive, repentant, and continually obedient heart, able to draw sustenance from God even through periods of dryness or intense heat (trials). The Sower scatters indiscriminately, but the soil determines the fruit, underscoring human responsibility in their reception of the divine message.

Matthew 13 5 Commentary

Matthew 13:5 presents the second of four types of ground in the Parable of the Sower, each representing a distinct spiritual disposition towards God's Word. The "rocky places" are deceptive; they offer enough immediate warmth and initial moisture for the seed to sprout quickly, leading to an impressive but ultimately superficial surge of life. Spiritually, this depicts those who hear the gospel, understand it intellectually, and even receive it with joyful emotion (as clarified in Matt 13:20). Their initial response is positive, perhaps even demonstrative. However, their reception lacks true depth; their hearts have an underlying "rock" of unyielding self, unresolved sin, or unaddressed priorities that prevent the Word from penetrating deeply, taking root, and transforming their core being.

When external pressures arise – "tribulation or persecution on account of the word" (Matt 13:21) – these individuals "immediately fall away." Without roots to draw sustenance, especially during trials which are like the scorching sun, their spiritual life withers. This is not necessarily about losing a genuine salvation but demonstrating that their initial profession was not accompanied by true, transforming faith. It serves as a potent warning against superficial belief that thrives only when conditions are easy but crumbles when conviction is truly tested. It underscores the critical need for an internal, spiritual depth that withstands the inevitable challenges of discipleship, distinguishing between fleeting excitement and enduring faith.

• Practical Example 1: Someone hears an evangelist's sermon, feels great emotion, makes a "decision" for Christ, but within weeks stops attending church, praying, or reading the Bible once personal difficulties or social pressure against their new faith arise.
• Practical Example 2: An individual finds Christianity appealing because of its community or moral framework, initially embracing it enthusiastically, but becomes disengaged and frustrated when required to forgive a difficult person or make a costly sacrifice.