Matthew 7:25 kjv

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Matthew 7:25 nkjv

and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:25 niv

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:25 esv

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:25 nlt

Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock.

Matthew 7 verses

Matthew 7 25 Meaning

This verse concludes Jesus' parable of the two builders, illustrating the secure outcome for those who build their lives upon the foundation of His teachings through obedience. It depicts a house, symbolic of an individual's life or faith, enduring the onslaught of severe natural disasters—rain, floods, and winds. These elements represent various trials, temptations, persecutions, and adversities that believers will face in life, and ultimately, the unyielding scrutiny of final judgment. The verse unequivocally states that this house remained standing and did not collapse, directly attributing its steadfastness to the fact that its foundation had been deliberately and firmly established "on the rock," signifying Christ and His enduring words acted upon.

Matthew 7 25 Context

Matthew 7:25 is the concluding part of Jesus' iconic "Sermon on the Mount," specifically the latter half of the "parable of the two builders" (Mt 7:24-27). This parable serves as the practical application and urgent summary of all Jesus had taught, emphasizing that genuine discipleship is demonstrated not by mere intellectual assent or outward profession but by obedient action. It immediately follows warnings about the narrow gate (Mt 7:13-14), discerning false prophets by their fruits (Mt 7:15-20), and the perilous nature of claiming to know Jesus without doing the will of His Father (Mt 7:21-23). The historical and cultural context for Jesus' audience in Galilee included the common practice of building houses, where practical wisdom dictated founding structures on solid bedrock due to the region's intense, often seasonal, rainfall that could lead to sudden, powerful flash floods in wadis (dry riverbeds) and unstable ground. The analogy of building a house directly resonated with the hearers' everyday experiences, turning a practical necessity into a profound spiritual truth. This parable subtly addresses a polemic against superficial religious observance, challenging the prevailing notion that external piety or legalistic adherence was sufficient, thereby emphasizing an internal transformation manifesting in obedience.

Matthew 7 25 Word analysis

• and: (Greek: kai) A simple conjunction, yet here it effectively links and emphasizes the succession and compounding nature of the impending trials: not just rain, but floods, and then winds, presenting a comprehensive assault.
• the rain fell: (Greek: kai katebē hē brochē) Katebē (aorist indicative) denotes a sudden and decisive downward motion. Brochē specifically refers to a downpour. This represents sudden, overwhelming adversity, akin to the unpredictable force of divine judgment or widespread tribulation.
• and the floods came: (Greek: kai ēsthon hoi potamoi) Ēsthon (aorist indicative) signifies their arrival. Potamoi literally means "rivers" but in this context refers to raging torrents or overflowing wadis common in Palestine during heavy rains. These symbolize overwhelming, engulfing crises, implying a deeper, more widespread challenge than just the rain itself.
• and the winds blew: (Greek: kai epneusan hoi anemoi) Epneusan (aorist indicative) points to powerful, gusting force. Anemoi means strong, destructive winds. This adds another dimension to the trials, representing violent external pressures, societal opposition, or disruptive forces that buffet and test. The combination of rain, floods, and winds denotes a full-scale, multi-faceted assault on the house.
• and beat on: (Greek: kai prosekopsan tē oikia ekeinē) Prosekopsan (aorist indicative) implies a strong impact, "struck against," "smashed into." It conveys a direct, forceful assault rather than gentle contact, emphasizing the severity of the attack on the house.
• that house: (Greek: ekeinē) Refers specifically to the house built on the rock, distinguishing it from the one mentioned later.
• and it did not fall: (Greek: kai ouk epesen) Ouk is a strong negative ("not"). Epesen (aorist indicative) means "fell." This is the core declaration of endurance and victory. It contrasts sharply with the inevitable collapse of the house on sand, underscoring the spiritual security promised by obedience.
• because: (Greek: gar or hoti) "For" or "because," introduces the definitive reason for the house's stability.
• it had been founded: (Greek: tethemeliōto) Perfect passive indicative of themelióō (to lay a foundation). The perfect tense is crucial: it signifies an action completed in the past with enduring results. The foundation was permanently laid and remains so, implying a deep, prior, and unchangeable act of building on a solid base. The passive voice indicates that the action of founding was done to it, highlighting the deliberate action of the wise builder.
• on the rock: (Greek: epi tēn petran) Epi ("upon"). Petran is bedrock, a large, immovable mass of rock (distinct from petros, a small stone). This is the definitive symbol of Christ and His immutable words, acted upon through obedience, providing unyielding stability against all forces.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew": This trio of natural disasters illustrates the comprehensive and intense nature of the trials believers face. It is not a single, isolated problem, but a cascade of various difficulties—financial, health, relational, spiritual, external persecution, or internal temptations. Each element represents a distinct form of pressure, and together they signify an overwhelming storm that tests everything. The imagery points to a universally challenging human experience, where external forces inevitably assault one's spiritual and practical life.
• "and beat on that house": This phrase directly describes the impact of the accumulated adversities on the individual's life (the house). It's not a gentle breeze or light rain, but a violent "beating," implying persistent and powerful forces actively working to undermine or destroy one's foundation. It highlights the direct confrontation between the external trials and the built structure of faith.
• "and it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock": This is the climax and the absolute assurance of the passage. The outcome— "did not fall"—is presented as an absolute fact, despite the severity of the trials. The reason for this steadfastness is entirely attributed to the prior act of building on "the rock." The stability is not accidental but directly caused by the unyielding quality of the foundation. The perfect passive "had been founded" strongly conveys that this foundational act was complete, firm, and provides enduring support, signifying a life truly anchored in Christ and His obeyed words. This security is inherent in the foundation itself, ensuring the house withstands any storm.

Matthew 7 25 Bonus section

• The three forms of storm—rain, floods, winds—can also be interpreted as representing trials impacting different aspects of life: "rain" (common, general adversities), "floods" (overwhelming, engulfing crises, like temptations or sorrows that feel too big to handle), and "winds" (external forces, persecutions, or societal pressures trying to shake one's faith or direction). This multifaceted attack highlights the comprehensive nature of challenges faced by those living in obedience.
• The use of petran (bedrock) here contrasts with petros (a small stone), strengthening the image of an absolutely firm, immovable, and foundational rock. This deliberate linguistic choice emphasizes the absolute stability and divine nature of the foundation.
• The parable serves as a strong encouragement for diligent obedience and also a stark warning against superficial religiosity. The "firm foundation" isn't abstract but built upon the daily, practical choices to hear and do the Lord's commands.
• This verse carries significant eschatological weight, hinting not only at earthly trials but also the ultimate testing and judgment at the end of the age. Only that which is built on the enduring foundation of Christ will stand in that great day.

Matthew 7 25 Commentary

Matthew 7:25 climactically seals Jesus' Sermon on the Mount with an immutable truth: true spiritual endurance in the face of life's fiercest trials is solely dependent on a foundation of obedient action to Christ's teachings. The "rain, floods, and winds" serve as metaphors for every imaginable tribulation—from personal struggles and societal pressures to outright persecution and even the ultimate test of judgment. The house that does not fall is not miraculously protected from the storm but is supernaturally sustained within it. Its unyielding resilience stems not from its own strength, but from the unwavering strength of its "rock" foundation—Christ Himself and the steadfastness of His words diligently applied. This verse is a testament to the fact that while trials are inevitable, collapse is not, for those whose lives are genuinely built upon a living obedience to the Lord. It underscores that intellectual agreement with Christian doctrine is insufficient; authentic faith demonstrates itself by actively living out what Christ commands, securing an unbreakable spiritual stability.

Examples for practical usage:

• A person facing severe financial hardship but maintains their integrity and trusts God's provision.
• A believer enduring relentless peer pressure or persecution for their faith without compromising their convictions.
• An individual remaining steadfast and hopeful after experiencing profound personal loss.