Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. New Living Translation Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. English Standard Version 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, Berean Standard Bible Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. Berean Literal Bible And other fell upon the rocky places where it did not have much soil. And it sprang up immediately, through having no depth of soil. King James Bible Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: New King James Version Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. New American Standard Bible Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and they sprang up immediately, because they had no depth of soil. NASB 1995 “Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. NASB 1977 “And others fell upon the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. Legacy Standard Bible And others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. Amplified Bible Other seed fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil; and at once they sprang up because they had no depth of soil. Christian Standard Bible Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. Holman Christian Standard Bible Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. American Standard Version and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: Contemporary English Version Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep. English Revised Version and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: GOD'S WORD® Translation Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn't deep. Good News Translation Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep. International Standard Version Other seeds fell on stony ground, where they did not have a lot of soil. They sprouted at once because the soil wasn't deep. NET Bible Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil. They sprang up quickly because the soil was not deep. New Heart English Bible And others fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. Webster's Bible Translation Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: Weymouth New Testament Some falls on rocky ground, where it has but scanty soil. It quickly shows itself above ground, because it has no depth of earth; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSome fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. World English Bible Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand others fell on the rocky places where they did not have much earth, and immediately they sprang forth, through having no depth of earth, Berean Literal Bible And other fell upon the rocky places where it did not have much soil. And it sprang up immediately, through having no depth of soil. Young's Literal Translation and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth, and immediately they sprang forth, through not having depth of earth, Smith's Literal Translation And others fell upon rocky places where it had not much earth, and quickly it sprang forth, for it had no depth of earth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd other some fell upon stony ground, where they had not much earth: and they sprung up immediately, because they had no deepness of earth. Catholic Public Domain Version Then others fell in a rocky place, where they did not have much soil. And they sprung up promptly, because they had no depth of soil. New American Bible Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, New Revised Standard Version Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOther fell upon the rock, where there was not sufficient soil; and it sprang up earlier because the ground was not deep enough; Aramaic Bible in Plain English And others fell on the rock where there was not much soil, and within the hour it sprouted because there was no depth of soil. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentOthers fell on stony places, where they had not much earth; and they immediately sprung up, because they had no depth of earth. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament and other seed fell on a rocky soil, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: Mace New Testament another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: Weymouth New Testament Some falls on rocky ground, where it has but scanty soil. It quickly shows itself above ground, because it has no depth of earth; Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Parable of the Sower…4And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.… Cross References Mark 4:5-6 Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. / But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Luke 8:6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture. Isaiah 5:1-2 I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! Ezekiel 17:8-10 It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’ / So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots. / Even if it is transplanted, will it flourish? Will it not completely wither when the east wind strikes? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.’” Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. Jeremiah 4:3 For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns. Psalm 1:3-4 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. / Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. John 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. Hebrews 6:7-8 For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. James 1:11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Isaiah 40:7-8 The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Job 8:11-13 Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? / While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up more quickly than grass. / Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish. 2 Kings 19:26 Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. Isaiah 37:27 Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. Treasury of Scripture Some fell on stony places, where they had not much earth: and immediately they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Jump to Previous Depth Earth Falls Fell Forthwith Ground Immediately Itself Others Places Quickly Rocky Scanty Seed Seeds Shallow Shows Soil Sprang Sprung Stones Stony StraightJump to Next Depth Earth Falls Fell Forthwith Ground Immediately Itself Others Places Quickly Rocky Scanty Seed Seeds Shallow Shows Soil Sprang Sprung Stones Stony StraightMatthew 13 1. The parable of the sower and the seed;18. the explanation of it. 24. The parable of the weeds; 31. of the mustard seed; 33. of the leaven; 36. explanation of the parable of the weeds. 44. The parable of the hidden treasure; 45. of the pearl; 47. of the drag net cast into the sea. 53. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country. Some fell on rocky ground This phrase refers to the seed sown by the sower in Jesus' parable. The "rocky ground" symbolizes a heart that initially receives the word with joy but lacks depth. In the geographical context of Israel, much of the land is rocky, with a thin layer of soil over limestone. This imagery would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, who understood the challenges of farming in such terrain. Biblically, this can be connected to the superficial faith that lacks a firm foundation, as seen in James 1:6-8, where a double-minded person is unstable. where it did not have much soil It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is the one teaching the parable of the sower, which includes the verse in question. 2. The Sower A symbolic figure in the parable representing those who spread the Word of God. 3. Rocky Ground A metaphorical place in the parable where some seeds fall, representing those who hear the Word and initially receive it with joy but have no root. 4. Seeds Symbolize the Word of God being spread among different types of hearers. 5. The Crowd The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, representing a diverse group of hearers with varying receptiveness to His message. Teaching Points The Importance of Deep RootsJust as plants need deep roots to survive, Christians need a deep, personal relationship with Christ to withstand trials and temptations. Joyful Reception vs. Lasting Faith Initial enthusiasm for the Gospel is not enough; true faith requires perseverance and depth. The Role of Trials Trials reveal the depth of our faith. Shallow faith may falter, but deep-rooted faith will endure. Cultivating Good Soil Believers should strive to cultivate their hearts to be receptive and nurturing to the Word of God, allowing it to take deep root. Community and Accountability Being part of a faith community can help believers develop deeper roots through encouragement, teaching, and accountability. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 13:5?2. How can we prevent our faith from being like "rocky places" in Matthew 13:5? 3. What causes faith to wither quickly, as described in Matthew 13:5? 4. How does Matthew 13:5 relate to the parable of the sower's message? 5. What steps can strengthen our spiritual roots to endure trials? 6. How can we help others avoid a shallow faith like in Matthew 13:5? 7. What does Matthew 13:5 reveal about the nature of faith in challenging environments? 8. How does the rocky soil in Matthew 13:5 symbolize spiritual shallowness? 9. Why does Jesus use agricultural imagery in Matthew 13:5 to convey spiritual truths? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13? 11. Why do missionary efforts fail in some regions if Christianity is the true religion? 12. Why do religious wars contradict a God of peace? 13. What is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? 14. In Job 5:3, how could a fool suddenly flourish only to be cursed, and does this reflect any historical or archeological anomaly? What Does Matthew 13:5 Mean Some fell on rocky groundJesus places this detail early in the parable to alert us that not every heart is ready for lasting growth. The rocky ground is real terrain in Galilee, just as the human heart can be an actual mixture of interest and resistance. • Matthew 13:20-21 clarifies that this soil pictures those who “hear the word and at once receive it with joy.” • Mark 4:5 and Luke 8:6 repeat the same image, reinforcing its importance in all three Synoptic Gospels. • Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to “guard your heart,” because what lands there determines fruitfulness. The seed—the pure, life-giving Word of God—has no defect; the problem lies in the ground on which it lands. where it did not have much soil A thin layer of earth covers limestone bedrock in many fields of Israel. Spiritually, this points to a shallow reception of truth: • Psalm 1:2-3 contrasts the rooted, well-watered tree with the chaff, helping us see the need for depth. • James 1:21 urges believers to “receive with humility the implanted word,” implying more than surface agreement. A heart that is only superficially turned toward God may appear ready, yet lacks the depth needed for endurance. It sprang up quickly Immediate growth can look impressive: • Galatians 5:7 speaks of believers who “were running well” yet later faltered. • 2 Kings 19:26 describes grass on rooftops that “springs up” but withers under the first heat—an apt visual parallel. Speed is never a substitute for stability. Genuine discipleship often begins invisibly, like roots reaching downward long before shoots reach upward. because the soil was shallow Jesus pinpoints the cause: insufficient depth. When persecution or trouble comes, the plant withers “because it has no root” (Matthew 13:21). • Ephesians 3:17-18 prays that we be “rooted and grounded in love,” highlighting what shallow soil lacks. • Colossians 2:6-7 commands us to be “rooted and built up in Him,” securing believers against spiritual drought. Without repentance that breaks up hard places and faith that presses deep into God’s promises, quick enthusiasm will die out. summary Matthew 13:5 illustrates a heart that is eager yet undeveloped. The seed is perfect, the shoot genuine, but the shallow ground limits lasting fruit. Depth comes through repentance, obedient trust, and ongoing fellowship with Christ, ensuring that what starts with joy will endure under trial and yield an abundant harvest. (5) Stony places.--Either ground in which stones and pebbles were mingled with the soil, or, more probably, where a thin stratum of earth covered the solid rock. Here, of course, growth was rapid through the very circumstance which was afterwards fatal.Verse 5. - Some (and others, Revised Version) fell upon stony places; the rocky places (Revised Version). Where the underlying rock was hardly, if at all, covered by soil. Such spots would be common in the fields of Palestine, as in those of all mountainous countries. Where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprang up (ἐξανέτειλεν). They shot up quicker than the thorns in ver. 7 (ἀνέβησαν). Because they had no deepness of earth.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek SomeἌλλα (Alla) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. fell ἔπεσεν (epesen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4098: A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. rocky ground, πετρώδη (petrōdē) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4075: Rocky, stony. From petra and eidos; rock-like, i.e. Rocky. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. they did not have εἶχεν (eichen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. much πολλήν (pollēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. soil. γῆν (gēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. They sprang up ἐξανέτειλεν (exaneteilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1816: To rise (spring) up out (of the ground). From ek and anatello; to start up out of the ground, i.e. Germinate. quickly, εὐθέως (eutheōs) Adverb Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon. because διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the soil γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. was ἔχειν (echein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. shallow. βάθος (bathos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 899: From the same as bathus; profundity, i.e. extent; mystery. Links Matthew 13:5 NIVMatthew 13:5 NLT Matthew 13:5 ESV Matthew 13:5 NASB Matthew 13:5 KJV Matthew 13:5 BibleApps.com Matthew 13:5 Biblia Paralela Matthew 13:5 Chinese Bible Matthew 13:5 French Bible Matthew 13:5 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 13:5 Others fell on rocky ground where they (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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