Luke 6:48

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

He is {G2076} like {G3664} a man {G444} which {G3739} built {G3618} an house {G3614}, and {G2532} digged {G4626} deep {G900}, and {G2532} laid {G5087} the foundation {G2310} on {G1909} a rock {G4073}: and {G1161} when the flood {G4132} arose {G1096}, the stream {G4215} beat vehemently {G4366} upon that {G1565} house {G3614}, and {G2532} could {G2480} not {G3756} shake {G4531} it {G846}: for {G1063} it was founded {G2311} upon {G1909} a rock {G4073}.

he is like someone building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the torrent beat against that house but couldn't shake it, because it was constructed well.

He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

he is like a man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been well builded.

Luke 6:48 is part of Jesus's profound parable often known as "The Wise and Foolish Builders" or "The Two Foundations." This verse describes the wise builder, whose house stands firm against the most severe storms because of its diligently prepared foundation.

Context

This parable concludes Jesus's teachings in what is often called the Sermon on the Plain, Luke's parallel to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. It directly follows Jesus's declaration in Luke 6:47, where He states that anyone who comes to Him, hears His words, and does them, is like this wise builder. The subsequent verse, Luke 6:49, presents the stark contrast of the foolish builder who built without a proper foundation.

Culturally, in ancient Israel, building practices varied. Flash floods were a common danger in arid regions, especially in wadis (dry riverbeds) that could quickly become raging torrents during heavy rains. Thus, the need to dig deep and lay a solid foundation on bedrock was not merely a spiritual metaphor but a practical necessity for survival.

Key Themes

  • The Foundation of Obedience: The central message is that true spiritual stability comes from not just hearing Jesus's words, but actively putting them into practice. The "rock" symbolizes the firm, unchanging truth of Christ's teachings and the act of obedience to them.
  • Testing and Endurance: The "flood" and "stream beating vehemently" represent the inevitable trials, adversities, temptations, and challenges that life brings. A spiritual house built on a solid foundation can withstand these pressures.
  • Wisdom in Action: The wise builder is not merely intelligent but demonstrates practical wisdom by investing effort ("digged deep") in preparing for future difficulties. This emphasizes the importance of a proactive and diligent faith.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "digged deep" (Greek: skaptō) implies significant effort and diligence in excavation. It suggests that establishing a strong spiritual foundation requires intentional hard work and commitment, not superficiality.
  • The word for "rock" used here is petra, referring to bedrock or a large, immovable rock mass, as opposed to lithos, which means a loose stone. This distinction underscores the absolute stability and unyielding nature of the foundation.
  • The "flood" (Greek: potamos) refers to a powerful river or torrent, vividly portraying the intensity of the challenges that can assault one's spiritual life.

Practical Application

This parable serves as a timeless reminder for believers to examine the foundation of their faith. Are we merely hearers of the Word, or are we diligent doers? The "rock" is Christ Himself and His teachings (1 Corinthians 10:4), and building upon Him means aligning our lives with His commands.

In a world full of instability, the parable encourages us to build our lives on something unshakeable. Just as James 1:22 advises us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only", Luke 6:48 calls us to a faith that is lived out, providing true resilience when life's storms inevitably come.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10

    According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:15

    If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

  • Matthew 7:25

    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 7:26

    And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

  • Psalms 62:2

    He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

  • Isaiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

  • Jude 1:24

    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

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