Luke 6:48

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:48 presents the climactic illustration of Jesus's parable of the wise and foolish builders, portraying the wise builder whose house endures a severe flood because its foundation was diligently excavated and laid upon solid rock. This verse underscores the profound security and resilience that comes from a life built not merely on hearing, but on actively obeying the teachings of Jesus, contrasting it implicitly with the instability of a life lacking such a deep and committed foundation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:20-49), Luke's parallel to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. It immediately follows Jesus's call to discipleship, emphasizing that true followers are those who "come to me, hear my words and put them into practice" ([Luke 6:47](/luke/6-47 "Luke 6:47 - Hearing and Doing the Word")). The parable of the two builders, beginning in [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say?"), provides a vivid, practical illustration of the spiritual consequences of obedience versus mere profession. Verse 48 describes the wise builder, setting up a stark contrast with the foolish builder's fate in the subsequent [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder"). This parable acts as a final, urgent exhortation, urging listeners to move beyond superficial adherence to a deep, transformative commitment to Jesus's teachings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Palestine, building a house required careful consideration of the terrain, particularly in regions prone to flash floods. Many settlements were near wadis (dry riverbeds) that, during the rainy season, could transform into raging torrents, capable of sweeping away structures built on unstable ground. Builders understood the critical importance of a deep foundation, often excavating through layers of loose soil or sand until they reached bedrock. This laborious process, though time-consuming and difficult, was a practical necessity for a durable structure. Jesus's audience would have immediately grasped the tangible reality and wisdom of digging deep to lay a foundation on rock, making the spiritual analogy all the more impactful and relatable to their everyday lives and environmental challenges.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:48 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the broader narrative of Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. The primary theme is the **Foundation of Obedience**, where the "rock" symbolizes the unshakeable truth of Christ's words and the act of diligently putting them into practice, distinguishing true discipleship from superficial religiosity, as highlighted throughout [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke 6 - Sermon on the Plain and Discipleship"). Another crucial theme is **Testing and Endurance**, as the "flood" represents the inevitable trials, adversities, and spiritual challenges that life brings, demonstrating that a life genuinely founded on Christ's teachings can withstand such pressures. Finally, the verse underscores **Practical Wisdom and Diligence**, illustrating that true spiritual wisdom is not merely intellectual understanding but involves proactive, intentional effort ("digged deep") in preparing one's life for future difficulties, echoing the call to bear good fruit in [Luke 6:43-45](/luke/6-43-45 "Luke 6:43-45 - Good Tree, Good Fruit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **digged (Greek, _skáptō'_):** G4626. This verb means "to dig" or "to excavate." In the context of building a foundation, it implies a laborious and intentional effort to remove loose soil, debris, or sand until a firm, stable base is reached. It suggests diligence, perseverance, and a refusal to settle for a superficial approach.
* **deep (Greek, _bathýnō'_):** G900. Derived from the word for "deep" (bathýs), this verb means "to deepen." When paired with "digged," it emphasizes the extent of the excavation. It's not just digging, but digging *deeply*, signifying a thorough and comprehensive effort to establish a secure foundation, going beyond what is visible or easy.
* **rock (Greek, _pétra'_):** G4073. This feminine noun refers to a large, immovable mass of rock, bedrock, or a cliff. It is distinct from _lithos_ (G3037), which denotes a loose stone or pebble. The use of _pétra_ here powerfully conveys absolute stability, permanence, and an unyielding quality, making it an ideal metaphor for the unshakeable nature of Christ's teachings and the security found in obeying them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock:":** This opening clause introduces the wise builder, whose actions are characterized by foresight and diligence. The phrase "digged deep" highlights the significant effort and intentionality involved in preparing the ground. The ultimate goal is to lay the "foundation" (G2310, _themélios_) not on superficial soil, but "on a rock" (G1909 _epí_ G4073 _pétra_), indicating a secure, unyielding base. This describes a person whose spiritual life is rooted in a profound and practical commitment to Jesus's words, not just a casual hearing.
* **"and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house,":** This clause introduces the inevitable challenge. The "flood" (G4132, _plḗmmyra_) signifies a powerful, overwhelming deluge, and the "stream" (G4215, _potamós_) refers to a strong current or river. The verb "beat vehemently" (G4366, _prosrḗgnymi_) vividly describes the violent impact of the water against the house. This represents the trials, temptations, persecutions, and crises that inevitably confront every life, testing the strength and integrity of one's spiritual foundation.
* **"and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.":** This concluding clause reveals the triumphant outcome for the wise builder. Despite the intense assault of the flood, the house "could not shake it" (G2480 _ischýō_ G3756 _ou_ G4531 _saleúō_ G846 _autós_), signifying its complete stability and resilience. The reason for this impregnability is explicitly stated: "for it was founded upon a rock" (G1063 _gár_ G2311 _themelióō_ G1909 _epí_ G4073 _pétra_). This reiterates that the enduring strength in the face of adversity is directly attributable to the deep, secure foundation laid in obedience to Christ's teachings.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:48 is a masterful example of a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story used by Jesus to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. Within this parable, **Symbolism** is paramount. The "house" symbolizes a person's life, their character, or their spiritual standing. The act of "digging deep" and laying a "foundation on a rock" symbolizes diligent and obedient adherence to Jesus's teachings, representing a life built on solid spiritual principles. Conversely, the "flood" and "stream beating vehemently" symbolize the inevitable trials, adversities, temptations, and crises that test one's faith and life. The stability of the house symbolizes the spiritual security and resilience of those who truly live by Christ's words. The implied **Contrast** with the foolish builder (explicitly stated in [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder")) sharpens the lesson, highlighting the eternal difference between superficial and deep commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:48 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that true spiritual stability and endurance are contingent upon a foundation of active obedience to God's Word. It moves beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional experience, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through practical application of Christ's teachings. The "rock" upon which the wise builder builds is ultimately Christ himself and his unshakeable truth, providing the only reliable anchor in a world prone to spiritual and existential storms. This passage underscores the necessity of costly discipleship, where the effort of "digging deep" is a prerequisite for enduring strength and fruitfulness, showcasing that a life rooted in Christ's commands will stand firm when tested.

* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ the Only Foundation")
* [James 1:22-25](/james/1-22-25 "James 1:22-25 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:48 challenges us to critically examine the foundation upon which we are building our lives. In a world characterized by shifting sands of opinion, fleeting trends, and constant pressures, the call to "dig deep" is more relevant than ever. It means intentionally and diligently rooting our lives in the unchanging truths of God's Word, allowing His commands to shape our decisions, values, and character, rather than merely nodding in agreement with them. This deep work involves consistent prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and courageous obedience, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. When the inevitable "floods" of life—whether they be personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual attacks—arise, it is this deeply laid foundation that will determine our stability, resilience, and ultimate endurance. We are called to be not just hearers, but doers, ensuring that our spiritual house is built to withstand any storm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life might be built on "shifting sand" rather than on the "rock" of Christ's teachings?**
* **In what practical ways can I "dig deep" to strengthen the foundation of my faith and obedience to Jesus's words?**
* **How have past "floods" or trials revealed the strength or weakness of my spiritual foundation, and what lessons can I draw from those experiences?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary difference between the wise and foolish builders in this parable?**

Answer: The primary difference lies not in their intention to build a house, but in the *method* and *foundation* they chose. The wise builder "digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock," investing significant effort to ensure stability. In contrast, the foolish builder "without a foundation built his house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell" ([Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder")). This illustrates that the crucial distinction is between those who merely hear Jesus's words and those who diligently put them into practice, thereby establishing a secure and enduring spiritual foundation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:48, while a parable about wise living, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is not only the teacher whose words form the "rock" upon which we build, but He is also the very **foundation** (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")) and the **Rock** (cf. [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ the Spiritual Rock")) upon whom the entire edifice of God's redemptive plan and the church is built. Just as the wise builder's house withstood the flood because of its foundation, so too does the believer's life, and indeed the Church, endure the storms of the world because of its unshakeable grounding in Christ. He is the one who "digged deep" through His incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection, laying the ultimate foundation for our salvation. Our obedience to His words is not merely a moral exercise but an act of clinging to the one who is Himself the source of all stability and eternal life, the one who has already overcome the "floods" of sin and death, promising that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,