Luke 6:49

KJV

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that heareth {G191}, and {G2532} doeth {G4160} not {G3361}, is {G2076} like {G3664} a man {G444} that without {G5565} a foundation {G2310} built {G3618} an house {G3614} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}; against {G4366} which {G3739} the stream {G4215} did beat vehemently {G4366}, and {G2532} immediately {G2112} it fell {G4098}; and {G2532} the ruin {G4485} of that {G1565} house {G3614} was {G1096} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And whoever hears my words but doesn't act on them is like someone who built his house on the ground without any foundation. As soon as the river struck it, it collapsed and that house became a horrendous wreck!"

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!”

American Standard Version

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against which the stream brake, and straightway it fell in; and the ruin of that house was great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:49 delivers a profound and sobering conclusion to Jesus' teaching on discipleship, often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain." This verse vividly portrays the catastrophic outcome for those who merely hear Jesus' words without actively integrating them into their lives through obedience. It serves as a stark warning, contrasting sharply with the wisdom of the obedient builder and underscoring the critical, life-altering difference between passive reception and active application of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding and climactic statement of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" in [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke 6 - The Sermon on the Plain"), mirroring the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel. Preceded by teachings on love for enemies, judging others, and the importance of good fruit from a good tree, Jesus culminates His discourse with the parable of the two builders. [Luke 6:47-48](/luke/6-47-48 "Luke 6:47-48 - The Wise Builder") describes the wise builder who "dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock," enduring the inevitable flood. [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder") then presents the contrasting, foolish builder, whose house, built without a foundation directly "upon the earth," collapses catastrophically when tested, thus providing a dramatic and unforgettable illustration of the consequences of disobedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Palestine, building practices were critical due to the region's climate. Wadis (dry riverbeds) could quickly become raging torrents during flash floods, especially after heavy rains. Houses built on unstable ground, such as loose soil or sand, were highly susceptible to collapse. Conversely, a wise builder would dig down to bedrock, a common and necessary practice for structural integrity in such an environment. This practical reality provided a powerful and easily understood metaphor for Jesus' audience. The imagery of a house, a symbol of one's life or spiritual standing, being tested by a "stream" (representing life's trials or divine judgment) resonated deeply with their lived experience and the consequences of poor construction.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found in Jesus' teachings. First, it emphasizes the **imperative of obedience**, highlighting that genuine discipleship is not merely intellectual assent but active submission to Christ's commands, as seen throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel of Luke"). Second, it warns against **superficiality in faith**, illustrating that a life built on mere hearing, without a deep foundation of obedience, is inherently unstable and destined for failure when confronted with adversity, a theme echoed in the parable of the sower in [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Seed on the Rock"). Third, the verse underscores the **inevitability of testing**, portraying the "stream" as a universal experience of trials and challenges that reveal the true nature of one's spiritual foundation, a concept Jesus frequently taught about, such as in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World"). Finally, the "great ruin" signifies the **severity of consequences** for spiritual neglect, implying a complete and devastating collapse that carries eternal implications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō_):** This verb means "to hear" in various senses, including giving audience, coming to the ears, and understanding. In this context, it refers to the act of listening to Jesus' words, implying intellectual reception or awareness of His teachings. The contrast with "doeth not" highlights that hearing alone, without active engagement or comprehension leading to action, is insufficient for true discipleship.
* **foundation (Greek, _themélios_):** Derived from a word meaning "something put down," this term refers to a substruction or the base of a building, both literally and figuratively. Here, it denotes the essential, underlying support upon which a structure (representing one's life or faith) is built. The phrase "without a foundation" (Greek, _chōrís theméliou_) emphasizes the absence of this crucial, stable base, indicating a deliberate neglect or failure to establish a deep and secure spiritual grounding.
* **ruin (Greek, _rhēgma_):** This noun, derived from a verb meaning "to tear" or "to burst," signifies something torn apart, a fragment, or abstractly, a fall. In this verse, it describes the complete and utter collapse of the house. Coupled with "great" (Greek, _mégas_), it underscores the devastating, irreparable, and total destruction that results from building one's life on an unstable foundation, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that heareth, and doeth not,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the contrast with the wise builder described in the preceding verse. It identifies the subject as someone who receives Jesus' teachings ("heareth") but fails to act upon them ("doeth not"). This highlights a fundamental disconnect between intellectual knowledge or passive listening and active obedience, setting the stage for the parable's dire warning.
* **"is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth;"**: This clause presents the core metaphor of the foolish builder. The phrase "without a foundation" is critical, indicating a deliberate or negligent omission of the necessary deep groundwork. Building "upon the earth" (i.e., on the surface, on unstable soil) signifies a superficial approach to life and faith, lacking the deep roots and stability that only true obedience to Christ's words can provide.
* **"against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell;"**: This section introduces the inevitable test. The "stream" symbolizes the trials, tribulations, and pressures of life, or perhaps even divine judgment. The verb "did beat vehemently" (Greek, _prosrḗgnymi_) conveys a violent, forceful impact, emphasizing the intensity of these challenges. The consequence is immediate and decisive: the house "fell," signifying a complete and sudden collapse due to its inherent instability.
* **"and the ruin of that house was great."**: This concluding phrase underscores the devastating finality of the foolish builder's choices. The "ruin" is not a minor setback but a total, catastrophic destruction. The adjective "great" amplifies the severity, emphasizing the profound and far-reaching consequences of a life built on disobedience, implying both temporal and eternal ramifications.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:49 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and clarity. The primary device is **Parable**, as Jesus uses a relatable story about building a house to convey a profound spiritual truth about discipleship. This parable employs stark **Contrast** between the wise builder of [Luke 6:47-48](/luke/6-47-48 "Luke 6:47-48 - The Wise Builder") and the foolish builder of [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder"), emphasizing the divergent outcomes of obedience versus disobedience. **Symbolism** is central: the "house" symbolizes one's life or spiritual standing, the "foundation" represents the deep-seated commitment to and obedience of Jesus' teachings, and the "stream" or "flood" symbolizes the inevitable trials, temptations, or judgments that test the integrity of one's faith. The phrase "the ruin of that house was great" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and devastating consequences of spiritual negligence, leaving no ambiguity about the severity of the outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:49 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true faith and discipleship. It asserts that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent or passive hearing of God's word, but rather a dynamic, active obedience that transforms one's life from the ground up. This verse teaches that while hearing the word is the necessary first step, it is the doing of the word that establishes a secure spiritual foundation, enabling one to withstand the inevitable storms of life. The "great ruin" serves as a stark warning about the ultimate futility and tragic consequences of a life built on superficiality, emphasizing that a faith without works is ultimately dead and incapable of enduring divine scrutiny.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Parable of the Two Builders")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-15](/1_corinthians/3-10-15 "1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - Building on the Foundation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:49 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting every believer to critically examine the foundation upon which their life is built. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious observance or passive consumption of spiritual truth, urging us towards a radical commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus in every facet of our existence. To truly build a resilient life, we must diligently and intentionally apply biblical principles to our daily choices, relationships, and priorities. This involves not only hearing what Jesus says but actively submitting to His authority and allowing His words to shape our character and conduct. When life's inevitable storms arise—whether they be personal crises, societal pressures, or spiritual attacks—the strength of our foundation, built on consistent obedience, will determine our ability to stand firm or to experience devastating collapse. This verse calls us to a faith that is both deeply rooted and actively expressed, ensuring that our spiritual house can withstand any tempest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to merely "hearing" God's word without "doing" it?**
* **What specific "streams" or trials in my life have exposed weaknesses in my spiritual foundation?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to move from passive listening to active obedience in my walk with Christ?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am building on the "rock" of Christ's teachings rather than the "earth" of worldly wisdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the main difference between the two builders Jesus describes?**

Answer: The main difference lies in their response to Jesus' words. The wise builder (described in [Luke 6:47-48](/luke/6-47-48 "Luke 6:47-48 - The Wise Builder")) "comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them," digging deep to lay a foundation on the rock. The foolish builder (in [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The Foolish Builder")) "hears and does not," building his house directly "upon the earth without a foundation." The outcome for the wise builder is a house that stands firm against the flood, while the foolish builder's house collapses with "great ruin." It's the difference between hearing combined with obedience versus hearing without obedience.

**What does the "foundation" represent in this parable?**

Answer: The "foundation" in this parable symbolizes the deep, underlying commitment to and active obedience of Jesus' teachings. It's not just about intellectual understanding or agreement with His words, but about integrating them into the very fabric of one's life and choices. As [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation") states, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Therefore, building on the "rock" means building one's life on the person and words of Jesus Christ, actively living out His commands as the bedrock of one's existence.

**What do the "stream" and "ruin" symbolize in Luke 6:49?**

Answer: The "stream" (or "flood" in parallel accounts) symbolizes the inevitable trials, temptations, adversities, and challenges that life brings. These can be personal crises, societal pressures, spiritual attacks, or even the ultimate test of divine judgment. The "ruin" symbolizes the catastrophic and devastating consequences of a life built on a superficial or disobedient faith. It signifies a complete and utter collapse, highlighting the severity and finality of the outcome for those who fail to build their lives on the solid foundation of Christ's obedient teachings. This "great ruin" implies both temporal failure and eternal loss.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:49, while a stark warning, ultimately points to Christ as the only secure foundation for life and the embodiment of perfect obedience. The "sayings" that the wise builder hears and does are the very words of Jesus, who is Himself the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). To build on the "rock" is to build on Christ, for He is the "chief cornerstone" upon whom the entire spiritual temple is constructed ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The perfect obedience that Jesus calls His followers to is first and foremost exemplified in His own life, for He came not to do His own will but the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Furthermore, when the "stream" of God's wrath beat vehemently against humanity's sin, it was Christ, the perfectly obedient Son, who bore its full force on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that secures our salvation and provides the unshakeable ground for our hope ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Christ Died for Us")). Thus, the "great ruin" that awaits the disobedient is averted for those who, by faith, build their lives upon Christ and His finished work, finding in Him the wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption that enables them to stand firm ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")).

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

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 1:26

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

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;

Matthew 13:22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 23:3

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

2 Peter 1:5

¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;