Luke 8:13

KJV

They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} They on {G1909} the rock {G4073} are they, which {G3739}, when {G3752} they hear {G191}, receive {G1209} the word {G3056} with {G3326} joy {G5479}; and {G2532} these {G3778} have {G2192} no {G3756} root {G4491}, which {G3739} for {G4314} a while {G2540} believe {G4100}, and {G2532} in {G1722} time {G2540} of temptation {G3986} fall away {G868}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The ones on rock are those who, when they hear the word, accept it with joy; but these have no root -- they go on trusting for awhile; but when a time of testing comes, they apostatize.

Berean Standard Bible

The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away.

American Standard Version

And those on the rock are they who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:13, part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, describes those who initially receive the Word of God with enthusiasm but lack the deep spiritual foundation necessary for enduring faith. These individuals exhibit a shallow commitment, believing for a time, but ultimately fall away when confronted with trials or temptations, revealing their inability to withstand adversity due to an absence of spiritual roots.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct interpretive key provided by Jesus for the second type of soil in the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower and Its Explanation"). Following the description of the seed sown "by the wayside" that is immediately devoured by birds, representing those who hear but the devil snatches the word away ([Luke 8:12](/luke/8-12 "Luke 8:12 - The Wayside Hearers")), [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Rocky Ground Hearers") focuses on the "rocky ground." This explanation clarifies why an initial positive response does not guarantee lasting fruit, setting the stage for the subsequent categories of thorny ground (choked by cares and riches, [Luke 8:14](/luke/8-14 "Luke 8:14 - The Thorny Ground Hearers")) and, finally, the "good ground" that produces a bountiful harvest through patient endurance ([Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Ground Hearers")). The entire passage emphasizes the critical importance of not just hearing, but properly receiving and retaining the Word.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural setting of the parable was deeply familiar to Jesus' audience in ancient Israel. Farming practices often involved sowing seeds broadly, and the terrain in Galilee frequently featured thin layers of topsoil covering underlying limestone bedrock. This "rocky ground" was not necessarily full of loose stones, but rather a shallow layer of earth over an impenetrable rock shelf. Seeds sown here would germinate quickly due to the warmth of the shallow soil, but their roots would be unable to penetrate deeply for moisture and nutrients. When the sun grew hot, or a dry spell occurred, these plants would wither rapidly. This vivid imagery spoke directly to the challenges faced by early believers, who often encountered persecution, social ostracization, or economic hardship for their faith, mirroring the pressures that would cause a shallowly rooted plant to "fall away."

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Rocky Ground Hearers") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **genuine vs. superficial faith**, underscoring that an initial emotional response to the gospel, while positive, is insufficient without deep-seated conviction and commitment. It also emphasizes the **necessity of perseverance** in the Christian life, a theme echoed by Jesus' call to "endure to the end" ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Perseverance in Persecution")). The verse implicitly addresses the **reality of spiritual testing and temptation**, portraying trials not as anomalies but as inevitable challenges that reveal the true nature of one's faith. Finally, it speaks to the **importance of spiritual depth and root**, contrasting the fleeting belief of those without root with the steadfastness of those who are "rooted and built up in Christ" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")) and able to "stand firm in the face of adversity" ([Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - Standing Firm in the Evil Day")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rock (Greek, _pétra'_):** From G4073, this term refers to a mass of rock, bedrock, or a large stone. In the context of the parable, it signifies an underlying layer of impenetrable rock beneath a thin layer of soil, preventing the development of deep roots. Figuratively, it represents a spiritual condition lacking depth and foundational stability.
* **root (Greek, _rhíza'_):** From G4491, meaning a "root" literally or figuratively. In this verse, the absence of root (`rhíza ouk echousin`) is a crucial metaphor for the lack of spiritual depth, nourishment, and stability required for faith to endure. Just as a plant needs a strong root system to draw water and nutrients, a believer needs a deep connection to God's Word and Spirit to withstand trials.
* **temptation (Greek, _peirasmós'_):** From G3986, this word denotes a "putting to proof," which can involve experiment (for good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline, or provocation; by implication, adversity. It encompasses trials, persecutions, hardships, or the allure of sin that test the genuineness and resilience of one's faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy;"**: This clause identifies the second group of hearers. They are characterized by an immediate, positive, and even joyful reception of the Word. The initial enthusiasm suggests a genuine interest and openness, but the "rocky" nature of their spiritual ground indicates a fundamental limitation. Their joy is superficial, not rooted in a deep understanding or commitment to the implications of the Word.
* **"and these have no root,"**: This is the critical diagnostic statement. The lack of "root" is the fundamental flaw. It signifies an absence of deep spiritual connection, an inability to draw sustenance from the divine source, and a lack of firm grounding in truth. Their belief is shallow, resting on emotion or immediate gratification rather than a profound transformation of heart and mind.
* **"which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."**: This final clause describes the inevitable outcome of superficial faith. Their belief is temporary ("for a while"), unable to withstand the pressures of "temptation" (`peirasmós`), which encompasses any form of trial, persecution, or internal struggle that tests their adherence to the Word. When such adversity arises, their faith proves fragile, leading them to "fall away" (Greek: `aphístēmi`), meaning to withdraw, desert, or apostatize from their initial confession.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:13, as part of Jesus' explanation, employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Allegory**, where the elements of the agricultural parable (seed, soil, rock, root, sun, harvest) directly correspond to spiritual realities (the Word, types of hearers, spiritual depth, trials, endurance). Specifically, the "rocky ground" is a **Metaphor** for a heart that lacks spiritual depth and genuine commitment, preventing the Word from taking deep root. The "root" itself is a **Symbol** of inner spiritual stability, nourishment, and perseverance. The "time of temptation" is a **Symbol** for the inevitable trials and persecutions that test the authenticity of one's faith. The phrase "fall away" functions as a **Metonymy** for apostasy or abandonment of faith, representing the ultimate consequence of a shallow, unrooted belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:13 serves as a profound theological warning about the nature of true discipleship. It reveals that outward enthusiasm and initial belief are not sufficient indicators of saving faith, emphasizing the critical importance of inner spiritual depth and resilience. The "rocky ground" hearer's temporary faith underscores the biblical emphasis on perseverance as a mark of genuine conversion, highlighting that trials are not merely external events but revelatory moments that expose the true condition of the heart. This passage implicitly calls believers to self-examination, urging them to cultivate a faith that is deeply rooted in Christ and His Word, capable of withstanding the inevitable storms of life and producing lasting spiritual fruit.

* [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "The Parable of the Sower - Rocky Ground")
* [Mark 4:16-17](/mark/4-16-17 "The Parable of the Sower - Rocky Ground")
* [Hebrews 3:12-14](/hebrews/3-12-14 "Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:13 offers a sober yet vital challenge for every hearer of God's Word. It compels us to move beyond superficial engagement and to honestly assess the true depth of our faith. Is our belief merely an emotional response to an inspiring message, or is it a deep, abiding conviction rooted in the transformative power of the gospel? This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not immune to trials; rather, it is proven and refined through them. Therefore, we are called not only to receive the Word with joy but also to diligently cultivate spiritual roots through consistent prayer, diligent study of Scripture, obedience to God's commands, and active participation in a supportive Christian community. This intentional cultivation prepares us to stand firm when the inevitable "time of temptation" arrives, ensuring that our faith endures and bears fruit for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "receiving the word with joy" mean to you, and how can you discern if that joy is superficial or deeply rooted?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be like the "rocky ground," lacking the spiritual depth to withstand trials?**
* **What specific spiritual disciplines can you cultivate to develop deeper "roots" in your faith?**
* **How do you typically respond "in time of temptation," and what steps can you take to prevent "falling away"?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "no root" in this parable?**

Answer: The phrase "no root" is a powerful metaphor indicating a lack of spiritual depth and genuine commitment. Just as a plant needs a deep root system to draw water and nutrients, and to remain stable in adverse conditions, a believer needs a profound connection to God's Word and Spirit. Those with "no root" may have an initial emotional response or intellectual assent to the gospel, but their faith lacks the foundational strength to endure when trials, persecutions, or the allure of the world arise. Their belief is superficial, easily withered by external pressures because it has not penetrated deeply into their heart and life.

**What kind of "temptation" is Jesus referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word `peirasmós` (G3986), translated as "temptation," is broad and encompasses various forms of testing or adversity. It refers to any situation that puts pressure on one's faith, revealing its true nature. This can include outward persecution (social ostracism, physical harm), internal doubts, financial hardship, the allure of sin, or the demands of discipleship that conflict with worldly desires. It's not limited to moral temptation but includes any trial that challenges a believer's commitment to Christ and His Word, causing those with shallow roots to "fall away." The [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower and Its Explanation") illustrates how different obstacles hinder the Word's growth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Luke 8:13 - The Rocky Ground Hearers") serves as a cautionary tale, its ultimate fulfillment and hope are found in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of the "good ground," the Word made flesh who perfectly received and lived out the will of God without wavering. He is the ultimate source of the "root" that believers desperately need, for He declared, "[I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine")." Unlike those who fall away in temptation, Christ endured every trial and temptation without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His steadfastness and perseverance, even unto death on the cross, provide the foundation for our own endurance. Through His Spirit, He empowers believers to cultivate deep roots, enabling them to stand firm through adversity, drawing life and strength directly from Him. He is the "rock" upon whom the church is built ([1_corinthians/10-4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")), ensuring that those truly united to Him will not "fall away" but will be kept by His power to the end ([John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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

Hosea 6:4

¶ O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness [is] as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

John 5:35

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Proverbs 12:12

¶ The wicked desireth the net of evil [men]: but the root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].

Ezekiel 33:32

And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

2 Timothy 2:18

Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.