Luke 8:15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

But {G1161} that on {G1722} the good {G2570} ground {G1093} are {G1526} they {G3778}, which {G3748} in {G1722} an honest {G2570} and {G2532} good {G18} heart {G2588}, having heard {G191} the word {G3056}, keep {G2722} it, and {G2532} bring forth fruit {G2592} with {G1722} patience {G5281}.

But what fell in rich soil -- these are the ones who, when they hear the message, hold onto it with a good, receptive heart; and by persevering, they bring forth a harvest.

But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.

And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 concludes Jesus' interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the ideal response to God's word. This verse describes those who represent the "good ground," emphasizing the qualities of heart and action that lead to spiritual fruitfulness.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, also known as the Parable of the Soils, found in Luke 8:4-15 (and parallel accounts in Matthew 13 and Mark 4). After describing the seed falling on the wayside, stony ground, and thorny ground—representing different, ultimately unfruitful, responses to the gospel message—Jesus concludes with the fertile soil. This final category reveals what it means to truly receive and benefit from the word of God, leading to genuine Christian growth and spiritual productivity.

Key Themes

  • The Receptive Heart: The phrase "honest and good heart" is paramount. It signifies a sincere, open, and morally upright disposition that is prepared to receive God's truth without resistance or hidden motives. This contrasts sharply with the hardened, shallow, or distracted hearts described earlier in the parable.
  • Hearing and Keeping the Word: It’s not enough to merely hear the word; one must "keep it." This implies active retention, understanding, obedience, and allowing the word to take root deeply within one's life. It speaks to a commitment to live by what is heard, echoing the teaching in James 1:22 to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."
  • Fruitfulness: The ultimate outcome of a receptive heart and obedient keeping of the word is to "bring forth fruit." This "fruit" refers to the evidence of a transformed life: spiritual growth, righteous living, obedience to God's commands, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and even leading others to faith. It signifies a life that is productive for God's kingdom.
  • Patience and Perseverance: The phrase "with patience" (Greek: hupomone) is crucial. It denotes steadfast endurance, perseverance, and unwavering commitment through trials, temptations, and delays. Bearing spiritual fruit is not an instant process but requires consistent faithfulness and resilience, understanding that growth takes time and effort. This patience is vital for genuine spiritual maturity and enduring faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:36.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "honest and good heart" is kalos kai agathos kardia. Kalos implies something inherently beautiful, noble, or excellent, while agathos refers to something morally good or virtuous. Together, they describe a heart that is not only morally sound but also receptive and well-disposed towards truth. The word "keep" comes from katecho, meaning to hold fast, retain, or possess, suggesting an active grip on the word rather than passive reception. "Patience" is hupomone, which conveys active endurance and steadfastness under pressure, not merely passive waiting.

Practical Application

Luke 8:15 challenges believers to examine the condition of their own hearts. Are we merely hearers of the word, or are we cultivating the "good ground" within us? This verse encourages us to actively receive, retain, and obey God's word, understanding that genuine spiritual fruitfulness is the natural outcome of a persistent and receptive heart. It reminds us that Christian growth is a process requiring patience and perseverance, especially when facing difficulties. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, yielding fruit that honors God and blesses others, demonstrating the authenticity of our faith.

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.

  • Hebrews 10:36

    For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:26

    Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

  • Luke 6:45

    A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Colossians 1:6

    Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

  • 1 John 2:3

    ¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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