Luke 8:6

KJV

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} some {G2087} fell {G4098} upon {G1909} a rock {G4073}; and {G2532} as soon as it was sprung up {G5453}, it withered away {G3583}, because {G1223} it lacked {G3361}{G2192} moisture {G2429}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some fell on rock; and after it sprouted, it dried up from lack of moisture.

Berean Standard Bible

Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture.

American Standard Version

And other fell on the rock; and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:6, part of Jesus's Parable of the Sower, describes the second type of soil where seeds fall upon a rock. This verse vividly illustrates a common spiritual pitfall: an initial enthusiastic reception of the Word of God that quickly fades due to a lack of genuine depth and spiritual nourishment. The rapid sprouting followed by swift withering highlights the danger of superficial faith that lacks the necessary roots to endure trials and find sustaining life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Soils), which Jesus taught to large crowds. Found in [Luke 8:5-15](/luke/8-5-15 "The Parable of the Sower and its Explanation"), this parable uses agricultural imagery to explain how different individuals respond to the divine message. Following the seeds that fell by the wayside, this verse introduces the scenario of seeds falling on a shallow, rocky surface, which is crucial for understanding the subsequent explanation Jesus provides about the various types of hearts that receive the Word of God. It directly precedes the account of the seeds that fell among thorns and then the good soil, building a comprehensive picture of spiritual receptivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural setting of the parable was deeply familiar to Jesus's audience in first-century Palestine. It was common for fields to have thin layers of topsoil covering bedrock or rocky outcrops, especially in hilly regions. This geological reality explains why seeds might sprout quickly (the thin soil heats up rapidly) but then wither just as swiftly because their roots cannot penetrate deeply enough to access the cooler, moisture-rich soil beneath the rock. The concept of a plant's survival being dependent on deep roots and consistent moisture was a tangible reality for farmers, making the parable's imagery profoundly relatable and impactful for illustrating spiritual truths about endurance and sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of the Parable of the Sower and Jesus's teaching. The primary message conveyed is the danger of **shallow faith and a lack of spiritual depth**. The "rocky ground" symbolizes a heart that receives the Word with immediate joy but lacks the necessary foundation for it to take root and endure. This leads to the theme of **temporary belief**, as the immediate springing up and subsequent withering away illustrate a transient faith that cannot withstand adversity. Crucially, the phrase "lacked moisture" underscores the **need for spiritual nourishment**—the consistent intake of God's Word, prayer, fellowship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit—which is essential for faith to grow, mature, and withstand the challenges of life, as Jesus explains in [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Jesus Explains the Rocky Ground").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rock (Greek, _pétra'_ G4073):** This term refers not to scattered stones but to a mass of rock, or bedrock, often covered by a thin layer of soil. In the context of the parable, it signifies an underlying hardness or superficiality that prevents the seed (the Word) from taking deep root. Spiritually, it represents a heart that is not fully yielded or prepared to allow the Word to penetrate beyond an initial, emotional response.
* **withered away (Greek, _xēraínō'_ G3583):** Derived from a word meaning "dry," this verb describes the process of desiccation or shriveling. It vividly portrays the rapid decline and ultimate demise of the plant due to lack of sustenance. In the parable, it symbolizes the spiritual decay and eventual abandonment of faith when it lacks genuine depth and resilience in the face of trials or temptations, as explained by Jesus in [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Jesus's Explanation of the Rocky Ground").
* **lacked moisture (Greek, _mḗ échō hikmás'_ G3361 G2192 G2429):** This phrase is a crucial diagnostic element. "Moisture" (_hikmás_) refers to dampness or vital fluid, while "lacked" (_mḗ échō_) indicates its absence. For a plant, moisture is essential for survival and growth; without it, it cannot draw nutrients or withstand heat. Spiritually, this "lack of moisture" symbolizes the absence of true spiritual nourishment, such as the indwelling Holy Spirit, consistent engagement with God's Word, prayer, or the sustaining power of God's grace, all of which are vital for a vibrant and enduring faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some fell upon a rock;"**: This clause introduces the second type of soil, emphasizing that while the seed (the Word of God) is good and sown indiscriminately, its reception is determined by the nature of the ground. The "rock" signifies a shallow, hard, or unreceptive heart that allows for immediate, superficial reception but prevents deep penetration and rooting.
* **"and as soon as it was sprung up,"**: This phrase highlights the initial, rapid response. The thin layer of soil over the rock allows for quick germination because the surface soil heats up quickly. Spiritually, this represents an enthusiastic, perhaps emotional, initial reception of the gospel, where individuals quickly embrace the Word without counting the cost or developing genuine spiritual depth.
* **"it withered away, because it lacked moisture."**: This final clause reveals the inevitable outcome and the underlying reason for failure. The plant, unable to send roots deep into the earth to find sustaining moisture, quickly succumbs to the heat and dries up. Spiritually, this signifies that a faith without deep roots—a faith that lacks true spiritual nourishment, perseverance, and a firm foundation in Christ—will inevitably fail and fall away when faced with the "heat" of adversity, temptation, or persecution.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:6 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a powerful **Metaphor** within the larger **Parable** of the Sower. The seed itself is a symbol of the Word of God, while the "rock" symbolizes a heart that is hard or superficial, preventing the Word from taking deep root. The "sprung up" action symbolizes an immediate, perhaps superficial, positive response to the gospel. Most profoundly, the "withered away" outcome symbolizes the failure of such shallow faith to endure, and the "lacked moisture" symbolizes the absence of spiritual nourishment, such as the Holy Spirit's work, diligent study of the Word, or a deep relationship with God, which are essential for sustained spiritual life. The entire verse uses the natural process of plant growth and decay as an extended metaphor for the spiritual journey and the conditions necessary for genuine, enduring faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:6 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on the necessity of genuine, deep-rooted faith over superficial enthusiasm. It highlights that hearing the Word of God is only the first step; true spiritual life requires a receptive heart that allows the Word to penetrate deeply, transform, and establish a firm foundation. The "rocky ground" serves as a theological warning against a faith that is quick to ignite but lacks the substance to endure the inevitable trials and temptations of life. It calls believers to cultivate perseverance and to actively seek the spiritual nourishment necessary for sustained growth, reminding us that without a deep connection to the source of life, faith will inevitably wither. This passage implicitly teaches that true discipleship is not merely about initial reception but about enduring commitment and spiritual vitality.

* [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Jesus Explains the Rocky Ground")
* [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "The Parable of the Sower: Rocky Ground")
* [Hebrews 3:12-14](/hebrews/3-12-14 "Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:6 serves as a profound call to self-examination for every believer, urging us to consider the true depth and resilience of our faith. It challenges us to move beyond a mere superficial or emotional response to the gospel and to cultivate a heart that is genuinely prepared to receive, nurture, and be transformed by God's Word. This verse prompts us to assess whether our faith is merely a fleeting enthusiasm, easily swayed by circumstances, or if it possesses the deep roots necessary to withstand the "heat" of adversity, temptation, and the pressures of life. It encourages us to actively pursue spiritual disciplines—such as consistent prayer, diligent Bible study, authentic fellowship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit—as the "moisture" that sustains and strengthens our spiritual lives, ensuring that our faith grows and bears lasting fruit rather than withering away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my faith be shallow, like the seed on rocky ground?**
* **What "moisture"—spiritual disciplines or sources of nourishment—am I consistently drawing upon to deepen my roots in Christ?**
* **How do I respond when challenges or temptations arise? Does my faith wither, or does it endure and grow stronger?**
* **Am I seeking a faith that is merely convenient or one that is deeply transformative and resilient?**

### FAQ
**What does the "rock" symbolize in Luke 8:6?**

Answer: The "rock" (Greek, _pétra_) in Luke 8:6 symbolizes a heart that is superficial, hard, or unyielding beneath a thin veneer of receptivity. It represents individuals who hear the Word of God and initially respond with joy or enthusiasm, but their spiritual foundation is shallow. Because of this underlying hardness or lack of depth, the Word cannot take deep root, preventing genuine transformation and endurance when trials or temptations arise. Jesus explains this in [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Jesus Explains the Rocky Ground"), stating that those on the rock "have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."

**Why did the seed "spring up" so quickly on the rocky ground?**

Answer: The rapid sprouting of the seed on the rocky ground is due to the thin layer of soil covering the bedrock. This shallow soil heats up quickly under the sun, accelerating germination. Spiritually, this swift growth symbolizes an immediate, often emotional, and enthusiastic initial reception of the Word of God. It represents those who quickly embrace the message, perhaps due to its appeal or a temporary emotional high, but without a deep, thoughtful, or committed understanding that allows the Word to truly penetrate and transform their inner being. This superficiality leads to a lack of endurance, as described in [Matthew 13:20-21](/matthew/13-20-21 "Matthew's Account of the Rocky Ground").

**What does "lacked moisture" represent spiritually?**

Answer: Spiritually, the phrase "lacked moisture" represents the absence of the essential spiritual nourishment and depth required for faith to survive and thrive. Just as a plant needs water to grow and withstand the sun, so too does faith need consistent spiritual sustenance. This "moisture" can symbolize the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, consistent engagement with God's Word through study and meditation, fervent prayer, active participation in Christian community and fellowship, and a deep, abiding reliance on God's grace. Without these vital elements, faith remains superficial and vulnerable, unable to withstand the "heat" of adversity, persecution, or the lure of worldly distractions, leading to its eventual withering, as seen in [Luke 8:13](/luke/8-13 "Jesus Explains the Rocky Ground").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:6, though depicting a failure of faith, points us to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ, who is the very source of the "moisture" that sustains true spiritual life. The withered plant on the rock highlights humanity's inherent inability to generate lasting spiritual vitality from within. It is only in Christ that we find the "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst and enables deep, enduring growth. He is the "true vine" in whom believers must abide to bear fruit, for apart from Him, we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Jesus, the True Vine")). The failure of the seed to take root on the rock underscores the necessity of being "rooted and built up in Him" ([Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), drawing our life and stability directly from His inexhaustible grace and truth. The spiritual "moisture" that was absent for the seed on the rock is abundantly provided through Christ's Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to live a life of enduring faith, enabling them to comprehend the vastness of God's love and be filled with all the fullness of God ([Ephesians 3:17-19](/ephesians/3-17-19 "Rooted and Grounded in Love")). Thus, the parable's warning becomes an invitation to anchor our lives deeply in Jesus, the unshakeable Rock of our salvation, ensuring our faith will never wither.

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

Hebrews 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Luke 8:13

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.

Mark 4:5

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

Mark 4:6

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;