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;

But {G1161} he that received the seed {G4687} into {G1909} stony places {G4075}, the same {G3778} is {G2076} he that heareth {G191} the word {G3056}, and {G2532} anon {G2117} with {G3326} joy {G5479} receiveth {G2983} it {G846};

The seed sown on rocky ground is like a person who hears the message and accepts it with joy at once,

The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.

And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew chapter 13. In this parable, the "seed" represents the word of God, or the message of the kingdom, and the different types of "ground" symbolize various responses people have to hearing that word. After telling the parable, Jesus privately explains its meaning to His disciples, as recorded in Matthew 13:18-23. Verse 20 specifically describes the second type of hearer.

Key Themes

  • Initial Joy vs. Enduring Faith: The verse highlights a person who receives the word with immediate enthusiasm and joy. However, this joy is superficial, lacking deep commitment or understanding.
  • The Condition of the Heart: The "stony places" represent a heart that is not fully prepared or softened to receive the word deeply. There is a thin layer of receptiveness, but underneath lies hardness that prevents genuine spiritual growth and rooting.
  • Lack of Rootedness: Just as a plant needs deep roots to draw nourishment and withstand harsh conditions, a believer needs a deep spiritual foundation to endure trials. This individual lacks that essential rootedness.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses the word "anon," which in older English means "immediately" or "at once." This emphasizes the swift, yet ultimately shallow, reception of the word. The Greek word is euthys (εὐθύς), conveying this sense of immediacy. The phrase "stony places" (Greek: petrōdē) does not refer to ground full of loose stones, but rather a thin layer of soil covering solid rock, preventing roots from penetrating deeply. This geological feature is common in parts of Galilee.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:20 serves as a crucial warning about the nature of genuine faith. It prompts self-reflection on how we receive God's word:

  • Examine Your Foundation: Do you receive the word with momentary emotion, or does it sink deep into your heart, transforming your character and actions? True spiritual growth requires a fertile heart that allows the word to take deep root, enabling you to be rooted and built up in Christ.
  • Prepare for Trials: The immediate joy described here often fades when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word (as explained in Matthew 13:21). The verse reminds us that enduring trials is part of the Christian journey and reveals the strength of one's faith.
  • Cultivate a Receptive Heart: We are called to actively prepare our hearts, allowing God to remove the "stony" obstacles of pride, fear, or worldly cares that prevent His word from producing lasting fruit.
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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 106:12

    Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

  • Psalms 106:13

    ¶ They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

  • John 5:35

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

  • Isaiah 58:2

    Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

  • Mark 6:20

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

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