Matthew 7:24

KJV

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} whosoever {G3956}{G3748} heareth {G191} these {G5128} sayings {G3056} of mine {G3450}, and {G2532} doeth {G4160} them {G846}, I will liken {G3666} him {G846} unto a wise {G5429} man {G435}, which {G3748} built {G3618} his {G846} house {G3614} upon {G1909} a rock {G4073}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"So, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

American Standard Version

Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:24 serves as a profound capstone to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, articulating the non-negotiable link between hearing Christ's teachings and actively obeying them. This verse introduces the powerful parable of the two builders, establishing a foundational principle that true spiritual wisdom is demonstrated not merely by intellectual assent or verbal profession, but by the practical application of Jesus' words, which alone provides an unshakable foundation for life in the face of inevitable trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic exhortation of the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles") (Matthew chapters 5-7), Jesus' most extensive recorded discourse on kingdom ethics and discipleship. Following teachings on righteousness, prayer, judgment, and the "narrow gate," Jesus transitions from instruction to direct challenge. The immediate verses that follow, [Matthew 7:25-27](/matthew/7-25-27 "Matthew 7:25-27 - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders"), provide the vivid parable illustrating the consequences of obedience versus disobedience, making this verse the interpretive key to the entire parable and a summary of the Sermon's practical demand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, comprised of Jewish disciples and a broader crowd, would have been familiar with the wisdom tradition prevalent in the Old Testament, where wisdom was often equated with practical righteousness and fear of the Lord (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Building practices in ancient Palestine often involved constructing homes on unstable ground, especially in wadis (dry riverbeds) that could become torrents during flash floods. The imagery of a house built on rock versus sand would have resonated deeply, as it spoke to a common, existential threat to property and life, making the spiritual analogy immediately comprehensible and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' ministry. It underscores the theme of **Obedience as True Wisdom**, contrasting intellectual knowledge with practical application, aligning with the wisdom literature's emphasis on living out truth (e.g., [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")). It also highlights **The Foundation of Life**, presenting Jesus' words as the solid, enduring bedrock upon which a stable and resilient life must be built, echoing the concept of Christ himself as the cornerstone (e.g., [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone")). Finally, it emphasizes **Authentic Discipleship and Action**, challenging superficial religiosity and demanding a faith that translates into transformative living, distinguishing genuine followers from mere professors (cf. [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This term (G191) implies more than mere physical hearing; it denotes attentive listening that leads to understanding, reception, and a readiness to respond. It suggests a hearing that is not passive but engaged, taking in the message with a view to internalizing and acting upon it.
* **doeth (Greek, _poiéō'_):** The verb (G4160) signifies active performance, execution, or making. It contrasts sharply with simply hearing. To "do" Jesus' sayings means to put them into practice, to obey them, to shape one's life, decisions, and character according to their precepts. It is the tangible manifestation of internal conviction.
* **rock (Greek, _pétra'_):** This feminine noun (G4073) refers to a large, solid mass of rock, a bedrock, or a cliff, as opposed to a smaller stone (lithos). In this context, it symbolizes an immovable, stable, and enduring foundation. It represents the unyielding truth and reliability of Jesus' teachings and, by extension, His very person, as the ultimate source of stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine":** The introductory "Therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) signals a conclusion or summary drawn from the preceding teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. "Whosoever" (G3956, _pâs_ G3748, _hóstis_) emphasizes the universal applicability of this principle. The crucial element is "heareth" (G191, _akoúō_), which implies not just auditory reception but a comprehensive understanding and acceptance of "these sayings of mine" (G5128, _toútous_ G3056, _lógos_ G3450, _moû_), referring to the entirety of Jesus' authoritative teachings in the Sermon.
* **"and doeth them":** This phrase introduces the indispensable component of obedience. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links hearing with doing (G4160, _poiéō_), making it clear that true wisdom requires both. It is the active implementation of Jesus' words (G846, _autós_) that distinguishes genuine discipleship.
* **"I will liken him unto a wise man":** Here, Jesus employs a **simile** (G3666, _homoióō_) to draw a direct comparison. The individual who hears and obeys is likened to a "wise man" (G5429, _phrónimos_ G435, _anḗr_). This "wisdom" (G5429) is not mere intellectual prowess but practical sagacity and discretion, demonstrating sound judgment in the most crucial aspect of life: building one's spiritual foundation.
* **"which built his house upon a rock":** This clause introduces the central **metaphor** of the parable. The "wise man" is characterized by his deliberate choice to build his "house" (G3614, _oikía_), representing one's life, faith, and eternal destiny, "upon" (G1909, _epí_) a "rock" (G4073, _pétra_). This "building" (G3618, _oikodoméō_) signifies the intentional construction of one's life choices, character, and spiritual practices on an unshakeable, secure foundation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:24 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and memorability. The most prominent is the **Simile** that likens the obedient hearer to a wise builder. This comparison immediately sets up the subsequent **Parable** of the two builders (though the parable itself begins in the next verse, this verse establishes its premise). Within the simile, the "house" and "rock" function as powerful **Metaphors**: the house represents one's life, and the rock symbolizes the steadfast, immovable foundation provided by Jesus' teachings. There is an implicit **Contrast** established between the wise builder and the foolish builder (who will be introduced in the following verse), highlighting the divergent outcomes of obedience versus disobedience. The entire verse functions as an **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent call to action, demanding a practical response to divine truth. The use of simple, concrete imagery makes the profound spiritual truth accessible and unforgettable for all listeners.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse underscores a core biblical principle: true faith is always active and obedient. It challenges any notion of passive belief or intellectual assent divorced from transformed living. The "rock" upon which the wise man builds is not merely a set of abstract doctrines, but the living, authoritative words of Jesus Christ, which embody God's will and wisdom. To build one's life on this rock means to align one's values, decisions, and actions with the teachings of the Kingdom of God as revealed by Jesus. This commitment to practical obedience is presented as the ultimate wisdom, ensuring stability and endurance in the face of life's inevitable storms, thereby demonstrating the authenticity of one's discipleship and the security of one's eternal hope.

* [James 1:22-25](/james/1-22-25 "James 1:22-25 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Luke 6:47-49](/luke/6-47-49 "Luke 6:47-49 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:24 compels us to deeply examine the very foundation of our lives. In a world characterized by shifting values, transient trends, and constant uncertainty, Jesus' words offer an unwavering anchor. This verse challenges us to move beyond merely "hearing" sermons, reading the Bible, or agreeing with Christian doctrines, and to actively "do" what Christ commands. It asks whether our faith is merely intellectual or if it translates into tangible, daily obedience in our relationships, finances, ethics, and priorities. Building on the rock means making intentional choices to align our lives with the Sermon on the Mount's radical call to love, humility, integrity, and righteousness. When the storms of life inevitably come—whether personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual attacks—only a life built on the solid ground of Christ's teachings, lived out in obedience, will stand firm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I primarily a "hearer" of Jesus' words, but not yet a "doer"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally build my life upon the "rock" of Christ's teachings?**
* **How might a commitment to active obedience to Jesus' "sayings" provide stability and peace in the face of current challenges in my life or in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "these sayings of mine" and why is it so important to "do them"?**

Answer: By "these sayings of mine," Jesus refers specifically to the teachings He has just delivered throughout the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles"), encompassing profound ethical, moral, and spiritual principles for living in God's kingdom. This includes teachings on righteousness, prayer, judgment, love for enemies, and the pursuit of God's kingdom. It is crucial to "do them" because Jesus presents obedience as the definitive mark of true wisdom and authentic discipleship. Merely hearing or acknowledging His words without putting them into practice is likened to building a house on sand, which will collapse when tested ([Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")). Active obedience demonstrates genuine faith, transforms character, and provides an unshakeable foundation for enduring life's inevitable storms, ensuring one's spiritual stability and eternal security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the embodiment and source of the "rock" upon which a wise life is built. While the "sayings" are His teachings, the very foundation of those teachings, and indeed, the foundation of all true wisdom, is Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who *speaks* the words, but the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")) made flesh, the wisdom of God personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). To hear and do His sayings is to align oneself with His very nature and character. Furthermore, the "rock" is a powerful Old Testament metaphor for God's steadfastness and salvation (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock, His work is perfect")). In the New Testament, this "rock" is explicitly identified with Christ, the spiritual rock that accompanied Israel in the wilderness ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")). Therefore, building one's life upon Jesus' words is inextricably linked to building one's life upon Jesus Christ Himself, the only sure and eternal foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")), in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")).

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

Luke 6:47

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Luke 6:49

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.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 3:11

¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:3

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