Matthew 7:24

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:

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}:

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

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

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

Matthew 7:24 KJV is a pivotal verse concluding Jesus' profound Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the critical importance of not just hearing, but also actively obeying His teachings. This verse serves as an introduction to the well-known parable of the wise and foolish builders, setting the stage for a stark contrast between two approaches to life and faith.

Context

This verse stands at the climax of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), which contains the core ethical and spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ. Following various pronouncements on righteous living, prayer, judgment, and the narrow way, Jesus delivers this powerful summary statement. It underscores that true discipleship is evidenced by action, not just profession. The immediate verses that follow (Matthew 7:25-27) illustrate this principle with the vivid imagery of houses built on different foundations, one on rock and one on sand.

Key Themes

  • Obedience as True Wisdom: Jesus defines wisdom not by intellectual understanding alone, but by practical application. To "hear and do" His sayings is the mark of a truly wise person, leading to stability and endurance.
  • The Foundation of Life: The "rock" symbolizes the unwavering, eternal truth of Jesus' words and character. Building one's life upon this foundation means aligning values, decisions, and actions with His commands, ensuring resilience against life's inevitable challenges. This concept echoes the idea of Christ as the only true foundation.
  • Discipleship and Action: The verse calls for a dynamic faith that translates into genuine living. It's a direct challenge against superficial religiosity or mere adherence to doctrine without corresponding transformation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "heareth" is akouō, which implies more than just physical hearing; it suggests attentive listening that leads to understanding and potential obedience. Similarly, "doeth" comes from poieō, signifying active performance or execution. The term "rock" is petra, referring to a solid, immovable bedrock or cliff, distinct from a mere stone (lithos). This emphasizes the strength and permanence of the foundation laid by Jesus' teachings.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 7:24 serves as a timeless call to examine the foundation of their lives. It prompts reflection on whether faith is merely intellectual assent or a living, active commitment. In a world full of shifting sands of opinion and fleeting trends, building upon the "rock" of Christ's words provides unwavering stability. When the "rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew," only the house built on the solid ground of obedience will stand. This verse encourages a deliberate, intentional application of biblical principles in daily choices, relationships, and priorities, ensuring a life that can withstand spiritual and worldly storms.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 6:47 (94 votes)

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

  • Luke 6:49 (94 votes)

    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 (73 votes)

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

  • Luke 11:28 (65 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 (64 votes)

    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 (64 votes)

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

  • 1 John 2:3 (36 votes)

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