Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

And {G2532} the rain {G1028} descended {G2597}, and {G2532} the floods {G4215} came {G2064}, and {G2532} the winds {G417} blew {G4154}, and {G2532} beat upon {G4350} that {G1565} house {G3614}; and {G2532} it fell {G4098}: and {G2532} great {G3173} was {G2258} the fall {G4431} of it {G846}.

The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house, and it collapsed -- and its collapse was horrendous!"

The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”

and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.

Context

Matthew 7:27 is the climactic conclusion of Jesus' Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, found within His monumental Sermon on the Mount. This verse describes the devastating collapse of the house built by the foolish builder, whose foundation was laid directly on the sand. It serves as a stark contrast to the house built on the rock, which withstood the same tempest (Matthew 7:25). The parable, and specifically this verse, underscores the critical importance of not just hearing Jesus' words, but actively putting them into practice.

Key Themes

  • The Consequence of Disobedience: The verse vividly illustrates the dire results of building one's life on an unstable foundation—symbolizing a life that hears Christ's teachings but fails to obey them. The destruction is total and absolute, a direct outcome of neglecting foundational truth.
  • The Inevitability of Trials: "The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew" highlights that life's storms—trials, temptations, suffering, or even the ultimate judgment—are unavoidable for everyone. The difference lies in how one's spiritual structure withstands them.
  • The Importance of a Sure Foundation: While not explicitly stated in this verse, its impact is understood by contrast. The severity of the fall emphasizes the necessity of building one's life on the solid rock of Christ's teachings and obedience to His will.
  • Greatness of the Fall: The phrase "great was the fall of it" underscores the complete and catastrophic nature of the collapse. It implies utter ruin, leaving nothing salvageable when a life is not grounded in genuine faith and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "beat upon" is prosekochan (προσεκοψαν), which means "to strike against," "to dash against," or "to beat violently upon." This conveys a sense of forceful impact and relentless assault from the elements, emphasizing the intensity of the trials faced by the house. The phrase "great was the fall of it" (Greek: megale en he ptosis autes - μεγαλη ην η πτωσις αυτης) powerfully conveys the devastating and utter destruction. It's not just a partial collapse but a complete and irreparable ruin, highlighting the eternal consequences of a life built without a true foundation.

Practical Application

Matthew 7:27 serves as a profound warning and a call to introspection for believers today. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our spiritual lives. Are we merely hearers of the Word, or are we diligent doers?

  • Examine Your Foundation: This verse urges us to honestly assess what our lives are built upon. Is it fleeting worldly success, popular opinion, or superficial religiosity? Or is it the enduring truth and commandments of Jesus Christ?
  • Prepare for Life's Storms: The "rain, floods, and winds" represent the inevitable challenges, crises, and spiritual attacks that will come. A strong foundation built on obedience to Christ provides stability and resilience when these storms rage.
  • Consequences of Neglect: The "great fall" highlights that spiritual complacency and a lack of genuine obedience lead to catastrophic outcomes, not just in this life but with eternal implications. It's a reminder that genuine faith is demonstrated through action, not just belief. This parable urges us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only.
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.

  • Matthew 13:19

    When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

  • Matthew 13:22

    He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:13

    Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

  • Hebrews 10:26

    For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

  • Hebrews 10:31

    [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • Matthew 12:43

    When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

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