Matthew 7:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:27 serves as the climactic and devastating conclusion to Jesus' Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, found within the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. This verse vividly portrays the catastrophic collapse of the house built on sand, illustrating the dire and complete ruin that befalls those who hear Jesus' words but fail to put them into practice. It underscores the ultimate and inescapable consequences of a life not founded on genuine obedience to Christ's teachings, highlighting the severity of spiritual failure when confronted by life's inevitable storms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 7:27 concludes the Parable of the Two Builders, which spans [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Two Builders"). This parable itself serves as the concluding exhortation of Jesus' monumental [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), which began in [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - Jesus Teaches on the Mount"). The parable directly follows Jesus' warnings against false prophets ([Matthew 7:15-23](/matthew/7-15-23 "Matthew 7:15-23 - Warning Against False Prophets")) and those who merely profess faith without true obedience ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")). Thus, [Matthew 7:27](/matthew/7-27 "Matthew 7:27 - The Fall of the Foolish Builder's House") acts as the final, stark warning, emphasizing that true discipleship is demonstrated not by hearing alone, but by the practical application of Christ's demanding teachings. It draws a sharp contrast with the house built on the rock, which successfully withstood the same tempest ([Matthew 7:25](/matthew/7-25 "Matthew 7:25 - The Wise Builder's House Endures")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Galilee, where Jesus taught, the seasonal climate was characterized by dry summers and heavy winter rains. Wadis (dry riverbeds) could quickly become raging torrents, and flash floods were a common and dangerous occurrence. Builders often faced the temptation to construct houses on the easily accessible, flat, and seemingly stable sand of these wadis or dry riverbeds, especially during the dry season. However, such foundations were inherently unstable when the heavy rains came, leading to catastrophic collapses. Building on solid rock, though more laborious and costly, provided true security. This common experience of building practices and the impact of weather would have made Jesus' parable immediately relatable and powerfully illustrative to His audience, highlighting the practical wisdom of choosing a secure foundation for one's life, whether literally or spiritually.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 7:27](/matthew/7-27 "Matthew 7:27 - The Catastrophic Fall") powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' broader teaching. Foremost is the theme of **genuine discipleship and obedience**. The parable starkly differentiates between those who merely hear Jesus' words and those who actively *do* them ([Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Hearing and Doing Jesus' Words")). This verse highlights the **consequences of spiritual negligence**, showing that a life built on superficial faith or intellectual assent without practical obedience is ultimately unsustainable. It also underscores the **inevitability of trials and judgment** ("the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew"), asserting that all lives will face testing. The "greatness of the fall" emphasizes the **total and irreversible ruin** that awaits those whose spiritual foundation is inadequate, serving as a solemn warning about eternal outcomes and the critical importance of a life rooted in Christ's authoritative teachings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beat upon (Greek, _proskóptō'_):** From G4350, meaning "to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e. trip up (literally or figuratively)." This word vividly conveys the forceful and relentless assault of the elements against the house. It's not a gentle breeze or light shower, but a violent, battering impact, emphasizing the intensity and destructive power of the trials described.
* **fell (Greek, _píptō'_):** From G4098, meaning "to fall (literally or figuratively);--fail, fall (down), light on." This verb describes the immediate and direct action of the house collapsing. It signifies a complete loss of integrity and stability, indicating that the structure could no longer withstand the external pressures and succumbed entirely.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** From G3173, meaning "big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):--(+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years." When applied to "the fall," this adjective intensifies the catastrophe, signifying not merely a partial collapse but an utter, complete, and devastating destruction. It implies an irreparable ruin, underscoring the severity of the consequences for a life built on a faulty foundation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,"**: This opening clause describes the relentless and multi-faceted onslaught of natural forces. "The rain descended" (κατέβη ἡ βροχὴ) refers to heavy, torrential downpours. "The floods came" (ἦλθον οἱ ποταμοὶ) speaks of the rushing, destructive torrents of water, likely from overflowing wadis or rivers. "And the winds blew" (ἔπνευσαν οἱ ἄνεμοι) indicates strong, battering winds. Together, these elements symbolize the comprehensive and unavoidable trials, temptations, persecutions, or even the ultimate judgment that every person will face in life. They represent the external pressures that test the true nature of one's spiritual foundation.
* **"and beat upon that house;"**: This phrase, using the strong verb _proskóptō_, emphasizes the direct and violent impact of the elements on the structure. The forces are not merely present but are actively and aggressively assaulting the house, highlighting the intensity of the spiritual challenges that confront a person's life. "That house" specifically refers to the one built on sand, underscoring its vulnerability.
* **"and it fell:"**: This concise statement delivers the inevitable and tragic outcome. The house, lacking a solid foundation, could not withstand the assault and collapsed. This signifies the spiritual ruin, moral failure, or ultimate condemnation that awaits those whose lives are not built on the obedient application of Christ's teachings. It is a direct and unavoidable consequence of an unstable foundation.
* **"and great was the fall of it."**: This concluding phrase powerfully amplifies the severity of the collapse. The use of "great" (μέγας) emphasizes the utter devastation and irreparable nature of the ruin. It implies a total loss, a complete and catastrophic failure, leaving nothing salvageable. This highlights the eternal and irreversible consequences of spiritual negligence, serving as a solemn warning against building one's life on anything other than the firm foundation of Christ's words.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:27 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the physical elements and structures represent deeper spiritual realities. The "rain," "floods," and "winds" symbolize the inevitable trials, adversities, temptations, and even the final judgment that all individuals will encounter in life. The "house" represents an individual's life, character, or spiritual standing, while its "foundation" (implied by contrast with [Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise Builder")) symbolizes the basis of one's faith and obedience to Christ's teachings. The verse employs **Polysyndeton**, the repeated use of "and" ("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."), which creates a sense of relentless, accumulating force, emphasizing the overwhelming and continuous nature of the assault on the house. This repetition builds a dramatic **Climax**, progressing from the initial onset of the storm to the violent impact, and finally to the devastating, complete collapse, culminating in the emphatic declaration of the "greatness" of the fall. The entire parable, and this verse in particular, functions as a powerful **Allegory**, where the literal story conveys a profound spiritual truth about the necessity of practical obedience to Jesus' words for enduring salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:27 stands as a stark warning within the broader biblical narrative concerning the nature of true faith and the certainty of divine judgment. It underscores the critical distinction between superficial adherence and genuine, obedient discipleship, echoing the prophetic calls for a life rooted in God's commands. The "great fall" highlights the ultimate and irreversible consequences of spiritual complacency and disobedience, emphasizing that mere profession of faith is insufficient without the corresponding action of living out Christ's teachings. This verse connects deeply with the biblical theme that God tests the foundations of human lives, and only those built on His truth will endure.

* [Luke 6:49](/luke/6-49 "Luke 6:49 - The House Without a Foundation")
* [1 Corinthians 3:13](/1_corinthians/3-13 "1 Corinthians 3:13 - The Testing of Each One's Work")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - The Terrifying Prospect of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:27 serves as a profound and urgent call for self-examination in the life of every believer. It compels us to move beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional experience to a place of active, consistent obedience to the words of Jesus Christ. The "rain, floods, and winds" are not abstract concepts but represent the very real trials, temptations, and adversities that will inevitably confront us in this life, as well as the ultimate divine judgment. This verse challenges us to consider the true stability of our spiritual lives: Is our faith merely theoretical, or is it a living, breathing commitment that translates into daily choices aligned with Christ's will? The "greatness of the fall" is a sobering reminder that a life built on anything less than the solid rock of Christ's teachings will ultimately crumble, leading to catastrophic and eternal ruin. Therefore, we are called to diligently assess our spiritual foundations, ensuring that our lives are not just adorned with Christian labels, but are fundamentally shaped by the transformative power of Christ's commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" in your life (trials, temptations, societal pressures) have revealed the strength or weakness of your spiritual foundation?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to be a "hearer only" of God's Word, rather than a "doer"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally build your life on the "rock" of Christ's teachings?**
* **How does the warning of "great was the fall of it" motivate you to live a life of greater obedience and spiritual diligence?**

### FAQ

**What does "the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew" symbolize?**

Answer: This phrase symbolizes the inevitable and multifaceted trials, adversities, and challenges that every person will face in life. These can include personal suffering, temptations, persecutions, societal pressures, or even the ultimate divine judgment. Just as natural storms test the integrity of a physical house, these spiritual "storms" test the true foundation of one's faith and character. The cumulative nature of these elements emphasizes the comprehensive and relentless nature of such tests.

**What is the significance of "that house" in this verse?**

Answer: "That house" specifically refers to the house built by the foolish builder, as described in [Matthew 7:26](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26 - The Foolish Builder"). This house was constructed on sand, symbolizing a life built on hearing Jesus' words without putting them into practice. Its mention here highlights the direct consequence of such a faulty foundation, contrasting it implicitly with the house built on rock by the wise builder ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). The destruction of "that house" serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual ruin that awaits those who lack genuine obedience.

**What does "great was the fall of it" imply?**

Answer: The phrase "great was the fall of it" (Greek: _megalē ēn hē ptōsis autēs_) emphasizes the complete, catastrophic, and irreparable nature of the collapse. It signifies utter ruin, implying that nothing was salvageable from the house. Spiritually, this suggests that a life not genuinely founded on obedience to Christ's teachings will face total destruction when confronted by life's ultimate tests or divine judgment. It underscores the severity of the consequences for spiritual negligence, highlighting that the outcome is not merely a partial failure but a devastating and final undoing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:27, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. He is not merely the one who *gives* the words that form the solid foundation, but He *is* the foundation. As the Apostle Paul declares, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). The "rain, floods, and winds" that beat upon the house foreshadow the trials and judgment that Christ Himself endured, culminating in His crucifixion, yet He remained unbroken because He was perfectly obedient to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the "great fall" of the foolish builder's house contrasts sharply with the unshakeable kingdom that Christ establishes, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Ultimately, the security from the "great fall" is found in Christ, who not only provides the words of life but is the very "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the solid rock upon which all who believe and obey can build their lives and stand secure, even in the face of the most severe storms, knowing that He is their "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")).

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

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.