### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **petrṓdēs**, represented by `{{G4075}}`, is defined as **rock-like** or **stony**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in a figurative sense within the Parable of the Sower to describe a type of soil, which represents a heart that hears God's word without true commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4075}}` appears only in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark within the Parable of the Sower. It describes the condition of the ground upon which some seed **fell** `{{G4098}}` ([[Matthew 13:5]]; [[Mark 4:5]]). This ground is defined by having **not** `{{G3756}}` **much** `{{G4183}}` **earth** `{{G1093}}` and **no** `{{G3361}}` **depth** `{{G899}}` [[Mark 4:5]]. The explanation of the parable clarifies that the person represented by the **stony** `{{G4075}}` ground is one who **heareth** `{{G191}}` the **word** `{{G3056}}` and **immediately** `{{G2112}}` receives it with **gladness** `{{G5479}}`, but the resulting faith is temporary [[Mark 4:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of **petrṓdēs**:
* `{{G1093}}` **gē**: This word for **soil** or **earth** is essential to understanding stony ground, which is defined by having **not** `{{G3756}}` **much** `{{G4183}}` **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Matthew 13:5]].
* `{{G899}}` **báthos**: Meaning **deepness** or **depth**, this highlights the core deficiency of the stony ground. The seed **sprang up** `{{G1816}}` quickly because it had **no** `{{G3361}}` **deepness** of **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Matthew 13:5]].
* `{{G5479}}` **chará**: Translated as **joy** or **gladness**, this describes the superficial, emotional reaction of the one who receives the word on **stony** `{{G4075}}` ground ([[Matthew 13:20]]; [[Mark 4:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4075}}` is centered on the nature of saving faith.
* **Superficial Reception:** The stony ground represents a heart that **heareth** `{{G191}}` the **word** `{{G3056}}` and responds with immediate **joy** `{{G5479}}`, but lacks genuine understanding and commitment [[Matthew 13:20]].
* **Lack of Enduring Root:** The fundamental problem with **stony** `{{G4075}}` ground is the lack of **depth** `{{G899}}` needed for a root system. This illustrates a faith with no foundation, which cannot endure through hardship [[Mark 4:5]].
* **Temporary Faith:** Because there is no root, the initial positive response is fleeting. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the **word** `{{G3056}}`, the person is **by and by** `{{G2117}}` offended [[Matthew 13:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4075}}` is a specific and powerful metaphor for a type of spiritual heart. It describes a receptivity to the **word** `{{G3056}}` that is emotional and immediate but ultimately shallow and unable to produce lasting fruit. The concept of **stony** ground serves as a biblical illustration of a superficial belief that withers under pressure, contrasting it with a faith that is deeply rooted.
TRV