King James Version

What Does Luke 6:48 Mean?

Luke 6:48 in the King James Version says “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the... — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Luke 6:48 · KJV


Context

46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

47

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

48

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock (ὅμοιός ἐστιν ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδομοῦντι οἰκίαν ὃς ἔσκαψεν καὶ ἐβάθυνεν καὶ ἔθηκεν θεμέλιον ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν)—Luke's version emphasizes the labor involved: he 'digged' (skaptō) and 'went deep' (bathunō), terms suggesting strenuous excavation. Obedience to Christ's teachings requires deliberate effort and cost—there are no shortcuts to spiritual stability.

The rock foundation (petra) that withstands the flood's 'vehement beating' (prosrēxen, to break against) represents Christ himself and his authoritative word. Could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock—the emphatic repetition underscores that the house's resilience derives entirely from its foundation, not the builder's skill or the structure's beauty. Paul later echoes this imagery: 'For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ' (1 Corinthians 3:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman construction techniques in first-century Palestine included both sophisticated stone foundations (used in public buildings and wealthy homes) and cheaper earth-based construction. Flash floods from sudden rainstorms were common and devastating. Jesus's audience would have witnessed firsthand the difference between structures built on bedrock versus those on soil or sand.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'digging deep' look like practically in your spiritual life—what comfort or convenience might you need to excavate to reach the Rock?
  2. How do you measure spiritual maturity: by external appearances (the house) or by tested stability (the foundation)?
  3. In what ways might you be trusting your own religious effort rather than resting wholly on Christ as your foundation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
ὅμοιός1 of 34

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστιν2 of 34

He is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀνθρώπῳ3 of 34

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οἰκοδομοῦντι4 of 34

built

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

οἰκίᾳ5 of 34

an house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ὃς6 of 34

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔσκαψεν7 of 34

digged

G4626

to dig

καὶ8 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐβάθυνεν9 of 34

deep

G900

to deepen

καὶ10 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔθηκεν11 of 34

laid

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

θεμέλιον12 of 34

the foundation

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ13 of 34

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν14 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέτραν·15 of 34

a rock

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

πλημμύρας16 of 34

when the flood

G4132

flood-tide, i.e., (by analogy) a freshet

δὲ17 of 34

and

G1161

but, and, etc

γενομένης18 of 34

arose

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

προσέῤῥηξεν19 of 34

beat vehemently

G4366

to tear towards, i.e., burst upon (as a tempest or flood)

20 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποταμὸς21 of 34

the stream

G4215

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

τῇ22 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίᾳ23 of 34

an house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἐκείνῃ24 of 34

upon that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ25 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ26 of 34

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἴσχυσεν27 of 34

could

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

σαλεῦσαι28 of 34

shake

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

αὐτὴν29 of 34

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τεθεμελίωτο30 of 34

it was founded

G2311

to lay a basis for, i.e., (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate

γὰρ31 of 34

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπὶ32 of 34

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν33 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέτραν·34 of 34

a rock

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study