King James Version

What Does Luke 8:13 Mean?

Luke 8:13 in the King James Version says “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while b... — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Luke 8:13 · KJV


Context

11

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

12

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

13

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. The rocky soil (petra, πέτρα) represents shallow earth over limestone bedrock—seed sprouts quickly but roots cannot deepen. The phrase receive the word with joy (meta charas dechomai ton logon, μετὰ χαρᾶς δέχομαι τὸν λόγον) describes emotional reception without depth. This is profession without possession, enthusiasm without endurance.

The devastating phrase have no root (rizan ouk echousin, ῥίζαν οὐκ ἔχουσιν) explains their failure: no deep connection to Christ, no root system drawing spiritual nourishment. They believe for a while (pros kairon pisteuousin, πρὸς καιρὸν πιστεύουσιν)—temporary, superficial faith. The phrase in time of temptation fall away (en kairō peirasmou aphistantai, ἐν καιρῷ πειρασμοῦ ἀφίστανται) uses aphistantai (to depart, apostatize), indicating total abandonment when testing comes. This sobering picture warns against false conversions and emphasizes that genuine faith endures trials rather than collapsing under pressure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian soil often had thin earth over limestone rock. Seeds germinated quickly in shallow soil, warmed rapidly by underlying rock, creating impressive initial growth. But lacking deep roots, plants withered when heat came (Matthew 13:6). Jesus addressed crowds including many superficial followers attracted by miracles and teaching but unwilling to count the cost (Luke 14:25-33). The early church faced this constantly—enthusiastic initial responses that evaporated under persecution. Luke's audience in the Roman world would recognize 'temptation' (peirasmos) as testing through suffering, persecution, or social pressure. The parable warned against equating emotional response with genuine conversion, a critical distinction as the church grew beyond Palestine.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes genuine conversion from emotional, superficial response to the gospel?
  2. How does the warning about 'no root' challenge modern evangelistic methods that prioritize quick decisions over careful discipleship?
  3. Why does Jesus say rocky-soil hearers 'believe for a while'—does this mean true believers can lose salvation, or were they never truly saved?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
οἱ1 of 27
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 27
G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 27

They 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

τῆς4 of 27
G3588

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

πέτρας5 of 27

the rock

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

οἳ6 of 27

are they which

G3739

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

ὅταν7 of 27

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀκούσωσιν8 of 27

they hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

μετὰ9 of 27

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

χαρᾶς10 of 27

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

δέχονται11 of 27

receive

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τὸν12 of 27
G3588

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

λόγον13 of 27

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ14 of 27

and

G2532

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

οὗτοι15 of 27

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ῥίζαν16 of 27

root

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

οὐκ17 of 27

no

G3756

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

ἔχουσιν18 of 27

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οἳ19 of 27

are they which

G3739

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

πρὸς20 of 27

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

καιρῷ21 of 27

a while

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

πιστεύουσιν22 of 27

believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

καὶ23 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἐν24 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

καιρῷ25 of 27

a while

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

πειρασμοῦ26 of 27

of temptation

G3986

a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity

ἀφίστανται27 of 27

fall away

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc


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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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