King James Version

What Does Luke 8:15 Mean?

Luke 8:15 in the King James Version says “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 8:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains the good soil: '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.' The 'honest and good heart' (Greek 'kalē kai agathē kardia,' καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ καρδίᾳ) describes receptive, prepared soil—humble, teachable, sincere. The progression is crucial: hear, keep (retain, obey), bring forth fruit. The phrase 'with patience' (Greek 'en hypomonē,' ἐν ὑπομονῇ) indicates fruit-bearing takes time, requiring endurance. Genuine faith perseveres, producing observable life change—fruit proving the reality of conversion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'good ground' hearers contrast with the other three soils—path (word stolen by Satan, v. 12), rock (superficial faith without roots, v. 13), thorns (worldliness choking growth, v. 14). Jesus emphasizes that true disciples don't merely hear but retain and obey God's word, producing fruit over time. This fruit includes character transformation (Galatians 5:22-23), good works (Ephesians 2:10), and evangelistic results (bringing others to Christ). Patience is necessary because fruit doesn't appear immediately—spiritual growth requires time and endurance. This parable warns against false profession while encouraging genuine believers to persevere.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the progression of hearing, keeping, and bearing fruit teach about genuine versus superficial faith?
  2. How does the phrase 'with patience' correct expectations of instant results and emphasize long-term faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τὸ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ4 of 22
G3588

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

καλῇ5 of 22

“an honest”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

γῇ6 of 22

“ground”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

οὗτοί7 of 22

“they”

G3778

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

εἰσιν8 of 22

“are”

G1526

they are

οἵτινες9 of 22

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐν10 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

καρδίᾳ11 of 22

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

καλῇ12 of 22

“an honest”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

καὶ13 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

ἀγαθῇ14 of 22

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἀκούσαντες15 of 22

“having heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὸν16 of 22
G3588

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

λόγον17 of 22

“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

κατέχουσιν18 of 22

“keep”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

καρποφοροῦσιν20 of 22

“bring forth fruit”

G2592

to be fertile (literally or figuratively)

ἐν21 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

ὑπομονῇ22 of 22

“patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:36Galatians 5:22-26Colossians 1:10Luke 6:45Colossians 1:61 John 2:3

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