King James Version

What Does Luke 8:6 Mean?

Luke 8:6 in the King James Version says “And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.”

Luke 8:6 · KJV

Context

4

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

5

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

6

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

8

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture—The Greek kai heteron epesen epi tēn petran (καὶ ἕτερον ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν, "and other fell upon the rock") describes seed falling on shallow soil over limestone bedrock, common in Palestinian highlands. The phrase kai phyen exēranthē dia to mē echein ikmada (καὶ φυὲν ἐξηράνθη διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν ἰκμάδα, "and having sprung up, it withered because of not having moisture") reveals the problem.

The verb phyen (φυέν, aorist participle of phyō, "to spring up/grow") indicates initial germination, but exēranthē (ἐξηράνθη, "withered away") shows rapid death. Luke uniquely mentions ikmada (ἰκμάδα, "moisture")—Mark 4:6 attributes withering to sun and lack of roots, while Luke emphasizes insufficient water retention. The shallow soil lacks capacity to sustain life despite enthusiastic initial growth. Jesus explains (v. 13) this represents those who receive the word with joy but have no root, believing temporarily but falling away in temptation or trial. The rock-soil warns against superficial faith lacking depth for endurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Galilean and Judean terrain features limestone bedrock often covered by thin topsoil. Seeds germinating in such soil sprouted quickly due to warmth from underlying rock but died rapidly when roots hit stone and moisture evaporated. Farmers recognized this soil type's deceptive productivity—impressive initial growth masking fatal structural deficiency. Jesus' audience immediately understood the image. Spiritually, this represents emotional conversions lacking genuine repentance and transformation. Such "believers" show initial enthusiasm, perhaps even joy (v. 13), but possess no deep root of authentic faith. When persecution, testing, or cost of discipleship appears, they abandon profession. This parable challenges easy-believism and superficial evangelism that produces decisions without disciples, converts without genuine conversion. The rocky soil warns that not all apparent faith is saving faith—depth matters more than initial appearance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we distinguish between genuine conversion with deep roots and superficial enthusiasm that lacks the depth needed for long-term perseverance?
  2. What does the rapid withering of rock-soil growth teach about the dangers of emotional decision-making without genuine repentance and transformation?
  3. In what ways does modern evangelistic practice sometimes cultivate shallow, rock-soil conversions by emphasizing immediate response without counting the cost of discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἕτερον2 of 14

“some”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἔπεσεν3 of 14

“fell”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ4 of 14

“upon”

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

τὴν5 of 14
G3588

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

πέτραν6 of 14

“a rock”

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

φυὲν8 of 14

“as soon as it was sprung up”

G5453

probably originally, to "puff" or blow, i.e., to swell up; but only used in the implied sense, to germinate or grow (sprout, produce), literally or fi

ἐξηράνθη9 of 14

“it withered away”

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

διὰ10 of 14

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ11 of 14
G3588

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

μὴ12 of 14

“it lacked”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχειν13 of 14
G2192

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

ἰκμάδα14 of 14

“moisture”

G2429

dampness

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:13Hebrews 3:7-8Mark 4:5-6Romans 2:4-5Matthew 13:20-21Amos 6:12

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