King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:20 Mean?

Matthew 13:20 in the King James Version says “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Matthew 13:20 · KJV


Context

18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

20

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. offended: he relapseth, or, falleth into sin

22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that received the seed into stony places (ὁ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς)—rocky ground with thin topsoil over limestone bedrock. Seed sprouts quickly in shallow soil warmed by underlying rock, creating impressive initial growth. Anon with joy receiveth it (εὐθὺς μετὰ χαρᾶς λαμβάνει αὐτόν)—euthus means 'immediately, at once.' Emotional, enthusiastic response without depth characterizes this hearer.

This describes superficial conversions—impressive external response lacking internal transformation. The 'joy' is genuine but immature, based on benefits (healing, community, emotional experience) rather than Christ Himself. Modern 'decisions for Christ' that produce no lasting change fit this category. The issue isn't the joy (which should accompany salvation, 1 Peter 1:8) but its shallowness, rooted in rocky soil incapable of sustaining growth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Galilean limestone bedrock often lay just inches beneath topsoil. Farmers recognized rocky ground produced quick germination but poor harvest. Jesus's agricultural metaphor would immediately resonate—everyone knew the disappointment of promising sprouts that withered when summer heat came. This parable warns against measuring conversion success by initial enthusiasm rather than persevering fruit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between genuine conversion and emotional response that lacks root?
  2. What role should 'joy' play in authentic Christianity—and what are its limitations as evidence of salvation?
  3. Where might your spiritual life be 'rocky'—showing impressive initial growth in some area without depth to sustain it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 18

into

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

τὰ4 of 18
G3588

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

πετρώδη5 of 18

stony places

G4075

rock-like, i.e., rocky

σπαρείς,6 of 18

he that received the seed

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

οὗτός7 of 18

the same

G3778

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

ἐστιν8 of 18

is

G2076

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

9 of 18
G3588

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

τὸν10 of 18
G3588

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

λόγον11 of 18

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

ἀκούων12 of 18

he that heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ13 of 18

and

G2532

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

εὐθὺς14 of 18

anon

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

μετὰ15 of 18

with

G3326

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

χαρᾶς16 of 18

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

λαμβάνων17 of 18

receiveth

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

αὐτόν18 of 18

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:20 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 Matthew 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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