King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:21 Mean?

Matthew 13:21 in the King James Version says “Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 13:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet hath he not root in himself (οὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ)—no deep tap root connecting to water and nutrients. The problem is internal, not external; the issue is character, not circumstances. Dureth for a while (πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν)—proskairos means 'temporary, lasting only for a season.' True faith perseveres (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:14).

When tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word (θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ)—external pressure reveals internal reality. By and by he is offended (εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζεται)—skandalizō means 'to cause to stumble, fall away.' Immediately, without resistance, the shallow believer abandons Christ when following Him costs something. The rocky-ground hearer loves benefits but won't bear the cross; wants blessing without sacrifice; seeks a crown without suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Christian persecution was immediate and intense—excommunication from synagogue (John 9:22), loss of employment, family rejection (Matthew 10:34-36), imprisonment, martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60). Many who initially responded to Jesus's ministry abandoned Him when costs became clear (John 6:66). The early church experienced this constantly, making this warning pastorally urgent for Matthew's readers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'tribulation or persecution' tests reveal whether your faith has genuine root?
  2. How can you develop deep spiritual roots that sustain faith through suffering?
  3. Where might you be 'offended' by Christ's demands—tempted to fall away when following Him costs something?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐκ1 of 19

not

G3756

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

ἔχει2 of 19

hath he

G2192

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

δὲ3 of 19

Yet

G1161

but, and, etc

ῥίζαν4 of 19

root

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

ἐν5 of 19

in

G1722

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

ἑαυτῷ6 of 19

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀλλὰ7 of 19

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πρόσκαιρός8 of 19

for a while

G4340

for the occasion only, i.e., temporary

ἐστιν9 of 19

dureth

G2076

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

γενομένης10 of 19

ariseth

G1096

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

δὲ11 of 19

Yet

G1161

but, and, etc

θλίψεως12 of 19

when tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

13 of 19

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

διωγμοῦ14 of 19

persecution

G1375

persecution

διὰ15 of 19

because

G1223

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

τὸν16 of 19
G3588

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

λόγον17 of 19

of 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

εὐθὺς18 of 19

by and by

G2117

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

σκανδαλίζεται19 of 19

he is offended

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)


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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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