King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:5 Mean?

Matthew 13:5 in the King James Version says “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness o...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:”

Matthew 13:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6

And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth.' Jesus describes second response-type: shallow soil. 'Stony places' (τὰ πετρώδη/ta petrōdē) refers to thin soil layer over bedrock—not soil mixed with stones, but shallow earth concealing rock beneath. Seeds germinate quickly ('forthwith sprung up') because shallow soil warms faster, but lack of depth prevents root development. Jesus explains (v.20-21): these receive word immediately with joy but have no root; tribulation or persecution causes them to fall away. Reformed theology identifies these as false converts—emotional response mistaken for genuine conversion, temporary enthusiasm without lasting transformation. They appear to believe but lack perseverance proving authentic faith (1 John 2:19). The parable warns against superficial evangelism producing false assurance, and against mistaking emotional experience for regeneration. True faith perseveres; shallow faith withers when tested.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian limestone terrain often featured thin soil over rock shelves. Farmers recognized this problem: plants sprouting in such areas looked promising initially but quickly withered when roots hit rock and couldn't access water. Jesus uses this familiar agricultural frustration to describe spiritual reality. The immediate sprouting resembles enthusiastic converts who quickly profess faith, show early excitement, perhaps even display initial fruit. But when cost becomes clear—persecution, suffering, rejection, sacrifice—they abandon faith. Early church experienced this extensively: persecution sorted genuine from false believers (Matthew 24:10-13, 2 Timothy 4:10). Every spiritual awakening produces mixture of authentic and temporary conversions. Parable of the Sower helps churches recognize this pattern without despairing: some apparent converts will fall away—not because gospel failed but because their response was never genuine. Modern Western church, offering comfortable Christianity without mentioning cost, produces many shallow-soil professors who abandon faith when difficulty arises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish genuine conversion from temporary emotional enthusiasm or shallow profession?
  2. What role does testing and tribulation play in revealing authenticity of faith?
  3. How should churches evangelize in ways that produce deep-rooted faith rather than superficial emotional responses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἄλλα1 of 20
G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ2 of 20

“Some”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔπεσεν3 of 20

“fell”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ4 of 20

“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

τὰ5 of 20
G3588

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

πετρώδη6 of 20

“stony places”

G4075

rock-like, i.e., rocky

ὅπου7 of 20

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

οὐκ8 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ἔχειν9 of 20

“they had”

G2192

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

γῆς·10 of 20

“earth”

G1093

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

πολλήν,11 of 20

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ12 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

εὐθέως13 of 20

“forthwith”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἐξανέτειλεν14 of 20

“they sprung up”

G1816

to start up out of the ground, i.e., germinate

διὰ15 of 20

“because”

G1223

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

τὸ16 of 20
G3588

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

μὴ17 of 20

“no”

G3361

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

ἔχειν18 of 20

“they had”

G2192

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

βάθος19 of 20

“deepness”

G899

profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery

γῆς·20 of 20

“earth”

G1093

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

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:26Ezekiel 11:19Zechariah 7:12Amos 6:12Matthew 13:20

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