King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:6 Mean?

Matthew 13:6 in the King James Version says “And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 13:6 · KJV

Context

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:

8

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Read Matthew 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.' The shallow-soil plants' fate: withered by sun that should nourish them. Without deep roots accessing water, they cannot survive heat. The irony: sun necessary for growth becomes instrument of destruction for rootless plants. Jesus explains (v.21): sun represents tribulation, persecution, offense from the Word. These prove fatal to shallow faith. Reformed theology draws important distinction: temporary faith versus saving faith. Temporary faith receives word with joy, believes for a while, shows initial fruit—but lacks root (genuine regeneration, Holy Spirit's indwelling work). When tested, it withers. Saving faith perseveres through trials because it's rooted in Christ, sustained by Spirit. The parable comforts genuine believers: if you're enduring trials while maintaining faith, this proves authenticity. It also warns nominal Christians: if you'll abandon faith when costly, you never genuinely possessed it. Suffering doesn't destroy true faith; it refines and proves it (1 Peter 1:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Middle Eastern sun is intense—it scorches plants lacking moisture. The image would have resonated powerfully with agricultural audience familiar with failed crops from shallow planting. Jesus identifies 'sun' with persecution and tribulation (v.21). Early church experienced this literally: Roman persecutions sorted authentic from nominal believers. Those with shallow faith denied Christ, sacrificed to Caesar, or lapsed (traditors—those who handed over Scriptures). Genuine believers endured torture, execution, confiscation of property while maintaining faith. Church history repeatedly demonstrates this pattern: persecution purifies church, revealing true believers. Comfortable Christianity often produces multitudes of shallow-soil professors; persecution reveals the remnant with genuine root. This explains why persecuted churches often show greater vitality than comfortable Western churches: trials eliminate false professors. Modern application: when following Christ costs nothing, beware shallow professions. When it costs everything, remaining believers prove authentic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does suffering test and prove the genuineness of your faith?
  2. What's the difference between faith that endures testing versus temporary enthusiasm that withers under pressure?
  3. How should churches prepare new converts for inevitable trials rather than promising only blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἡλίου1 of 11

“when the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνατείλαντος3 of 11

“was up”

G393

to (cause to) arise

ἐκαυματίσθη4 of 11

“they were scorched”

G2739

to burn

καὶ5 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

διὰ6 of 11

“because”

G1223

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

τὸ7 of 11
G3588

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

μὴ8 of 11

“no”

G3361

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

ἔχειν9 of 11

“they had”

G2192

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

ῥίζαν10 of 11

“root”

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

ἐξηράνθη11 of 11

“they withered away”

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

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 13:6 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 Matthew 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:11-12Matthew 13:21Luke 8:13Colossians 1:23Isaiah 49:10Ephesians 3:17

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