Luke 8:6
What does Luke 8:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:6 means
Luke 8:6 describes seed falling on rocky ground. The seed sprouts quickly because the soil allows initial growth, but because there is little depth or moisture it withers. The picture speaks to people who initially receive the gospel with enthusiasm but lack deep roots in Christ; when trouble or testing comes, their faith fails. The verse warns that superficial response without inward formation cannot withstand trials. It emphasizes the need for root—discipleship, perseverance, and the inward work of the Spirit—to sustain faith through difficulties.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And other fell on the rock; and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And other fell on the rock; and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And some went on the rock, and when it came up it became dry and dead because it had no water.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And other fell upon the rock, and having sprung up, it did wither, through not having moisture.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And other some fell upon a rock. And as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and other fell upon the rock, and having sprung up, it was dried up because it had not moisture;
Context
Following the bare-path picture, this second soil represents a different failure mode: enthusiastic but shallow faith. Luke uses contrast to show that not all who appear to believe will endure. This prepares the later explanation about temptation and testing and sets a pastoral challenge for readers to seek deeper spiritual rooting.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 13:20
And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;
- Mark 4:16
And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;
- Hebrews 3:7
Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
- Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
- Hebrews 3:15
while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
- Matthew 13:5
and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth:
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