Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:20

What does Matthew 13:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:20 means

Here Jesus explains the rocky-soil hearer: this person hears the word and receives it gladly but lacks root. The initial joy and outward acceptance do not reach inward depth. The portrait warns that enthusiasm without foundation is fragile. Authentic faith requires rooting—ongoing discipleship, study, and obedience. This verse calls listeners to examine whether their reception of the gospel has penetrated to the heart, producing resilience that can withstand trials and growth over time.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that which went on the stones, this is he who, hearing the word, straight away takes it with joy;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And that sown on the rocky places, this is he who is hearing the word, and immediately with joy is receiving it,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that received the seed upon stony ground, is he that heareth the word, and immediately receiveth it with joy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he that is sown on the rocky places — this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,

Context

This is the second soil’s explanation, following the roadside example. It emphasizes internal disposition—root versus surface—and anticipates the testing described in the next verse, which reveals why lack of root leads to stumbling when trouble arises.

v.19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.

v.20This passage

v.21yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:6

    And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the tax of Moses the servant of Jehovah, and of the assembly of Israel, for the tent of the testimony?

  • Psalms 106:12

    Then believed they his words; They sang his praise.

  • Mark 6:20

    for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

  • John 5:35

    He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but do them not; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their gain.

  • 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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