Matthew 7:24
What does Matthew 7:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:24 means
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the parable of the two builders, emphasizing the critical importance of actively obeying His teachings. The 'wise man' represents one who 'hears these words of mine, and doeth them,' building his life ('house') on a secure and immovable foundation—the 'rock' of Christ's words. Such a life is stable and enduring, capable of withstanding the inevitable storms and trials of life. True wisdom, in Jesus' kingdom, is demonstrated by practical obedience to His commands.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Everyone, then, to whom my words come and who does them, will be like a wise man who made his house on a rock;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Therefore, every one who doth hear of me these words, and doth do them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Every one therefore that heareth these my words, and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that built his house upon a rock,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whoever therefore hears these my words and does them, I will liken him to a prudent man, who built his house upon the rock;
Context
This verse begins the powerful concluding parable of the two builders, which serves as the ultimate summary and call to action for the entire Sermon on the Mount. It directly follows Jesus' warnings about superficial faith and the necessity of doing the Father's will. This parable simplifies all previous teachings into a clear choice: hear and obey, or hear and disregard, setting the stage for the dramatic illustration of the wise builder's house.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 14:22
Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
- Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- Matthew 5:28
but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
- Romans 2:6
who will render to every man according to his works:
- Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 7.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Discernment
Discernment is the ability to judge well, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, and truth and falsehood.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of God's character in believers through the Holy Spirit's work
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.