Matthew 7:26
What does Matthew 7:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:26 means
Jesus introduces the contrast: 'Every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand.' The 'foolish man' represents those who listen to Jesus' teachings but fail to put them into practice in their lives. The 'sand' symbolizes a foundation built on human wisdom, self-reliance, or superficial religious practice, rather than genuine obedience to Christ. Such a life, despite outward appearance, lacks true spiritual stability.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And everyone to whom my words come and who does them not, will be like a foolish man who made his house on sand;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And every one who is hearing of me these words, and is not doing them, shall be likened to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And every one that heareth these my words and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And every one who hears these my words and does not do them, he shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand;
Context
This verse introduces the foil to the wise builder: the foolish man who hears Jesus' words but fails to act on them. It directly contrasts with the previous verses, shifting the focus to the precarious foundation of disobedience. This sets the stage for the negative outcome, highlighting the stark consequences of merely hearing without doing, thereby emphasizing the vital importance of practical application of Jesus' teachings.
v.25and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.
v.26This passage
v.27and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
- Jeremiah 8:9
The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of Jehovah; and what manner of wisdom is in them?
- James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?
- 1 Samuel 2:30
Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
- Luke 6:49
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against which the stream brake, and straightway it fell in; and the ruin of that house was great.
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