New Testament
Luke 8:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus explains the meaning of the seed that falls on rocky ground.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The seed on rocky ground represents people who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but when temptation comes, they fall away.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus explains the meaning of the seed that falls on rocky ground. This seed symbolizes individuals who initially receive the message of God with enthusiasm and joy. However, their faith is shallow because it lacks deep roots. When challenges or temptations arise, these individuals struggle to maintain their belief and often abandon it. This illustrates the importance of having a strong foundation in faith, as superficial acceptance of spiritual truths can lead to a quick decline when faced with difficulties. The rocky ground represents a heart that is not fully prepared to endure trials, highlighting the need for perseverance and deeper commitment to one's beliefs.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 8:13 to your life
To strengthen your faith, invest time in understanding and applying spiritual teachings in your life. When faced with challenges, remember to seek support from your community and stay rooted in your beliefs to withstand temptations and trials.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the rocky ground symbolize in Luke 8:13?
In Luke 8:13, the rocky ground symbolizes individuals who initially receive God's word with joy but lack deep roots in their faith. This represents a shallow belief that is easily swayed by challenges and temptations. The verse illustrates how important it is to have a strong foundation in faith to endure life's difficulties.
How can I avoid being like the seed on rocky ground?
To avoid being like the seed on rocky ground, focus on deepening your understanding of spiritual teachings and actively applying them in your life. Engage in regular prayer, study scripture, and participate in a faith community. Building strong relationships with others who share your beliefs can provide support during tough times, helping you to remain steadfast in your faith.
How can I strengthen my faith to withstand temptation?
To strengthen your faith against temptation, invest time in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and studying the Bible. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages your growth. Additionally, reflect on past challenges and how your faith helped you through them, reinforcing your belief and commitment to stay strong during future trials.
What role does perseverance play in faith according to Luke 8:13?
Perseverance is crucial in faith as highlighted in Luke 8:13. It signifies the ability to remain steadfast and committed to one's beliefs despite facing temptations and difficulties. A strong faith requires ongoing effort and dedication, allowing individuals to grow spiritually and withstand challenges without falling away.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.