New Testament
Matthew 13:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Some fell on rocky ground where the soil was thin. They sprouted quickly because the soil was so shallow.
Compare translations
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
What Matthew 13:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus describes a scenario where seeds fall on rocky ground with little soil. Because the soil is shallow, the seeds quickly sprout but do not have the necessary depth to grow strong roots. This imagery illustrates how some people receive the message of the kingdom of God with enthusiasm but lack the depth of understanding and commitment needed to sustain their faith. When challenges arise, their faith may wither away, just like the plants that cannot survive without deep roots. This parable emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in faith, which requires more than just an initial response; it requires ongoing growth and resilience in the face of difficulties.
How to apply Matthew 13:5 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should strive to deepen our understanding of faith and not just accept it superficially. Engaging in regular study, prayer, and community can help us develop strong roots in our beliefs, enabling us to withstand life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 13:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 13:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:5 mean?
Matthew 13:5 describes seeds that fall on rocky ground with shallow soil. This illustrates how some people may initially respond positively to the message of God but lack the depth needed to sustain their faith when faced with challenges.
What is the meaning of 'rocky ground' in Matthew 13:5?
'Rocky ground' in Matthew 13:5 symbolizes a lack of depth in understanding and commitment to faith. It represents those who may be enthusiastic at first but do not have the strong foundation needed to endure difficulties.
How can I apply the lesson from Matthew 13:5?
To apply the lesson from Matthew 13:5, focus on deepening your understanding of faith through study, prayer, and community involvement. This helps build strong roots that can support you during life's challenges.
What does 'no deepness of earth' mean in Matthew 13:5?
'No deepness of earth' refers to the lack of a solid foundation for growth. It indicates that without a deeper commitment and understanding of faith, one's spiritual life may struggle to survive when faced with adversity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.