Matthew 13:5

Some fell vpon stony places, where they had not much earth: and foorth with they sprung vp, because they had no deepenesse of earth. Matthew 13:5 (KJV)

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable known as the Parable of the Sower. This parable is found in all three synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It is a story that illustrates different responses people have when they hear the word of God.

“Some fell upon stony places”: The sower in the parable scatters seeds, and some of those seeds fell on stony ground. The stony places refer to shallow soil with rocks underneath, a kind of ground that lacks the depth needed for the seed to take root properly.

“Where they had not much earth”: The stony ground had a thin layer of soil covering the rocks, so the seed did not have sufficient room for growth and sustenance.

“And forthwith they sprung up” (or “And straightway it sprang up”): Despite the inadequate conditions, the seed quickly sprouted, emphasizing the initial growth and the immediate response of the seed to the environment.

“Because they had no deepness of earth” (or “Because it had no root”): Because of the lack of deep soil, the plant could not establish a strong root system. The shallow earth prevented the roots from reaching down for nourishment and anchoring the plant, making it vulnerable.

The meaning of this parable can be understood in the context of the following verses in Matthew 13:6‑7: “And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.” Here, Jesus explains that when the sun rises and beats down on the plants, they wither because they lack the roots to access water and nutrients. The thorns represent the cares and distractions of the world that ultimately choke the plants.

The overall lesson of the Parable of the Sower, including Matthew 13:5, is about the different responses people have to hearing God’s word. In this particular instance, the seeds on the stony ground represent those who receive the word with initial enthusiasm but lack depth and endurance in their faith. When challenges arise or the pressures of life come, their faith quickly withers away.

This parable encourages believers to cultivate a deep‑rooted and enduring faith that can withstand trials, temptations, and distractions. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing our relationship with God, studying His word, and developing a strong foundation in Him.

By understanding this parable, we can reflect on our own response to God’s word and strive to be like the good soil that receives the seed and bears fruit, rather than the stony ground that quickly fades away.