Matthew 13:21
New International Version
But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

New Living Translation
But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

English Standard Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

Berean Standard Bible
But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Berean Literal Bible
And he has in himself no root, but is temporary. And having come tribulation or persecution on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

King James Bible
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

New King James Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

New American Standard Bible
yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away.

NASB 1995
yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.

NASB 1977
yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.

Legacy Standard Bible
yet he has no root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.

Amplified Bible
yet he has no [substantial] root in himself, but is only temporary, and when pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles and falls away [abandoning the One who is the source of salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

American Standard Version
yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

Contemporary English Version
But they don't have deep roots, and they don't last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.

English Revised Version
yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since he doesn't have any root, he lasts only a little while. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls [from faith].

Good News Translation
But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.

International Standard Version
but since he doesn't have any root in himself, he lasts for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls away.

Majority Standard Bible
But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

NET Bible
But he has no root in himself and does not endure; when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.

New Heart English Bible
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet he hath not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, forthwith he is offended.

Weymouth New Testament
It has struck no root, however, within him. He continues for a time, but when suffering comes, or persecution, because of the Message, he at once stumbles and falls.

World English Bible
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he has no root in himself, but is temporary, and persecution or tribulation having happened because of the word, immediately he is stumbled.

Berean Literal Bible
And he has in himself no root, but is temporary. And having come tribulation or persecution on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

Young's Literal Translation
and he hath not root in himself, but is temporary, and persecution or tribulation having happened because of the word, immediately he is stumbled.

Smith's Literal Translation
And has no root in himself, but is for a time; and there being pressure or expulsion for the word, straightly is he offended.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet hath he not root in himself, but is only for a time: and when there ariseth tribulation and persecution because of the word, he is presently scandalized.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he has no root in himself, so it is only for a time; then, when tribulation and persecution occur because of the word, he promptly stumbles.

New American Bible
But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.

New Revised Standard Version
yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But it has no root in him, except for a while; and when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately stumbles.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But there are no roots in him, but he is temporal, and when there is distress or persecution because of the word, immediately he falls apart.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while; and when affliction or persecution arises on account of the word, he immediately takes offense.

Godbey New Testament
but it has no root in him, but is temporary; and tribulation or persecution arising on account of the word, immediately he is offended.

Haweis New Testament
hath not really root in himself, but is merely temporary: and when tribulation or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately he is stumbled.

Mace New Testament
but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.

Weymouth New Testament
It has struck no root, however, within him. He continues for a time, but when suffering comes, or persecution, because of the Message, he at once stumbles and falls.

Worrell New Testament
yet he has not root in himself, but is only temporary; and, when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, straightway he stumbles.

Worsley New Testament
yet hath he no root in himself, and therefore is but for a short season; and when affliction cometh, or persecution on account of the word, he is as soon disgusted.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Sower Explained
20The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.…

Cross References
Mark 4:17
But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Luke 8:13
The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away.

John 15:6
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.

James 1:6-8
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. / That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. / He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

Hebrews 3:12-14
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. / But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. / We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Ephesians 3:13
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”


Treasury of Scripture

Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, by and by he is offended.

root.

Matthew 13:6
And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Matthew 7:22,23,26,27
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? …

Job 19:28
But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

dureth.

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Job 27:8-10
For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? …

for.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…

Matthew 10:37-39
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…

Matthew 16:24-26
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me…

is.

Matthew 13:57
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Matthew 24:9,10
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake…

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Account Arises Ariseth Continues Doubts Endures Endureth Forthwith Full Goes Happens However Immediately Lasts Message Offended Oppression Pain Persecution Quickly Root Short Straightway Struck Stumbled Stumbles Stumbleth Suffering Time Tribulation Within Word
Jump to Next
Account Arises Ariseth Continues Doubts Endures Endureth Forthwith Full Goes Happens However Immediately Lasts Message Offended Oppression Pain Persecution Quickly Root Short Straightway Struck Stumbled Stumbles Stumbleth Suffering Time Tribulation Within Word
Matthew 13
1. The parable of the sower and the seed;
18. the explanation of it.
24. The parable of the weeds;
31. of the mustard seed;
33. of the leaven;
36. explanation of the parable of the weeds.
44. The parable of the hidden treasure;
45. of the pearl;
47. of the drag net cast into the sea.
53. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.














But since he has no root
The phrase "has no root" is pivotal in understanding the transient nature of the faith described here. In the Greek, "root" is "ῥίζα" (rhiza), which signifies a foundation or source of life. In the context of agriculture, roots are essential for stability and nourishment. Spiritually, this implies a lack of deep, personal connection with Christ and His teachings. Without a firm foundation in the Word of God, one's faith is superficial and unable to withstand trials. This highlights the necessity of discipleship and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of being deeply rooted in Scripture and prayer.

he remains for only a season
The term "season" here is translated from the Greek "πρόσκαιρος" (proskairos), meaning temporary or for a short time. This suggests that the initial enthusiasm or emotional response to the Gospel is not enough to sustain a believer through life's challenges. Historically, this reflects the experience of early Christians who faced persecution and needed a robust faith to endure. The imagery of a season also reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the need for perseverance and continual renewal in faith.

When trouble or persecution comes
"Trouble" and "persecution" are translated from the Greek words "θλίψις" (thlipsis) and "διωγμός" (diogmos), respectively. "Thlipsis" refers to pressure or distress, while "diogmos" specifically denotes the pursuit or harassment for one's beliefs. In the early church, believers often faced severe trials for their faith, including social ostracism and physical harm. This phrase serves as a warning that challenges are inevitable for those who follow Christ. It calls believers to prepare spiritually for such times, reinforcing the need for a strong, enduring faith.

because of the word
The "word" here is "λόγος" (logos) in Greek, referring to the message of the Gospel. This underscores the reality that the very truth that brings life and salvation can also be the source of conflict and opposition. Historically, the proclamation of the Gospel has often been met with resistance, as it challenges worldly values and systems. This phrase encourages believers to hold fast to the truth of Scripture, even when it leads to hardship, trusting in the eternal significance of God's Word.

he quickly falls away
The phrase "falls away" is derived from the Greek "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizo), which means to stumble or be offended. This indicates a swift departure from faith when faced with adversity. It serves as a cautionary note about the dangers of a shallow commitment to Christ. The historical context of early Christian communities, who often faced severe persecution, illustrates the need for resilience and steadfastness. This phrase challenges modern believers to examine the depth of their faith and commitment, urging them to seek a relationship with Christ that can withstand trials and tribulations.

(21) Yet hath he not root in himself.--The "root" is obviously the conviction which ripens into a purpose and strikes its fibres deep down into reason, conscience, and will.

Tribulation or persecution.--It is hardly necessary, or indeed possible, to draw any sharp line of demarcation between the two. "Persecution" implies, perhaps, a more organised attack, and therefore greater suffering; "tribulation," the thousand petty annoyances to which every convert to the faith of Christ was exposed in the first age of the Church, and to which, it may be added, even now most men and women who seek to be Christians in deed as well as in name are at some time or other in their lives exposed. The words explain the "time of temptation" in St. Luke's report (Luke 8:13).

By and by he is offended.--The adverb is the same as the "anon" of Matthew 13:20, and means "immediately." The rapidity of the renegade matches that of the convert. Such a man finds a "stumbling-block" in the sufferings he is called to endure, and turns into a smoother path.

Verse 21. - But dureth for a while (ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν). Luke's οἱ πρὸς καιρὸν πιστεύουσιν, is an evidently later form. (For the thought, cf. John 5:35.) By and by; straightway (Revised Version, εὐθύς). He is offended (Matthew 5:29, note).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

since
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

he has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

no
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

root,
ῥίζαν (rhizan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4491: A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'.

he remains
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

for only a season.
πρόσκαιρός (proskairos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4340: For a season, temporary. From pros and kairos; for the occasion only, i.e. Temporary.

[When]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

trouble
θλίψεως (thlipseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

persecution
διωγμοῦ (diōgmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1375: Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution.

comes
γενομένης (genomenēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word,
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

he quickly falls away.
σκανδαλίζεται (skandalizetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4624: From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).


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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:21 Yet he has no root in himself (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 13:20
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