And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

LUKE 8:6KJV
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Luke 8:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:6 mean?

Luke 8:6 describes some seeds falling on rocky ground, where they quickly sprout but soon wither because they do not have enough moisture. This image shows how something can start off well but fail to last because it lacks what it needs to keep growing.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the picture of a farmer scattering seeds. The rocky ground represents a place where the soil is too shallow for roots to go deep, so the young plants cannot get the water they need. The focus is on how initial growth is not enough if there is no lasting support.

The Greek behind Luke 8:6

  • The word for "rock" is πέτρα (petra), which means a large rock or rocky ground, not just a small stone. This helps show that the problem is not just a few stones but a whole area where roots cannot go deep.
  • The phrase "lacked moisture" uses the words μή (mē, "not") and ἔχω (echō, "to have"), along with ἰκμάς (ikmas, "moisture" or "dampness"). The Greek highlights that the plants did not possess the water needed for life, not just that there was a little less than usual.

Why Luke 8:6 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the problem is not with the seed itself, but with the environment where it lands—emphasizing the importance of what supports growth, not just a good start.
  • By mentioning moisture specifically, Luke’s account draws attention to the need for ongoing nourishment, not just a quick beginning.
  • Understanding this part of the parable prepares the reader for Jesus’ later explanation, where He connects these images to real-life responses to His message.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G5453 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

“rock” Greek G4073 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Matthew 27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“away” Greek G3583 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“fell” Greek G4098 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.