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.

MATTHEW 13:21KJV
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Matthew 13:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:21 mean?

Matthew 13:21 describes a person who responds positively to the message about God's kingdom at first, but because this response has no deep foundation, it does not last. When difficulties or opposition come because of the message, this person quickly falls away or loses interest.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower. He is describing the "rocky ground" hearer—someone who receives the word with joy but lacks a strong inner commitment. The verse highlights how external troubles or pressure ("tribulation or persecution") can cause someone to abandon their initial enthusiasm for the message.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:21

  • ῥίζα (rhiza, "root"): This word refers to a plant's root, symbolizing depth or foundation. Jesus uses it to point out that the person's response is shallow and cannot withstand hardship.
  • θλῖψις (thlipsis, "tribulation") and διωγμός (diōgmos, "persecution"): These words describe trouble or suffering, especially because of the message ("the word"). The verse emphasizes that the trouble is directly connected to the person's response to Jesus' teaching.
  • σκανδαλίζεται (skandalizetai, "is offended"): This word is often understood as "to stumble" or "to fall away." It suggests not just being upset, but actually abandoning or rejecting the message when things get tough.

Why Matthew 13:21 matters

  • Matthew 13:21 clarifies that an enthusiastic start in faith is not enough; lasting commitment requires depth and perseverance, especially when facing challenges.
  • The verse helps readers understand why some people seem to fall away quickly after initially embracing spiritual teaching—it's not just about the message, but about the person's inner foundation.
  • This explanation fits into the larger parable, where Jesus is teaching about different ways people respond to his message, showing that not all responses will result in lasting change.

Where else these words appear

“while” Greek G4340 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
  • Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

“persecution” Greek G1375 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“root” Greek G4491 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Romans 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

“by” Greek G2117 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Mark 1:28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
  • John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.