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

MATTHEW 13:6KJV
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Matthew 13:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:6 mean?

Matthew 13:6 describes plants that cannot last because their roots have not grown deep enough to support them. In Jesus’ story about a farmer sowing seed, the sun exposes how little support the young plants have beneath the surface.

After the seed springs up quickly in shallow soil in verse 5, Jesus describes what happens when the sun rises. The picture would have been familiar to people who knew that a plant needs enough soil for its roots to grow.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:6

  • “scorched” — καυματίζω (kaumatizō): The word carries the sense of being burned by intense heat. Here, the rising sun brings damaging heat to the young plants.
  • “root” — ῥίζα (rhiza): The word refers to the part of a plant that grows into the ground. In this verse, “no root” points to the plants’ lack of the underground support needed to survive.

Why Matthew 13:6 matters

  • Quick growth is not the same as lasting growth in Jesus’ story. Verse 5 says the plants sprang up quickly, but verse 6 shows that they soon withered.
  • Jesus later explains what the rocky ground pictures. In Matthew 13:20–21, he connects it with someone who receives the message gladly but falls away when trouble or persecution comes.
  • The sun’s heat helps explain the change from a promising start to a sudden end. In Jesus’ explanation, the pressure comes because of the message the person has received.

Where else these words appear

“scorched” Greek G2739 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • Revelation 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
  • Revelation 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

“up” Greek G393 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

“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.

“away” Greek G3583 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
  • 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.