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 7:24KJV
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Matthew 7:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:24 mean?

Matthew 7:24 says that anyone who listens to Jesus’ teachings and puts them into practice is like a wise person who builds a house on a solid foundation. This verse highlights the importance of not just hearing Jesus’ words, but also acting on them.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd near the end of his Sermon on the Mount, using a simple picture to make his point clear. He compares following his teachings to building a house on a rock, something strong and reliable. The focus is on the practical response to his words, not just understanding or agreeing with them.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:24

  • The word for “wise” is φρόνιμος (phronimos), which often means thoughtful or sensible, not just intelligent. Jesus is describing someone who is careful and practical in how they live.
  • The word for “rock” is πέτρα (petra), meaning a large, solid mass of stone—something sturdy and dependable, not just a small stone or pebble. This shows the strength of the foundation Jesus is talking about.
  • The verb “doeth” is ποιέω (poieō), which means to do, make, or put into practice. The emphasis is on action, not just belief or intention.

Why Matthew 7:24 matters

  • Matthew 7:24 makes it clear that hearing Jesus’ words is not enough; real wisdom is shown by living them out.
  • The verse sets up a contrast with the following verses, where those who ignore Jesus’ teachings are compared to someone building on sand, highlighting the consequences of each choice.
  • This verse ties together the whole Sermon on the Mount, showing that Jesus expects a response to his teaching, not just admiration or agreement.

Where else these words appear

“wise” Greek G5429 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

“rock” Greek G4073 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
  • 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.

“liken” Greek G3666 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
  • Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
  • Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
  • Luke 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.