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.

MATTHEW 7:25KJV
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Matthew 7:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:25 mean?

Matthew 7:25 describes a house that stands firm despite heavy rain, rising floods, and strong winds because it is built on a solid foundation of rock. The verse uses this image to show the strength and stability that comes from having a secure, reliable base.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, using a parable to illustrate the importance of putting his teachings into practice. The house represents a person’s life, and the rock foundation stands for hearing and doing what Jesus says. The verse highlights that real security comes from a strong foundation, not from avoiding life’s storms.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:25

  • ὑετός (hyetos, "rain"): This word refers to a heavy downpour, not just a light shower. The verse emphasizes that the challenges faced are serious and potentially overwhelming.
  • ποταμοί (potamoi, "floods"): This word means rivers or floods, suggesting powerful forces that can sweep things away. It adds to the sense of danger and testing.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "winds"): While often meaning "spirit," here it clearly means strong, forceful winds. The verse paints a picture of multiple dangers coming at once.
  • πέτρα (petra, "rock"): This word refers to a large, solid mass of rock, not just a stone. The image is of something unmovable and trustworthy, highlighting the strength of the foundation.

Why Matthew 7:25 matters

  • Matthew 7:25 clarifies that facing difficulties is not a sign of a weak foundation; even the well-built house experiences storms, but it stands firm.
  • The verse emphasizes that the difference between collapse and endurance is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of a strong foundation—specifically, following Jesus’ teachings.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating the practical outcome of living according to Jesus’ words, contrasting with the next verse where a house without a solid foundation falls.

Where else these words appear

“rain” Greek G1028 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

“founded” Greek G2311 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
  • Hebrews 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

“blew” Greek G4154 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
  • John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

“upon” Greek G4363 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
  • Mark 7:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
  • Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.