Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλῇ
an honest
G2570
καλῇ
an honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
γῇ
ground
G1093
γῇ
ground
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
οὗτοί
they
G3778
οὗτοί
they
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
9 of 22
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
11 of 22
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καλῇ
an honest
G2570
καλῇ
an honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
17 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
κατέχουσιν
keep
G2722
κατέχουσιν
keep
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
18 of 22
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Luke 6:45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:1 John 2:3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Historical Context
The 'good ground' hearers contrast with the other three soils—path (word stolen by Satan, v. 12), rock (superficial faith without roots, v. 13), thorns (worldliness choking growth, v. 14). Jesus emphasizes that true disciples don't merely hear but retain and obey God's word, producing fruit over time. This fruit includes character transformation (Galatians 5:22-23), good works (Ephesians 2:10), and evangelistic results (bringing others to Christ). Patience is necessary because fruit doesn't appear immediately—spiritual growth requires time and endurance. This parable warns against false profession while encouraging genuine believers to persevere.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the progression of hearing, keeping, and bearing fruit teach about genuine versus superficial faith?
- How does the phrase 'with patience' correct expectations of instant results and emphasize long-term faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains the good soil: 'But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.' The 'honest and good heart' (Greek 'kalē kai agathē kardia,' καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ καρδίᾳ) describes receptive, prepared soil—humble, teachable, sincere. The progression is crucial: hear, keep (retain, obey), bring forth fruit. The phrase 'with patience' (Greek 'en hypomonē,' ἐν ὑπομονῇ) indicates fruit-bearing takes time, requiring endurance. Genuine faith perseveres, producing observable life change—fruit proving the reality of conversion.