Matthew 13:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχει
hath he
G2192
ἔχει
hath he
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γενομένης
ariseth
G1096
γενομένης
ariseth
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
of the word
G3056
λόγον
of the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
17 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
Matthew 11:6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.Hosea 6:4O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.Job 19:28But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?Proverbs 12:3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Psalms 36:3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.Proverbs 12:12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.Mark 4:17And 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.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Historical Context
First-century Christian persecution was immediate and intense—excommunication from synagogue (John 9:22), loss of employment, family rejection (Matthew 10:34-36), imprisonment, martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60). Many who initially responded to Jesus's ministry abandoned Him when costs became clear (John 6:66). The early church experienced this constantly, making this warning pastorally urgent for Matthew's readers.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'tribulation or persecution' tests reveal whether your faith has genuine root?
- How can you develop deep spiritual roots that sustain faith through suffering?
- Where might you be 'offended' by Christ's demands—tempted to fall away when following Him costs something?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Yet hath he not root in himself (οὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ)—no deep tap root connecting to water and nutrients. The problem is internal, not external; the issue is character, not circumstances. Dureth for a while (πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν)—proskairos means 'temporary, lasting only for a season.' True faith perseveres (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:14).
When tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word (θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ)—external pressure reveals internal reality. By and by he is offended (εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζεται)—skandalizō means 'to cause to stumble, fall away.' Immediately, without resistance, the shallow believer abandons Christ when following Him costs something. The rocky-ground hearer loves benefits but won't bear the cross; wants blessing without sacrifice; seeks a crown without suffering.