Matthew 7:24
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:
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγους
sayings
G3056
λόγους
sayings
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖ
doeth
G4160
ποιεῖ
doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁμοιώσω
I will liken
G3666
ὁμοιώσω
I will liken
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
12 of 23
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
φρονίμῳ
unto a wise
G5429
φρονίμῳ
unto a wise
Strong's:
G5429
Word #:
15 of 23
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
ᾠκοδόμησεν
built
G3618
ᾠκοδόμησεν
built
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
17 of 23
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.1 John 2:3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Proverbs 10:8The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.John 15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Historical Context
Palestinian builders faced seasonal torrents during rainy season. Sandy wadis (dry riverbeds) looked like solid ground in summer but became raging torrents in winter. Wise builders dug down to bedrock, while foolish ones built on convenient but unstable sand. Jesus' audience immediately understood the illustration. The Sermon on the Mount presented radical kingdom ethics—this parable warns that mere admiration without application equals self-deception. James echoes this teaching: 'be doers of the word, and not hearers only' (James 1:22).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you hearing Jesus' words but not yet doing them?
- What 'storms' have revealed the foundation of your faith—obedience or mere intellectual agreement?
- How does this parable challenge modern tendencies toward consumeristic Christianity that values inspiration over transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable contrasting wise and foolish builders. The 'wise man' (φρόνιμος/phronimos) demonstrates practical wisdom by building on 'rock' (πέτρα/petra)—likely bedrock beneath surface soil. The phrase 'heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them' establishes the critical connection: wisdom isn't mere knowledge but obedient action. The present participles 'heareth' (ἀκούων/akouon) and 'doeth' (ποιεῖ/poiei) indicate continuous, habitual practice. Building on rock requires more effort—digging through soil to bedrock—but ensures stability when storms come. This parable warns against superficial discipleship that appreciates Jesus' teaching but doesn't submit to His lordship. True wisdom responds to revelation with transformation.