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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιῶν
doeth
G4160
ποιῶν
doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτοῦ
them
G846
αὐτοῦ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
ὁμοιωθήσεται
shall be likened
G3666
ὁμοιωθήσεται
shall be likened
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
13 of 23
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
μωρῷ
unto a foolish
G3474
μωρῷ
unto a foolish
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
15 of 23
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
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
them
G846
αὐτοῦ
them
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
Luke 6:49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.Jeremiah 8:9The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?James 2:20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Proverbs 14:1Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
Historical Context
Houses built on sand might look identical to those on rock—until storms came. External appearance doesn't reveal foundation quality. Similarly, false professors and true believers may look similar in prosperity, but trials and final judgment reveal true foundations.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you hearing God's Word without obeying it—building on sand rather than rock?
- How would your life change if you obeyed everything you already know from Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The foolish builder hears Jesus's sayings but doesn't do them—building on sand. When storms come, the house falls, and its fall is great. Hearing without obeying is spiritual foolishness resulting in catastrophic collapse. Knowledge without obedience doesn't save; it condemns because it adds accountability without transformation.