Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "rocky" in the biblical context often refers to terrain or ground that is characterized by rocks or stones, making it difficult for plants to take root and grow. This imagery is frequently used in Scripture to convey spiritual truths, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Biblical References:One of the most notable references to rocky ground is found in the Parable of the Sower, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In
Matthew 13:5-6 , Jesus describes the seed that falls on rocky places: "Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." This parable is also recounted in
Mark 4:5-6 and
Luke 8:6.
Interpretation and Symbolism:In the Parable of the Sower, the rocky ground symbolizes a heart that initially receives the word of God with joy but lacks depth and perseverance. As Jesus explains in
Matthew 13:20-21 , "The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." This illustrates the spiritual condition of individuals who may be enthusiastic about the gospel initially but fall away when faced with trials or challenges.
Theological Implications:The rocky ground serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of superficial faith. It emphasizes the necessity of cultivating a deep and enduring relationship with God, one that can withstand the trials and tribulations of life. The imagery of rocky soil challenges Christians to examine the depth of their faith and encourages them to seek a more profound understanding and commitment to the teachings of Christ.
Related Concepts:The concept of rocky ground is closely related to other biblical themes such as perseverance, spiritual growth, and the condition of the heart. Scriptures often use agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual truths, highlighting the importance of a fertile and receptive heart for the word of God to take root and flourish.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to prepare their hearts to receive God's word fully, ensuring that their faith is not shallow or easily shaken. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the life of the church community. By doing so, Christians can develop a robust and resilient faith capable of enduring life's challenges.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "rocky" outside of parables and metaphors, the concept remains a powerful illustration of the spiritual challenges faced by believers. It serves as a call to cultivate a deep, enduring faith that can withstand the trials of life and bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Full of, or abounding in, rocks; consisting of rocks; as, a rocky mountain; a rocky shore.
2. (a.) Like a rock; as, the rocky orb of a shield.
3. (a.) Fig.: Not easily impressed or affected; hard; unfeeling; obdurate; as, a rocky bosom.
Greek
4075. petrodes -- rock-like... rock-like. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: petrodes Phonetic Spelling:
(pet-ro'-dace) Short Definition:
rocky, stony Definition:
rocky, stony.
...697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in...
... god of war) and pagos (arocky hill) Definition "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a
hill in Athens NASB Word Usage Areopagus (2). Areopagus, Mars' Hill....
3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress
... Pompey inflicted a crushing defeat upon their navy off therocky stronghold of
Coracesium on the confines of Cilicia and Pisidia" (, 833).]....
3963. Patmos -- Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea
... Sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Patmos Phonetic Spelling:
(pat'-mos) Short Definition: Patmos Definition: Patmos, a smallrocky island in...
858. aphelotes -- simplicity
... 858 (derived from 1 "not" and , "stony ground") -- properly, without rocks (the
opposite of , "rocky land"), ie (a level plain); (figuratively) what is...
4073. petra -- a (large mass of) rock
... Zodhiates, ). Word Origin a prim. word Definition a (large mass of) rock
NASB Word Usage rock (10), rocks (3),rocky (2). rock....
5138. trachus -- rough
... rough. Perhaps strengthened from the base of rhegnumi (as if jagged by rents);
uneven,rocky (reefy) -- rock, rough. see GREEK rhegnumi....
Strong's Hebrew
5553. sela -- a crag, cliff... unused word Definition a crag, cliff NASB Word Usage cliff (4), cliffs (4), crag
(2), crags (3), mountain* (1), Rock (1), rock (39), rocks (4),
rocky (1), Sela
...1630. Gerizim -- a mountain in Northern Israel
... Gerizim. Plural of an unused noun from garaz (compare Gizriy), cut up (ieRocky);
Gerizim, a mountain of Palestine -- Gerizim. see HEBREW garaz....
6697. tsur -- rock, cliff
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition rock, cliff NASB Word Usage Rock
(10), rock (54), rocks (7),rocky (1), stones (1), strength (1)....
Library
Shod for the Road
... The portion of Asher, in whose blessing the words of our text occurs, was partly
therocky northern coast and partly the fertile lands stretching to the base...
Private Property and the Common Good
... sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the
birds came and devoured them: and others fell upon therocky places, where...
Sowing the Seed.
... And some fell upon arocky place, where there was not much soil, and as soon as
it sprang up it withered away, because it lacked moisture.... therocky place?...
The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's...
... and was broken in pieces." And it seemed good to Him that the mortal and corruptible
body which He had assumed, this body raised from therocky sepulchre and...
The Rock of Castello.
... sanctuaries burnt with fire, and "all their pleasant things laid waste," they would
retire with their wives and little ones up to thisrocky citadel, which the...
The Early Training of a Race.
... The Hebrews on escaping from Egypt entered the South Country, which extends seventy
miles from therocky hills of Judah southward until it merges into the...
The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... There is her place! What a lovely garden she has! And it is growing out of
suchrocky soil! There she is, the dear old mother in Israel!...
Friends of Jesus.
... He left Capernaum and went up through arocky vale to a high plain where the grass
lay thick and the wild flowers were coming up among it, for it was spring...
The Sower
... And other fell on therocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway
it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was risen...
Hebron
... Jebusites. Hebron was placed, as in the mountainous country of Judea, so
in a place veryrocky, but yet in a very fruitful coast....
Thesaurus
Rocky (14 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Full of, or abounding in, rocks; consisting of rocks; as, a
rocky mountain;
a
rocky shore. 2. (a.) Like a rock; as, the
rocky orb of a shield.
...Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)
... The serpent-stone, arocky plateau near the centre of the village of Siloam, and
near the fountain of En-rogel, to which the women of the village resort for...
Fell (331 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A barren orrocky hill.... Matthew 13:20 What was sown on therocky places,
this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; (See NIV)....
Crag (5 Occurrences)
... Two such crags (shen ha-cela`, "sharp rock," the Revised Version (British and American)
"rocky crag"), which were given particular names, Bozez and Seneh...
Straightway (96 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:5 and others fell upon therocky places, where they had not much earth:
and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: (ASV)....
Immediately (141 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:5 Others fell onrocky ground, where they didn't have much soil, and
immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth....
Straight (196 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:5 and others fell upon therocky places, where they had not much earth:
and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: (Root...
Places (610 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:20 What was sown on therocky places, this is he who hears the word,
and immediately with joy receives it; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Tyre (59 Occurrences)
... Tyre consisted of two distinct parts, arocky fortress on the mainland, called
"Old Tyre," and the city, built on a small,rocky island about half-a-mile...
Quickly (254 Occurrences)
... prison. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 13:5 Some falls
onrocky ground, where it has but scanty soil. It quickly...
Resources
What does it mean that God is the Rock of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Fellowship Bible Church movement (Gene Getz)? | GotQuestions.orgRocky: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
