πετρώδης (petrōdēs)
petrōdēs
rocky
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective petrōdēs describes ground that is rocky or stony, specifically referring to soil that is shallow with underlying rock. This term appears in only four verses, all within the Synoptic Gospels, where it paints a vivid picture of the terrain Jesus used in His parables.
In Matthew 13:5 and Mark 4:5, the word characterizes the soil where seed fell among rocks. It conveys a landscape that looks promising on the surface but lacks depth. The sources highlight this as a specific type of earth, distinct from fertile ground or hard paths, emphasizing the physical barrier the rock presents to root growth.
The word combines petra ("rock") with the suffix -ōdēs ("-like"). This construction clearly signals that the soil is defined by its rocky nature. Translators render it as "rocky" or "stony," capturing the immediate visual of a field where stones lie close to the surface, making sustained growth impossible.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word petrōdēs describes soil that is shallow over a bed of rock. In Jesus’ parables, this ground receives seed and sprouts quickly because the warmth reaches the surface fast. But when the sun rises, the plant withers because its roots cannot go deep. This image reminds us that initial excitement is not the same as lasting faith.
When we hear a message of hope, it is natural to feel joy in the moment. Yet true growth requires depth. We need time for our understanding to take root below the surface of our emotions. Without that foundation, challenges can cause us to fade just as quickly as the first plant.
This word invites us to look at where our spiritual roots are anchored. It is not enough to have a quick response; we must cultivate a heart that holds onto truth through difficult times. May your faith grow deep and steady, rooted in something stronger than surface feelings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rocky places3×
- rocky place1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πετρώδη3×
- πετρῶδες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:5
Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth.
This verse establishes the physical setting where seed falls on shallow soil over rock, highlighting the immediate sprouting due to lack of depth.
-
Mark 4:16
These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
Here Jesus interprets the scene by linking the rocky ground to those who receive the word with immediate joy but lack enduring root.