but since he has no root in himself, but is temporary, then when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly stumbles.
Jesus explains that the seed that fell on rocky ground represents people who have a temporary faith. They receive the word of God with joy, but because their faith has no deep roots, when difficulties arise they are easily led astray. “Has no root in himself” means that these people do not have an established spiritual foundation. They believe as long as everything is going smoothly, but when trials, persecutions, or hardships come, they turn away from the faith. This word warns that true faith must have deep roots; it must be strengthened through prayer, the study of God’s word, and endurance in the face of life’s trials.