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:
Read it in contextTwo foundations
Start reading at Matthew 7:24 (Matthew 7:24 to Matthew 7:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The builders bring the discourse to its practical conclusion: the decisive difference is whether hearers do what Jesus says.
7:24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
7:25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
7:26And 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:
7:27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
7:28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
7:29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 5:1–7:29): Jesus teaches His disciples with the crowds also hearing the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:1-2 identifies the disciples approaching Him; 7:28 records the crowds' response. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Two foundations. Read Matthew 7:24 through Matthew 7:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The builders bring the discourse to its practical conclusion: the decisive difference is whether hearers do what Jesus says. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Two foundations (Matthew 7:24 to Matthew 7:29).
Start reading at Matthew 7:24. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 7:24, Matthew 7:29, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings. This chapter concludes the Sermon on the Mount begun in Matthew 5.
Connection to the wholeJesus addresses hypocrisy in judgment, discernment, prayer, and treatment of others before the discourse's closing tests of response.
Connection to the wholeThe builders bring the discourse to its practical conclusion: the decisive difference is whether hearers do what Jesus says.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.