Mark 4:16-17 interprets the rocky ground as those who receive the word joyfully but fall away under persecution — the lack of root explains the immediate sprouting.

In Mark 4:17, Jesus explains the rocky ground represents those who fall away under persecution — directly interpreting the shallow soil.

Matthew 13:5 records the same parable with nearly identical wording — a synoptic parallel confirming the rocky ground description.

Matthew 13:6 continues the parable, describing the sun scorching the plants — the next step after the shallow soil in Mark.

Matthew 13:20 gives the interpretation of the rocky ground as those who receive the word with joy but fall away — parallel to Mark 4:17.

Luke 8:6 is Luke's version of the seed on rock, noting it withered for lack of moisture — a synoptic parallel.

1 John 2:19 describes those who leave because they were never truly rooted — mirroring the shallow soil's temporary growth in this parable.