Luke 8:13

8:13 Those ¹  on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, ²  but ³  in a time of testing ⁴  fall away. ⁵ 

Luke 15:7

15:7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner ⁶  who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people ⁷  who have no need to repent. ⁸ 

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¹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

² sn This time of temporary faith represented by the description believe for a while is presented rather tragically in the passage. The seed does not get a chance to do all it can.

³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

⁴ tn Traditionally, “temptation.” Such a translation puts the emphasis on temptation to sin rather than testing of faith, which is what the context seems to indicate.

⁵ sn Fall away. On the idea of falling away and the warnings against it, see 2 Tim 3:1; Heb 3:12; Jer 3:14; Dan 9:9.

⁶ sn There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The pursuit of the sinner is a priority in spite of the presence of others who are doing well (see also Luke 5:32; 19:10). The theme of repentance, a major Lukan theme, is again emphasized.

⁷ tn Here δικαίοις (dikaioi") is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”

⁸ tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”