Keraia
Luke 13

Luke 13:6

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree · Luke 13:6–9
Read Luke 13

Translations

Modern
Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.
Traditional
He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Literal
And He was speaking this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and he did not find any.
Latin
Dicebat autem et hanc similitudinem: Arborem fici habebat quidam plantatam in vinea sua, et venit quærens fructum in illa, et non invenit.

Original

Greek
English
Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.

Notes

Luke 13:6

a fig tree: People sometimes described Israel as a fig tree without fruit or a vineyard that God would judge (Isaiah 5:1–7; Micah 7:1–2; see Jeremiah 8:13; 24:1–10; Hosea 9:10).

Luke 13:6–9

The parable of the barren fig tree (a story about a tree that does not produce fruit) shows the ministry of Jesus to Israel. If the nation did not produce the fruit of repentance (turning away from sin), it would face judgment. The story does not give a final ending, which shows that Israel still had a chance to respond. Compare with Matthew 21:18–19 and the similar passage in Mark 11:12–14.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Judgment of His People

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 5:1–7

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Galilee Jude, Letter of Luke, Gospel of Vines, Vineyard

Topics

Church: Backslidden Fig Tree: Barren, Parable of God: Longsuffering of God: Longsuffering of, Abused Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Barren Fig Tree Jesus, the Christ: Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (In Galilee) Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree Probation: The Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Responsibility: According to Privilege The Fig-Tree: (Barren) of Mere Professors of Religion The Fig-Tree: Sometimes Planted in Vineyards The Patience of God: Illustrated Unfaithfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Unfruitfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Vineyard: Parables of Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree