Luke 13:8

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

Translations

Modern
‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
Traditional
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Literal
And answering, he says to him, ‘Sir, leave it this year also, until I may dig around it and put in manure,
Latin
At ille respondens, dicit illi: Domine dimitte illam et hoc anno, usque dum fodiam circa illam, et mittam stercora,

Original

Greek
English
‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it.

Notes

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

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

Topics

Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Digging 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 Manure used As Fertilizer 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: Required Cultivation The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession Unfaithfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Unfruitfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Vineyard: Parables of Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree