Keraia
Matthew 21

Matthew 21:19

The Barren Fig Tree · Matthew 21:18–22
Read Matthew 21

Translations

Modern
Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered.
Traditional
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
Literal
And having seen one fig tree on the way, He went to it and found nothing on it except leaves. And He says to it, “Never let there be anymore fruit out of you, to the age!” And the fig tree withered immediately.
Latin
Et videns fici arborem unam secus viam, venit ad eam: et nihil invenit in ea nisi folia tantum, et ait illi: Numquam ex te fructus nascatur in sempiternum. Et arefacta est continuo ficulnea.

Original

Greek
English
Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered.

Notes

Matthew 21:19

  • Nothing on it except leaves: Mark notes that "it was not the season for figs" (see Mark 11:13). It was spring, just before Passover. Figs start growing in spring but ripen in fall.

  • immediately the tree withered: Matthew seems to have shortened the story (compare Matthew 21:18–22; Mark 11:13–14, 20–23). The cursing of the fig tree symbolizes God's judgment on Israel for rejecting the Messiah (see Matt 3:9; 8:11–12). The Israelites are like a fig tree that looks promising but has no fruit. This was especially true of the hypocritical leaders. They did not bear fruit, symbolic of receiving the Messiah (see 21:33–46).

Events

Parallels

Mark 11:12–14 Mark 11:20–25

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Fig, Fig Tree Gospel of Matthew

Topics

Ecclesiasticism: Jewish, to be Overthrown Fig Trees Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of The Fig Tree Blighted Jesus, the Christ: Performs the Miracle of Causing the Barren Fig Tree to Wither Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Condemns a Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree The Fig-Tree: (Barren) of Mere Professors of Religion The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Eaten Fresh from the Tree The Miracles of Christ: Fig Tree Blighted Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Unfaithfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Unfruitfulness: General Scriptures Concerning