Luke 13:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He spake {G3004} also {G1161} this {G5026} parable {G3850}; A certain {G5100} man had {G2192} a fig tree {G4808} planted {G5452} in {G1722} his {G846} vineyard {G290}; and {G2532} he came {G2064} and sought {G2212} fruit {G2590} thereon {G1722}{G846}, and {G2532} found {G2147} none {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua gave this illustration: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit but didn’t find any.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:6 introduces the profound Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, a vivid illustration spoken by Jesus. It describes a landowner's expectation of fruit from a fig tree carefully planted in his vineyard, only to repeatedly find it barren. This scenario sets the stage for a crucial spiritual lesson concerning divine expectation, the urgency of spiritual fruitfulness, and the consequences of persistent unresponsiveness to God's patient grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed immediately following Jesus' direct challenge to His listeners regarding two recent tragic events: the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the eighteen people killed by the collapse of the tower in Siloam (Luke 13:1-5). In response to the common assumption that such victims were greater sinners, Jesus emphatically states that unless His audience repents, they too will perish (Luke 13:3, 5). The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree serves as a powerful and urgent reinforcement of this call to repentance, visually depicting God's patient yet time-limited expectation for His people to bear the fruit of genuine change. It shifts the focus from external judgment on others to the internal spiritual state and responsibility of each individual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, fig trees were a common and valuable crop, often planted in vineyards alongside grapevines. This practice was not merely for convenience; it indicated a deliberate investment and expectation of a return. A fig tree typically began bearing fruit within three years, and by the fourth or fifth year, it was expected to be consistently productive. To have a fig tree in a vineyard for three years (as implied by the owner's repeated visits in the subsequent verses of the parable, though not explicitly in Luke 13:6) without fruit represented a significant waste of resources and space. The imagery of a fig tree and a vineyard held deep symbolic resonance for a Jewish audience, often representing Israel as God's chosen people and His diligent care for them, as seen in prophetic literature.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 13:6 introduces several critical themes that permeate this passage and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Expectation**: God, as the owner of the vineyard, justly expects His people to produce spiritual fruit in response to His gracious provision and cultivation. This expectation is rooted in the covenant relationship and the purpose for which humanity was created. Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Patience and Opportunity**: the owner's repeated visits imply a period of grace and forbearance, mirroring God's long-suffering with humanity, offering multiple opportunities for repentance and growth before judgment. This aligns with themes found in passages like [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance"), where Paul speaks of God's kindness leading to repentance. Finally, the stark reality of "found none" underscores the **Danger of Barrenness**: spiritual unfruitfulness, despite receiving divine care, is a serious condition that ultimately leads to judgment. This echoes the prophetic warnings to Israel, such as [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), which laments Israel's failure to produce justice and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parabolḗ (Greek, _parabolḗ_):** This term, translated as "parable," refers to a similitude or a symbolic fictitious narrative drawn from common life, designed to convey a moral or spiritual truth. Jesus frequently employed parables to reveal profound spiritual realities in an accessible, yet often challenging, manner, inviting listeners to engage deeply with His message.
* **Zētéō (Greek, _zētéō_):** Meaning "to seek," this word implies a deliberate and purposeful search or inquiry. In the context of the parable, the owner's act of "seeking" fruit is not a casual glance but an active expectation and repeated effort to find what he has a right to expect from his investment. This signifies God's earnest desire for His people to bear fruit.
* **Karpós (Greek, _karpós_):** Translated as "fruit," this term literally refers to the produce of the earth, but biblically, it carries significant figurative meaning. In this parable, "fruit" represents the tangible evidence of spiritual life: repentance, righteousness, obedience, and character transformation that aligns with God's will. Its absence ("found none") is the core problem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He spake also this parable":** This opening clause immediately identifies the genre of Jesus' teaching, signaling to the audience that a deeper, symbolic meaning is to be understood beyond the literal narrative. It highlights Jesus' characteristic method of instruction, drawing from everyday life to illuminate eternal truths.
* **"A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard":** This establishes the setting and the primary characters. The "certain man" represents God, the owner and cultivator. The "fig tree" symbolizes God's people (often Israel, but broadly applicable to any recipient of God's grace). Its planting "in his vineyard" signifies deliberate care, provision, and a prime location for flourishing, emphasizing the owner's investment and the tree's abundant opportunity to thrive.
* **"and he came and sought fruit thereon":** This phrase reveals the owner's consistent expectation and repeated efforts. It implies a period of waiting and observation, reflecting God's patience and His righteous expectation that His investment in His people will yield a return in the form of spiritual fruitfulness. The owner's action is entirely reasonable given the care provided.
* **"and found none":** This concise and stark declaration is the pivotal point of the verse, introducing the central problem of the parable. The absence of fruit, despite the ideal conditions and the owner's diligent seeking, highlights the tree's barrenness and failure to fulfill its purpose. This sets up the tension and the subsequent discussion of judgment and a final opportunity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 13:6 is rich with literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The primary device is **Parable** itself, a short, illustrative story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus masterfully uses this form to engage His audience and convey complex theological truths in an accessible way. **Symbolism** is central, with the "man" representing God, the "fig tree" symbolizing Israel (and by extension, any individual or community given divine favor), and the "vineyard" representing God's care, covenant, or kingdom. The "fruit" symbolizes the expected spiritual response: repentance, righteousness, and obedience. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Antithesis** between the owner's expectation ("sought fruit") and the disappointing reality ("found none"), highlighting the stark contrast between divine desire and human unresponsiveness, which drives the parable's urgent message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, introduced in Luke 13:6, is a profound theological statement on God's just expectations, His remarkable patience, and the critical urgency of spiritual fruitfulness. It underscores the truth that divine privilege (being "planted in His vineyard") comes with divine responsibility. God invests in His people, providing all necessary resources for growth and fruitfulness, and He rightly expects a return on that investment. The barrenness of the fig tree serves as a stark warning: continued unfruitfulness, despite ample opportunity and grace, will eventually lead to judgment. This parable is a call to self-examination, urging individuals and communities to assess whether their lives are producing the spiritual fruit that reflects genuine repentance and faith, or if they are merely occupying space without fulfilling their God-given purpose.

* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Does Not Bear Good Fruit")
* [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - Every Branch That Does Not Bear Fruit")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:6 serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection for every believer. We, too, have been "planted in His vineyard" through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given every spiritual blessing and opportunity to grow. The question this verse implicitly poses to us is: Are we bearing fruit? This isn't about striving for perfection or human achievement, but about the natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ. Spiritual fruit, as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"), includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is the character of Christ being formed within us and expressed through our lives. The parable reminds us that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. There is an urgency to respond to His grace and cultivate a life of genuine repentance and obedience, ensuring that we are not merely consuming resources but actively contributing to His kingdom through a fruitful life. Let us not be found barren when the Master comes seeking fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I see evidence of spiritual fruitfulness, and where might I be barren?**
* **What resources (e.g., God's Word, prayer, community, the Holy Spirit) has God provided me with to help me bear fruit? Am I utilizing them fully?**
* **How does the "patience" of the landowner in this parable encourage me, and how does the "found none" challenge me to a greater urgency in my spiritual walk?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to cultivate a more fruitful life, reflecting genuine repentance and faith?**

### FAQ
**What does the fig tree symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: In this parable, the fig tree primarily symbolizes Israel, God's chosen people. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree is often used metaphorically to represent Israel (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:13](/jeremiah/8-13 "Jeremiah 8:13 - No Fruit on the Fig Tree"), [Hosea 9:10](/hosea/9-10 "Hosea 9:10 - Israel as Early Figs")). Just as the fig tree was expected to bear fruit, Israel, having received God's special care and covenant, was expected to produce the fruit of righteousness and obedience. By extension, the parable also applies to any individual or community that has received God's grace and provision, signifying God's expectation for all who claim to be His to bear spiritual fruit.

**What kind of "fruit" is the owner seeking from the fig tree?**

Answer: The "fruit" the owner seeks is not literal figs, but spiritual fruit. In the context of Jesus' preceding call to repentance in [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Unless you repent, you too will all perish"), this fruit primarily refers to genuine repentance, which involves a change of mind and heart leading to a change in behavior and lifestyle. More broadly, it encompasses righteous living, obedience to God's commands, and the manifestation of Christ-like character. The Apostle Paul later elaborates on this as the "fruit of the Spirit" in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"), which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is the tangible evidence that one's life is aligned with God's will and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 13:6 presents a warning about barrenness and impending judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is the divine "owner" who has come seeking fruit, and His very presence among humanity marked the final, decisive period of grace before judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is the True Vine, and believers are the branches who must abide in Him to bear fruit (as powerfully articulated in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine")). He is also the ultimate intercessor, the one who, like the vinedresser in the subsequent verses of the parable (Luke 13:7-9), pleads for one more opportunity for humanity. His death on the cross and resurrection provided the means for barren humanity to become fruitful, offering true repentance and the power to live a new life. Through His sacrifice, the judgment due to unfruitfulness was borne by Him, and through His Spirit, believers are empowered to produce the fruit of righteousness that God desires, transforming barren lives into flourishing ones. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled God's expectations, bearing the ultimate fruit of salvation for all who believe, and He continues to intercede for us, as seen in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Intercede").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Isaiah 5:1

¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

Isaiah 5:4

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Matthew 21:19

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.

Matthew 21:20

And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Jeremiah 2:21

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?