Luke 13:7

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

Then {G1161} said he {G2036} unto {G4314} the dresser of his vineyard {G289}, Behold {G2400}, these three {G5140} years {G2094} I come {G2064} seeking {G2212} fruit {G2590} on {G1722} this {G5026} fig tree {G4808}, and {G2532} find {G2147} none {G3756}: cut {G1581} it {G846} down {G1581}; why {G2444}{G2532} cumbereth {G2673} it {G846} the ground {G1093}?

So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘Here, I’ve come looking for fruit on this fig tree for three years now without finding any. Cut it down — why let it go on using up the soil?’

So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘Look, for the past three years I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Therefore cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?

Context

Luke 13:7 is a central part of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9), spoken by Jesus. This parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the necessity of repentance, prompted by current events of His time (the Galileans slain by Pilate and the tower in Siloam that fell, Luke 13:1-5). The owner's complaint in this verse sets the stage for a vivid illustration of divine patience, the expectation of spiritual fruit, and the consequences of persistent unfruitfulness.

Key Themes

  • Unfruitfulness and Accountability: The fig tree represents individuals or, broadly, Israel, who are expected to produce spiritual fruit (righteousness, good works, genuine repentance). The owner's disappointment ("find none") highlights the accountability of those who have received divine favor and resources but fail to respond with obedience and productivity.
  • Divine Patience with Limits: The "three years" signifies a considerable period of grace and opportunity given by the owner. This reflects God's long-suffering nature, providing ample time for change. However, the command to "cut it down" clearly indicates that divine patience is not infinite and comes with an ultimate expectation of response.
  • Wasting Resources: The phrase "why cumbereth it the ground?" is a powerful indictment. An unproductive tree not only fails to bear fruit but also actively depletes the soil and occupies space that could be used by productive plants. This emphasizes that spiritual unfruitfulness is not merely passive but can be detrimental, consuming resources (time, grace, opportunities) without contributing to God's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "cumbereth" translates the Greek verb katargeō (καταργέω), which means to render idle, make useless, abolish, or occupy without profit. In this context, it vividly describes how the barren fig tree is not just benignly unproductive, but actively making the ground useless or depleting its nutrients. The "dresser of his vineyard" (Greek: geōrgos, γεωργός) refers to the cultivator or gardener, highlighting the dedicated care given to the tree, making its barrenness even more pronounced.

Related Scriptures

This parable echoes themes found throughout Scripture. The expectation of fruit from God's people is a recurring motif, seen in Isaiah 5:1-7, the "Song of the Vineyard," where Israel is depicted as a vineyard expected to yield good grapes but producing wild ones. Jesus also teaches about the importance of abiding in Him to bear much fruit in John 15:1-8. The concept of God's patience, while waiting for humanity's repentance, is also clearly articulated in 2 Peter 3:9.

Practical Application

Luke 13:7 serves as a serious call to self-examination. It challenges us to assess our own lives: are we bearing the spiritual fruit expected of us as followers of Christ? It reminds us that God's grace and patience, while abundant, are not an excuse for perpetual spiritual idleness or unfruitfulness. We are called to use the opportunities and resources God has given us wisely, actively contributing to His purposes rather than "cumbering the ground." This verse encourages a proactive and repentant response to God's continued grace, striving for a life that genuinely reflects His goodness and love.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 7:19

    Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Luke 3:9

    And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • John 15:6

    If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

  • Romans 2:4

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Romans 2:5

    But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

  • Matthew 3:9

    And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back