Luke 13:8

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]:

And {G1161} he answering {G611} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, let {G863} it {G846} alone {G863} this {G5124} year {G2094} also {G2532}, till {G2193}{G3755} I shall dig {G4626} about {G4012} it {G846}, and {G2532} dung {G906}{G2874} it:

But he answered, ‘Sir, leave it alone one more year. I’ll dig around it and put manure on it.

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

And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

Luke 13:8 KJV is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, revealing the compassionate plea of the gardener to the owner of the vineyard. It underscores themes of divine patience, intercession, and the urgent call to spiritual fruitfulness.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' parable found in Luke 13:6-9. Immediately preceding this parable, Jesus emphasizes the need for repentance, warning that "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). The parable serves as a vivid illustration of this principle. The fig tree, often symbolic of Israel (or individual believers), had failed to produce fruit for three years, representing a period of divine expectation and grace. The owner's intention was to cut it down, signifying impending judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience and Grace: The gardener's request, "Lord, let it alone this year also," highlights God's incredible long-suffering. Despite the tree's barrenness, there is a willingness to extend grace and grant a final opportunity for growth and fruitfulness, rather than immediate judgment. This echoes God's nature as slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (2 Peter 3:9).
  • Intercession of Christ: Many commentators see the gardener as a representation of Jesus Christ, who continually intercedes for humanity before the Father. His plea for "one more year" and his willingness to "dig about it, and dung [it]" symbolize His tireless work, sacrifice, and advocacy on behalf of those who have not yet borne fruit (Hebrews 7:25).
  • Urgency of Fruitfulness: While patience is extended, it is not indefinite. The "one more year" implies a limited window of opportunity. It underscores the critical need for individuals and the church to respond to God's cultivation efforts by producing spiritual fruit—righteous living, good works, and genuine repentance (John 15:8).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]" (Greek: skapsō perì autēn kaì balō koprían) emphasizes the intensive, laborious effort the gardener is willing to exert. "Dig about it" implies breaking up hardened soil, preparing it for nourishment. "Dung [it]" refers to applying manure, a nutrient-rich but often unpleasant substance. This imagery speaks to the deep, sometimes uncomfortable, work of spiritual cultivation—removing obstacles, providing spiritual nourishment (like the Word of God), and tending to the soul's needs to encourage growth and fruit.

Practical Application

Luke 13:8 challenges believers to reflect on their own spiritual lives. Are we bearing fruit consistent with the grace and opportunities God has given us? This verse reminds us:

  • Embrace Repentance: If we are barren, God's patience offers a chance to turn back and seek His transforming power.
  • Value God's Cultivation: Recognize the various ways God works in our lives (through His Word, trials, community) to help us grow.
  • Live Fruitfully: Actively pursue a life that honors God through obedience, love, and service, understanding that opportunities may not last forever.
  • Intercede for Others: Just as the gardener pleaded, we are called to pray for those who are struggling spiritually, asking for God's continued patience and grace in their lives.
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.

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • Joel 2:17

    Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?

  • Romans 11:14

    If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.

  • Jeremiah 14:13

    Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

  • Jeremiah 14:18

    If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

  • Jeremiah 15:1

    ¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

  • Romans 10:1

    ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
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