Luke 13:9

And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.

And if {G2579}{G3303} it bear {G4160} fruit {G2590}, well: and if not {G1490}, then after that {G1519}{G3195} thou shalt cut {G1581} it {G846} down {G1581}.

If it bears fruit next year, well and good; if not, you will have it cut down then.’”

If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’”

and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.

Luke 13:9 concludes the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, delivered by Jesus. This verse highlights the critical outcome of the extended period of grace offered by the vineyard keeper, representing God's patience and the intercession of Christ.

Context

This parable is set immediately after Jesus addresses current events concerning the death of Galileans at Pilate's hand and eighteen people killed by the collapse of the Tower of Siloam. Jesus uses these tragedies not to imply that the victims were greater sinners, but to underscore the universal need for repentance. He warns, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5). The fig tree, often a symbol for Israel, but also applicable to individuals, had been given three years to produce fruit, then a further year with intensified care ("digging about it, and dunging it"). Verse 9 delivers the final ultimatum: if fruit is still not borne, it will be cut down.

Key Themes

  • God's Patience and Grace: The parable vividly illustrates God's immense patience and willingness to provide every opportunity for humanity (or His chosen people) to respond to His grace and produce spiritual fruit. The vineyard keeper's plea for "one more year" signifies a period of divine forbearance.
  • The Urgency of Repentance and Fruitfulness: While God is patient, His patience is not infinite. There is a clear expectation for a response—the bearing of fruit. If this expectation is not met, judgment will inevitably follow. This emphasizes the urgency of responding to God's call.
  • Divine Justice: The consequence ("cut it down") underscores the principle of divine justice. Those who persistently reject God's grace and fail to produce fruit in keeping with their calling will ultimately face the consequences of their unfruitfulness.
  • Accountability: The verse highlights individual and corporate accountability before God. Every soul is given opportunities to grow and demonstrate spiritual vitality, and there is an expectation that these opportunities will be utilized.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV uses brackets around "[well]" and "[then]" to indicate that these words are supplied by the translators for clarity and flow, not being explicitly present in the original Greek. The Greek phrase for "cut it down" (ἐκκόψεις - ekkopses) is a strong verb, meaning to cut out, cut off, or cut down, implying a decisive and final removal. This emphasizes the stark and irreversible nature of the judgment if fruitlessness persists.

Practical Application

Luke 13:9 serves as a profound warning and an enduring call to self-examination for believers and non-believers alike. It challenges us to consider:

  • What kind of "fruit" are we bearing? This refers not merely to outward religious activity, but to a changed life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), as well as acts of righteousness and service.
  • Are we presuming on God's patience? The verse reminds us that while God is long-suffering, there is a limit to the time of grace. We should not delay our response to His call or take His kindness for granted.
  • Are we utilizing the opportunities God gives us for growth? The "digging and dunging" represent the various means God uses—His Word, the Holy Spirit, community, circumstances—to cultivate spiritual life in us. We are called to cooperate with His work.
This verse encourages a life of active faith and intentional fruitfulness, recognizing the preciousness of God's grace and the reality of His ultimate judgment.

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.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 6:8

    But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:15

    Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

  • Ezra 9:14

    Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us], so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping?

  • Ezra 9:15

    O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

  • Psalms 69:22

    ¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

  • Psalms 69:28

    Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

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