Luke 13:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:9 concludes the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, delivering the stark consequence of persistent unfruitfulness after a period of extended grace and diligent cultivation. It underscores that while divine patience is profound, it is not limitless, and a failure to produce the expected spiritual fruit will ultimately lead to decisive judgment and removal. This verse serves as a final, urgent warning within Jesus' broader call for repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is presented by Jesus immediately following His discourse on two recent tragedies: the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam, which killed eighteen people. In both instances, Jesus explicitly refutes the common assumption that these victims were greater sinners, instead using these events to emphasize the universal and urgent need for repentance for all people. He warns, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" ([Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - The Call to Repentance"), [Luke 13:5](/luke/13-5 "Luke 13:5 - The Urgency of Repentance")). The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree in [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree") then illustrates this principle of impending judgment for those who fail to repent and bear fruit, even after receiving ample opportunity and divine cultivation. Verse 9 brings the parable to its climactic and sobering conclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fig trees were a common and valuable crop in ancient Israel, often planted in vineyards. They were expected to produce fruit reliably, typically after three years. The owner's expectation for fruit from his fig tree, and the vineyard keeper's request for an additional year of intensive care ("digging about it, and dunging it"), reflect common agricultural practices and the significant investment of time and labor. The Jewish people, as God's chosen nation, were often symbolized as a vine or fig tree in the Old Testament, expected to bear fruit for God (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), [Jeremiah 8:13](/jeremiah/8-13 "Jeremiah 8:13 - No Grapes on the Vine")). This parable would have resonated deeply with Jesus' Jewish audience, who understood the symbolism and the expectation of fruitfulness from God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, culminating in [Luke 13:9](/luke/13-9 "Luke 13:9 - The Consequence of Unfruitfulness"), powerfully communicates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's immense patience and grace**, as evidenced by the vineyard keeper's willingness to grant an additional year of intensive care to the unfruitful tree. Secondly, it stresses the **urgency of repentance and the necessity of spiritual fruitfulness**, making it clear that divine patience, while vast, is not infinite and comes with an expectation of response. Thirdly, the verse underscores the principle of **divine justice and accountability**, where persistent unfruitfulness, despite abundant opportunity, inevitably leads to judgment. This aligns with themes found throughout the Gospels, such as the warnings in [Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "Matthew 3:10 - John the Baptist's Warning") and [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Trees Known by Their Fruit"), which speak of trees that do not bear good fruit being cut down.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **if not (Greek, _ei dè mḗ(ge)_ G1490):** This phrase introduces the critical conditional clause that dictates the outcome. It signifies a direct negation of the preceding condition ("if it bear fruit"). The addition of `ge` (γέ) can intensify the negation, emphasizing the definitive nature of the "no fruit" scenario. It highlights the stark choice and the binary outcome: fruit or judgment.
* **after that (Greek, _méllō_ G3195):** While the KJV translates "after that," the Greek `méllō` (often used with `eis` G1519 for "into" or "for") conveys the sense of being "about to" or "intending to" do something. It indicates an impending, certain action. This is not a vague future possibility but a determined, imminent consequence, reinforcing the inevitability of the judgment if the condition of fruitlessness is met.
* **cut it down (Greek, _ekkóptō_ G1581):** This strong verb, formed from `ek` (out of) and `kóptō` (to cut), means to cut out, cut off, or hew down. It implies a decisive, complete, and irreversible removal. In the context of the parable, it signifies not merely pruning, but the complete destruction of the tree, rendering it useless and removing it from the vineyard. This emphasizes the finality and severity of the judgment for persistent unfruitfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it bear fruit, [well]:"**: This clause presents the desired outcome and the positive condition. The vineyard keeper's (and by extension, God's) hope is that the tree will finally produce fruit. The bracketed "well" is an interpretive addition by the translators, implying that if the tree does bear fruit, the situation is resolved positively, fulfilling the purpose for which it was cultivated. It speaks to the grace and patience extended, with the expectation that it will lead to the desired result.
* **"and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down."**: This is the critical conditional warning. "If not" directly refers to the failure to bear fruit. The phrase "after that" (or "then, about to be") signifies that the judgment is not immediate but follows the period of grace and intensified cultivation. The command "thou shalt cut it down" is a direct, authoritative instruction for the tree's removal. It underscores the ultimate and irreversible consequence of continued barrenness, highlighting divine justice and the end of the period of forbearance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 13:9, and indeed the entire passage of [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree"), is **Parable**. Jesus uses this extended metaphor to convey spiritual truth in an accessible way. Within the parable, **Symbolism** is central: the fig tree symbolizes Israel (and by extension, individuals or communities) who have received God's care but have failed to produce spiritual fruit. The vineyard keeper represents Jesus' intercession and God's patience, while the owner represents God the Father, who ultimately expects a return on His investment. The "fruit" symbolizes the righteous living, repentance, and good works that God expects from His people. The verse itself functions as a **Conditional Statement** ("If X, then Y"), clearly outlining the cause-and-effect relationship between fruitfulness (or lack thereof) and judgment. This structure creates a sense of **Urgency** and serves as a direct **Warning**, emphasizing that the time for decision and change is finite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:9 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and humanity's responsibility. It beautifully balances God's boundless patience and His unwavering expectation of righteousness. The extended grace offered by the vineyard keeper reflects God's desire for all to come to repentance, providing every opportunity for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. However, it simultaneously asserts that this patience is not eternal; there is a point at which persistent unfruitfulness, despite divine cultivation, will lead to just judgment. This highlights the seriousness of neglecting God's call and the accountability inherent in receiving His grace. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but must manifest in a life that bears fruit consistent with repentance and the transforming power of God.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Brings Not Forth Good Fruit Is Hewn Down")
* [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - Every Branch That Does Not Bear Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:9 is a piercing call to self-examination, urging us to consider the state of our spiritual lives. It challenges us to move beyond mere profession of faith to genuine production of "fruit"—evidence of a transformed heart and life. This fruit is not merely outward religious activity, but the character of Christ formed within us, manifested as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). It also includes acts of righteousness, service, and evangelism that flow from a Spirit-filled life. The verse warns against presuming upon God's patience or taking His grace for granted. While God is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" ([2_peter/3-9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for Repentance")), there is a definitive limit to the time of grace and opportunity. We are called to actively cooperate with the "digging and dunging"—the various means God uses, such as His Word, the Holy Spirit, community, and life circumstances—to cultivate spiritual vitality in us. This verse compels us to live with a sense of urgency, responding to God's ongoing work in our lives by actively pursuing holiness and bearing abundant fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fruit" does God expect from my life, and how am I currently measuring up?**
* **Am I taking God's patience for granted, or am I actively responding to His grace with repentance and obedience?**
* **How am I cooperating with the "cultivation" God provides in my life (e.g., His Word, community, trials) to grow and bear more fruit?**
* **What areas of my life might be considered "unfruitful" and in need of deeper repentance and transformation?**

### FAQ

**What does the "fig tree" symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: In this parable, the "fig tree" primarily symbolizes Israel, God's chosen nation, which had been given immense privilege and cultivation but had largely failed to produce the spiritual fruit of righteousness and obedience expected by God. However, the parable's application extends beyond Israel to any individual or community that has received God's grace and opportunities for growth but remains spiritually barren. Jesus' preceding call to repentance for all people ([Luke 13:3-5](/luke/13-3-5 "Luke 13:3-5 - Repent or Perish")) indicates a broader personal application.

**Does "cut it down" mean eternal damnation?**

Answer: "Cut it down" signifies a decisive and final judgment for persistent unfruitfulness. While the parable itself does not explicitly define the nature of this judgment (e.g., eternal damnation vs. removal from a position of privilege), in the broader context of Jesus' teachings, particularly His warnings about those who do not bear good fruit ([Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Brings Not Forth Good Fruit Is Hewn Down")) or those who are cast out ([Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - Cast Out the Unprofitable Servant")), it strongly implies a severe, ultimate separation from God's favor and blessing. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting or neglecting God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:9 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus as the one who intercedes (like the vineyard keeper) but also as the one who embodies true fruitfulness and the one who will execute final judgment. Jesus Himself is the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), and only by abiding in Him can believers bear "much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). His intercession for us before the Father, as our Advocate ([1_john/2-1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")), mirrors the vineyard keeper's plea for "one more year." Yet, Jesus also speaks of Himself as the one who will return as Judge, separating the fruitful from the unfruitful, the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The warning of Luke 13:9 thus points to the necessity of a living, fruitful relationship with Christ, recognizing that His grace provides the opportunity for transformation, but His return will bring a definitive reckoning for those who have failed to respond to His call and bear the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

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 15:2

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.