Luke 23:31

KJV

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} if {G1487} they do {G4160} these things {G5023} in {G1722} a green {G5200} tree {G3586}, what {G5101} shall be done {G1096} in {G1722} the dry {G3584}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For if they do these things when the wood is green, what is going to happen when it’s dry?”

Berean Standard Bible

For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

American Standard Version

For if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:31 presents a profound and somber prophetic proverb spoken by Jesus to the weeping women of Jerusalem as He endures the agonizing journey to His crucifixion. This rhetorical question, steeped in vivid imagery, serves as a stark warning of the impending divine judgment that awaits a spiritually barren and rebellious people, underscoring the severe consequences for those who reject the Messiah if such suffering is inflicted upon the innocent Son of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically His journey to Golgotha after His condemnation by Pilate. As Jesus is led away, a large crowd follows, including women who are openly mourning His fate. Jesus turns to these women, not to solicit pity for His immediate suffering, but to redirect their sorrow towards the future, catastrophic events that will befall Jerusalem. This moment echoes His earlier lament over Jerusalem in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"), where He prophesied its destruction due to its failure to recognize the time of its visitation. The proverb in Luke 23:31 thus functions as a grim, yet compassionate, continuation of that prophetic warning, emphasizing the greater judgment that awaits the guilty if the innocent Son of God suffers so profoundly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' statement takes place under Roman occupation in Judea, a time of significant political and religious tension. The Jewish people, particularly the religious leadership, had largely rejected Jesus as their Messiah, leading to His crucifixion. The imagery of "green tree" and "dry tree" would have been readily understood by an agrarian society. Green wood, full of sap, is difficult to burn, while dry wood ignites easily and burns fiercely. This common understanding of wood properties is employed by Jesus to illustrate a spiritual truth about judgment. Historically, Jesus' warning found its devastating fulfillment in the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, a cataclysmic event that saw the temple razed and countless lives lost, a direct consequence of the nation's rejection of its Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven into Luke 23:31 are divine judgment, the stark contrast between innocence and guilt, and the principle of proportional consequences. The "green tree" metaphorically represents Jesus Himself—innocent, full of life, and undeserving of the cruel death He is about to endure. His suffering, though unjust, serves a divine purpose as a sacrifice for sin. Conversely, the "dry tree" symbolizes the spiritually barren, unrepentant nation of Israel that has rejected its Messiah. Jesus implies that if God permits such horrific suffering for His righteous Son, the judgment awaiting those who are unrighteous and rebellious will be far more intense. This theme of impending judgment for spiritual barrenness resonates with Old Testament prophecies, such as [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Righteous Like a Green Tree") which uses green trees to symbolize flourishing righteousness, and [Ezekiel 20:47](/ezekiel/20-47 "Ezekiel 20:47 - Fire in the Dry Forest"), where fire consumes dry trees, symbolizing divine wrath upon the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **green (Greek, _hygrós'_):** This word, derived from a base related to rain, signifies "wet" or, by implication, "sappy" and "fresh." In the context of wood, it refers to wood that is still alive and full of moisture, making it resistant to burning. Here, it metaphorically represents Jesus, who is innocent, full of life, and undeserving of the fiery judgment of crucifixion.
* **tree (Greek, _xýlon'_):** From a base referring to scorching, this term broadly means "timber" (as fuel or material) and by implication, a "stick," "club," or "tree," or any other wooden article or substance. In this proverb, it refers to a living tree, providing the core imagery for the metaphor of a person or nation.
* **dry (Greek, _xērós'_):** Also stemming from the idea of scorching, this word means "arid" or "withered." In contrast to "green," it describes wood that is devoid of moisture, easily combustible, and ready for burning. It metaphorically represents those who are spiritually barren, unrepentant, and ripe for divine judgment.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application. Here, it refers to the actions being taken against Jesus—the unjust condemnation, the scourging, and the crucifixion itself. It emphasizes the active role of humanity in inflicting suffering upon the innocent.
* **shall be done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb means "to become" or "to come into being," often implying a process or event. In this context, it refers to what will happen, the future consequences or judgment that will befall the "dry tree." It highlights the inevitability and severity of the coming events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if they do these things in a green tree,"**: This clause refers to the profound and unjust suffering being inflicted upon Jesus. The "green tree" is a powerful **metaphor** for Christ Himself—innocent, vibrant with life, and undeserving of the "fire" of judgment and suffering. "These things" encompasses the entire ordeal of His passion, from His arrest and trial to the scourging and the journey to the cross. The "if" sets up a conditional statement, implying a logical consequence.
* **"what shall be done in the dry?"**: This is a **rhetorical question** that anticipates a dire answer. The "dry" is a **metaphor** for the spiritually barren, unrepentant nation of Israel, and by extension, all humanity that rejects God's truth and grace. If the innocent Son of God suffers such a terrible fate, the implied answer is that a far more severe and consuming judgment awaits those who are guilty and spiritually dead, ready to be consumed by the fires of divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:31 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus uses the imagery of "green tree" and "dry tree" to represent Himself (the innocent, full of life) and the unrepentant nation (spiritually barren, ripe for judgment), respectively. This agricultural imagery would have been instantly recognizable and impactful to His audience, conveying complex theological truths through simple, relatable terms. The verse also employs **Rhetorical Question**, "what shall be done in the dry?" which is posed not to elicit an answer, but to provoke deep reflection and emphasize the severity of the implied consequence. This technique forces the listener to confront the terrifying implications of rejecting the Messiah. Furthermore, the statement functions as **Proverbial Language**, a concise, memorable saying that encapsulates a universal truth about divine justice and the consequences of sin. Its pithy nature ensures its memorability and enduring power as a warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:31 profoundly underscores the principle of divine justice and the dire consequences of rejecting God's ultimate revelation in Christ. It reveals that if the sinless Son of God, the "green tree" of life and righteousness, must endure such immense suffering as a propitiation for sin, then the "dry tree" of humanity, withered by sin and rebellion, faces an even more consuming judgment if it remains unrepentant. This verse highlights the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot let unrighteousness go unpunished. It serves as a stark warning that while God is merciful, His justice is unyielding, and those who refuse His grace will face the full measure of His righteous wrath. The suffering of Christ, therefore, is not only a demonstration of God's love but also a terrifying preview of the judgment that awaits those who spurn that love.

* [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Righteous Like a Tree Planted by Water")
* [Ezekiel 20:47-48](/ezekiel/20-47-48 "Ezekiel 20:47-48 - Fire Consuming the Dry Forest")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No Sacrifice for Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:31 calls us to a sober and searching self-examination, prompting us to consider our own spiritual state in light of Christ's suffering and God's impending judgment. Are we "green trees," alive in Christ, drawing nourishment from His Spirit, and bearing the fruit of righteousness? Or are we "dry trees," spiritually barren, resistant to repentance, and withered by the neglect of God's Word and grace? The immense suffering of the innocent Christ should not be viewed with indifference, but rather as the ultimate demonstration of sin's cost and God's radical love, compelling us towards genuine repentance and faith. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of responding to the Gospel, for if such a terrible fate befell the sinless One, how much more severe will be the consequences for those who willfully reject the salvation He offers. It challenges us to live in humble submission to God, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies not in our own efforts, but in the life-giving power of Christ's sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be acting as a "dry tree" in my spiritual life, resisting God's nourishment and grace?**
* **How does the suffering of the innocent Christ deepen my understanding of the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure I am rooted as a "green tree," drawing life from Christ and bearing fruit for His glory?**
* **How does this verse shape my perspective on divine justice and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God's love?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary meaning of the "green tree" and "dry tree" in Luke 23:31?**

Answer: The "green tree" is a metaphor for Jesus Himself, representing His innocence, vitality, and undeserved suffering. Just as green wood is difficult to burn, Jesus, though innocent, is undergoing immense suffering. The "dry tree," in contrast, symbolizes the spiritually barren and unrepentant nation of Israel, and by extension, all humanity that rejects God's truth. Dry wood ignites easily and burns fiercely, thus representing those who are ripe for the severe judgment of God. The proverb asks: if the innocent Son of God suffers such a fate, what will befall those who are truly guilty and rebellious? This warning ultimately points to the devastating destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, as prophesied by Jesus in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"), and also to the broader principle of divine judgment for sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:31, though a sobering warning, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very suffering of Jesus it describes, and in His subsequent role as both Savior and Judge. The "green tree" enduring the "fire" of crucifixion points directly to Christ as the sinless Lamb of God, who willingly became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His unjust suffering, far from being a random act of violence, was the predetermined plan of God to atone for the sins of the world ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Jesus' Crucifixion")). If the Father did not spare His own Son from the ultimate consequence of sin (death), even though He was innocent, it demonstrates the absolute necessity of a perfect sacrifice to satisfy divine justice. This sacrifice, offered by the "green tree," becomes the only means by which the "dry tree" of humanity can avoid the consuming fire of eternal judgment. Jesus' warning, therefore, not only prophesies the historical judgment on Jerusalem but also foreshadows His ultimate return, when He will judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment")). Those who are "in Christ" are grafted into the "green tree" of life, escaping the fate of the "dry," while those who reject Him will face the full wrath of the Lamb ([Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16-17 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). Thus, the verse powerfully calls all to find refuge and life in the one who bore the judgment for us, the ultimate "green tree" of salvation.

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

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

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.

Proverbs 11:31

¶ Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 20:48

And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.