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.

And {G1161} now {G2235} also {G2532} the axe {G513} is laid {G2749} unto {G4314} the root {G4491} of the trees {G1186}: every {G3956} tree {G1186} therefore {G3767} which bringeth {G4160} not {G3361} forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590} is hewn down {G1581}, and {G2532} cast {G906} into {G1519} the fire {G4442}.

Already the axe is at the root of the trees, ready to strike; every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown in the fire!"

The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 3:9 captures a stark warning from John the Baptist, delivered to the crowds who came to him for baptism. This verse emphasizes the urgency of genuine repentance and the severe consequences of spiritual barrenness, using a powerful agricultural metaphor.

Context

This verse follows John's direct challenge to those seeking baptism, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, whom he called a "generation of vipers" (Luke 3:7). He warned them not to presume salvation based on their lineage as "children of Abraham" but to "bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8). Luke 3:9 intensifies this warning, illustrating the immediate and decisive nature of divine judgment that awaits those who fail to produce such fruit.

Key Themes

  • Imminent Judgment: The phrase "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees" signifies that judgment is not merely distant but present and ready to be executed. It speaks of a decisive, foundational cutting off, not just trimming branches.
  • Fruitfulness as Evidence: The central metaphor of a tree bearing good fruit highlights that true faith and repentance are demonstrated by actions and character, not just words or religious affiliation. A tree's value is determined by its fruit, and similarly, a person's spiritual standing is revealed by their life.
  • Consequences of Unfruitfulness: Trees that "bringeth not forth good fruit" are "hewn down, and cast into the fire." This graphic imagery symbolizes exclusion from God's kingdom and eternal condemnation. It underscores the severity of living a life devoid of genuine spiritual transformation and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "axe" is axine, a tool used for felling trees, emphasizing the definitive nature of the judgment.
  • "Root" (Greek: rhiza) implies that the judgment goes to the very core of one's being and identity, not just superficial aspects.
  • "Good fruit" (Greek: karpon kalon) refers to actions and character that are intrinsically good and align with God's will, contrasting with superficial religiosity.
  • "Fire" (Greek: pyr) in this context is a common biblical symbol for divine judgment and purification, often associated with destruction for the wicked (e.g., Malachi 4:1).

Related Scriptures

John the Baptist's message of impending judgment and the necessity of fruit-bearing is echoed in other Gospels, notably Matthew 3:10, which contains almost identical wording. The concept of identifying true disciples by their fruit is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, as seen in Matthew 7:19 and John 15:2, where unfruitful branches are cut off. The warning of being cast into fire is a consistent biblical motif for ultimate separation from God.

Practical Application

Luke 3:9 serves as a timeless call to self-examination and authentic faith. It challenges believers to move beyond mere outward religious observance or inherited spiritual status and to demonstrate genuine repentance through a life that produces "good fruit." This includes acts of righteousness, compassion, and obedience to God's commands. The urgency implied by the "axe laid unto the root" reminds us that there is a critical moment for decision and transformation, and delaying can have eternal consequences. It encourages a life of active discipleship, continually seeking to bear fruit for God's glory and avoid the fate of the barren tree.

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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 13:9

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

  • Isaiah 10:33

    Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

  • Isaiah 10:34

    And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

  • 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?

  • Matthew 3:10

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

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