Mark 11:13

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not [yet].

And {G2532} seeing {G1492} a fig tree {G4808} afar off {G3113} having {G2192} leaves {G5444}, he came {G2064}, if {G1487} haply {G686} he might find {G2147} any thing {G5100} thereon {G1722}{G846}: and {G2532} when he came {G2064} to {G1909} it {G846}, he found {G2147} nothing {G3762} but {G1508} leaves {G5444}; for {G1063} the time {G2540} of figs {G4810} was {G2258} not {G3756} yet.

Spotting in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came up to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it wasn't fig season.

Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs.

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs.

Commentary

Mark 11:13 introduces a pivotal and symbolic event in Jesus' ministry, occurring during Holy Week, just after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and immediately preceding His cleansing of the Temple. This verse sets the stage for a powerful acted parable concerning expectation, appearance, and spiritual fruitfulness.

Context

After spending the night in Bethany, Jesus and His disciples were returning to Jerusalem. Seeing a fig tree in the distance, which had leaves, Jesus approached it with the expectation of finding fruit. In the climate of ancient Israel, fig trees typically produced early figs (known as _bikkurim_) alongside the first leaves in spring, well before the main fig harvest. Therefore, a tree with leaves was a natural indicator of early fruit. This event is a prophetic sign, leading into the subsequent withered fig tree narrative that serves as a visual lesson on faith and judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Appearance vs. Reality: The fig tree presented an outward display of health and promise (leaves), but internally it was barren (no fruit). This stark contrast serves as a powerful metaphor for hypocrisy and spiritual barrenness, particularly among those who claim outward religiosity but lack genuine spiritual life or fruit.
  • Divine Expectation: Jesus, as the Son of God, rightly expected fruit from the tree based on its appearance. This reflects God's expectation for His people to bear fruit consistent with their calling and outward profession of faith.
  • Symbolism of Israel: In Old Testament prophecy, the fig tree often symbolizes Israel (e.g., Jeremiah 8:13, Hosea 9:10). The barren fig tree, therefore, can be seen as a symbolic judgment on the religious leaders and the nation of Israel for their spiritual unfruitfulness and failure to recognize and receive their Messiah, despite their outward adherence to the Law. The parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 further reinforces this symbolism.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "for the time of figs was not [yet]" has sometimes been misunderstood. It does not imply that Jesus was unaware of the season. Rather, it highlights the tree's unique failure: while it wasn't the season for the _main_ harvest, the presence of leaves indicated it _should_ have had early, edible figs. The tree was failing to produce what its outward appearance promised, making its barrenness all the more significant and deserving of the symbolic judgment.

Practical Application

Mark 11:13 serves as a profound reminder for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond mere outward religious observance or profession of faith and to cultivate genuine spiritual fruit in our lives. Just as Jesus sought fruit from the fig tree, God seeks genuine transformation and fruitfulness from us, which includes living out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It's a call to authenticity, ensuring that our outward actions match our inward devotion and that we are not merely "leaves" but also "fruit."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:19

    And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

  • Luke 13:6

    ¶ He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

  • Luke 13:9

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

  • Isaiah 5:7

    For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

  • 1 Samuel 6:9

    And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, [then] he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us: it [was] a chance [that] happened to us.

  • Luke 10:31

    And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

  • Luke 12:6

    Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
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