Matthew 21:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he saw {G1492} a {G3391} fig tree {G4808} in {G1909} the way {G3598}, he came {G2064} to {G1909} it {G846}, and {G2532} found {G2147} nothing {G3762} thereon {G1722}{G846}, but {G1508} leaves {G5444} only {G3440}, and {G2532} said {G3004} unto it {G846}, Let no {G1096} fruit {G2590} grow {G1096} on {G1537} thee {G4675} henceforward {G3371} for {G1519} ever {G165}. And {G2532} presently {G3916} the fig tree {G4808} withered away {G3583}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Spotting a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to it, "May you never again bear fruit!" and immediately the fig tree dried up.

Berean Standard Bible

Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered.

American Standard Version

And seeing a fig tree by the way side, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only; and he saith unto it, Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And immediately the fig tree withered away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:19 recounts Jesus' encounter with a barren fig tree on His way to Jerusalem. Finding only leaves and no fruit, He pronounces a curse upon it, causing it to wither instantly. This dramatic event serves as a powerful prophetic parable, symbolizing God's impending judgment on Israel's religious leadership for their outward show of piety (leaves) without genuine spiritual fruit (righteousness, faith, and justice), and simultaneously demonstrating Jesus' divine authority and power over both nature and spiritual realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This incident is strategically placed in Matthew's narrative, occurring immediately after Jesus' [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry") and just before His [cleansing of the Temple](/matthew/21-12-17 "Matthew 21:12-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). The fig tree's barrenness and subsequent judgment serve as a vivid, acted-out parable that foreshadows and underscores the reasons for the Temple's defilement and the religious leaders' spiritual emptiness. It provides a visual commentary on the hypocrisy Jesus confronts in the Temple. Furthermore, the disciples' reaction and Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith and prayer in [Matthew 21:20-22](/matthew/21-20-22 "Matthew 21:20-22 - The Power of Faith") directly link the fig tree's withering to lessons for His followers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in the spring, during the Passover season, as Jesus travels from Bethany to Jerusalem. In Judea, fig trees typically produced small, edible early figs (known as "brebas") by late March or early April, even before the main crop, and often concurrently with the emergence of leaves. The presence of abundant leaves on the tree would normally indicate the expectation of fruit. Therefore, for Jesus to find a tree full of leaves but utterly devoid of fruit was a clear sign of its deceptive unfruitfulness. This cultural expectation of fruit from a leafy fig tree makes its barrenness particularly poignant and symbolic, drawing a parallel to Israel's outward religious display without inward spiritual substance.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **judgment on barrenness and hypocrisy**. The fig tree, outwardly flourishing with leaves but inwardly unproductive, powerfully symbolizes Israel's religious establishment, which maintained an outward show of piety and adherence to the Law but lacked the genuine spiritual fruit of righteousness, justice, and faith. This echoes the Old Testament prophetic tradition where Israel is often depicted as a vineyard or fig tree expected to yield fruit for God, as seen in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"). Another key theme is **divine authority and power**. Jesus' ability to instantly wither the fig tree demonstrates His absolute sovereignty not only over creation but also as the one who possesses the authority to judge. This miracle serves as a tangible display of His power to bring about immediate consequences for spiritual unfruitfulness, reinforcing His claims as the Messiah. Finally, the subsequent discussion in [Matthew 21:20-22](/matthew/21-20-22 "Matthew 21:20-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Faith") introduces the theme of **faith and prayer**, indicating that while the fig tree incident is a judgment, it also holds a lesson for believers regarding the power of genuine faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb signifies not merely a physical observation but a deeper perception or understanding. When Jesus "saw" the fig tree, it implies He perceived its true spiritual condition—its outward appearance of life (leaves) belied its inward barrenness (no fruit). This seeing is linked to knowing, suggesting a divine discernment of the tree's spiritual state, which then prompted His action.
* **nothing (Greek, _oudeís'_):** This word emphasizes the absolute and complete absence of fruit. It's not just "little" or "some," but "not even one." This stark negation highlights the utter emptiness and unproductivity of the tree, making its judgment entirely just in the context of its deceptive appearance.
* **withered away (Greek, _xēraínō'_):** This verb means to dry up, to desiccate, or to shrivel. The use of this term, combined with "presently" (G3916, _parachrēma_), underscores the immediate, supernatural, and irreversible nature of the judgment. The tree did not slowly decline; it experienced a sudden and complete desiccation, demonstrating the swiftness and certainty of divine judgment when fruitfulness is absent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it":** This sets the scene, depicting Jesus' intentional approach to the tree. His "seeing" implies a discerning gaze, not just a casual glance, recognizing its potential or expected fruitfulness given its location "in the way" (along a common path) and its leafy appearance.
* **"and found nothing thereon, but leaves only":** This is the pivotal observation. The presence of leaves indicated a tree ready to bear fruit, or at least early fruit. The discovery of "nothing thereon, but leaves only" reveals a deceptive outward show without any corresponding inner reality or productivity. This barrenness, despite the promise of leaves, is the catalyst for Jesus' action.
* **"and said unto it, 'Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.'":** This is Jesus' pronouncement of judgment. It is a direct, authoritative curse that condemns the tree to perpetual barrenness. The phrase "henceforward for ever" signifies an irreversible and eternal state of unfruitfulness, emphasizing the finality of the judgment.
* **"And presently the fig tree withered away":** The immediate consequence of Jesus' words. The word "presently" (Greek, _parachrēma_) highlights the instantaneous and supernatural nature of the event. The tree's rapid desiccation confirms Jesus' divine authority and the swiftness and certainty of the judgment He pronounced.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 21:19 is **Symbolism**. The fig tree itself is a powerful symbol, widely understood to represent the nation of Israel, particularly its religious leadership. Its abundant leaves symbolize the outward show of piety, religious observances, and adherence to the Law, while its lack of fruit symbolizes the absence of true spiritual righteousness, justice, and faith. This act is also a **Prophetic Act**, serving as a living parable or an acted-out prophecy. Jesus often taught through parables, and here, He performs one. His action is not merely an expression of frustration but a symbolic demonstration of God's impending judgment on an unfruitful Israel, which, despite its outward religious fervor, failed to produce the fruit of genuine obedience and spiritual vitality. The immediate and dramatic nature of the tree's withering also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the tree's promising appearance (leaves) stands in stark contrast to its barren reality and swift demise, mirroring the spiritual state of those who appear righteous but are spiritually dead.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cursing of the fig tree is a profound theological statement on God's expectation of fruitfulness from His people and the consequences of spiritual barrenness. It underscores the principle that outward religious observance without inward transformation and genuine obedience is ultimately condemned. This incident serves as a stark warning against hypocrisy and a reminder that God desires and demands true spiritual fruit, not just a facade of religiosity. It also highlights Jesus' role as the divine judge, demonstrating His authority to assess and condemn spiritual unfruitfulness.

* [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - Parable of the Barren Fig Tree")
* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the fig tree challenges believers to deeply examine their own lives, moving beyond superficial religious activity to cultivate genuine spiritual fruit. It prompts us to ask whether our outward expressions of faith (church attendance, biblical knowledge, good deeds) are truly accompanied by the inward transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit—the "fruit of the Spirit" such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This passage serves as a potent reminder that God values authentic spiritual life and productivity over mere appearance. It calls us to repentance for any areas of barrenness and to a renewed commitment to abiding in Christ, the true Vine, so that we may bear much fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leaves" or outward religious activities might I be displaying that are not accompanied by genuine spiritual "fruit" in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to greater fruitfulness, and what steps can I take to cultivate it?**
* **How does the swiftness of the fig tree's withering impress upon me the seriousness of spiritual barrenness in God's eyes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus curse an innocent fig tree?**

Answer: Jesus' action was not an arbitrary act of anger or a display of petulance towards an "innocent" tree. Instead, it was a profound **prophetic act**—a living parable designed to convey a crucial spiritual truth. The fig tree, in this context, was a symbol for Israel, particularly its religious leaders, who presented an outward show of piety and adherence to the Law (represented by the leaves) but lacked the genuine spiritual fruit of righteousness, justice, and faith (represented by the absent figs). Just as the fig tree promised fruit but delivered none, the religious establishment of Jesus' day offered a facade of godliness without true spiritual substance. Jesus' cursing of the tree was a symbolic judgment, foreshadowing the spiritual desolation and impending judgment upon those who were spiritually barren despite their religious pretensions, as further emphasized by His [cleansing of the Temple](/matthew/21-12-17 "Matthew 21:12-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") immediately following this event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cursing of the fig tree finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus, as the true Israel, embodies the very fruitfulness that the nation failed to produce. Where Israel was a barren fig tree, Jesus is the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), from whom all genuine spiritual fruit flows. His life was one of perfect obedience, righteousness, and love, fulfilling God's expectation of fruitfulness. Second, this event underscores Jesus' absolute divine authority, not only as the Son of God with power over creation but also as the ultimate Judge. His pronouncement of judgment on the fig tree foreshadows His role as the one who will ultimately judge all nations and individuals based on the fruit of their lives, as described in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Finally, while the fig tree represents judgment on barrenness, Christ also offers the way to true fruitfulness. Through His atoning work on the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to bear the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), transforming barren lives into productive ones that glorify God. Thus, the fig tree incident, while a warning, ultimately points to Christ as the source of life and the means by which humanity can escape spiritual barrenness and enter into a life of abundant fruitfulness.

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

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.

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.

Titus 1:16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Mark 11:14

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard [it].

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

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.