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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

In Matthew 21:19, we encounter a powerful and often debated event: Jesus' cursing of a fig tree. This incident immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and precedes His cleansing of the temple, serving as a symbolic action with profound spiritual implications.

Context and Setting

This event takes place on the way from Bethany to Jerusalem. Having spent the night in Bethany after His triumphal entry, Jesus was returning to the city. It was spring, near Passover, a time when fig trees would typically show early fruit (known as "brebas") even before their main crop. When Jesus approached the tree, He found it covered with leaves, suggesting it should have had fruit, yet it was barren. This visual state sets the stage for His dramatic action.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Judgment on Barrenness and Hypocrisy: The fig tree, vibrant with leaves but devoid of fruit, is widely understood as a symbol of Israel, particularly its religious leadership of the time. They possessed the outward appearance of piety and adherence to the Law (the leaves), but lacked the spiritual fruit of righteousness, justice, and faith (the fruit). Jesus' act is a prophetic parable demonstrating God's impending judgment on those who present a facade of religiosity without genuine spiritual substance. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's desire for fruitfulness from His people, as seen in the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9.
  • Divine Authority and Power: Jesus’ ability to instantly wither the fig tree showcases His absolute divine authority not only over nature but also over spiritual realities. This miracle serves as a tangible demonstration of His power to judge and to bring about immediate consequences for unfruitfulness.
  • Faith and Prayer: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verses (Matthew 21:20-22) directly link the disciples' astonishment at the withered tree to Jesus' teaching on the power of faith and prayer, indicating a broader lesson intended for His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "found nothing thereon, but leaves only" is crucial. In the climate of Judea, fig trees often produced small, edible early figs before the main crop, or at least concurrently with the leaves. The presence of leaves without any fruit was a sign of a tree that was deceptively unproductive. The Greek word for "presently" (parachrēma) emphasizes the immediate and supernatural nature of the tree's withering, highlighting the swiftness and certainty of divine judgment.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful call to introspection for believers today. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and religious activities to assess the genuine spiritual fruit in our lives. Are we merely displaying "leaves" – a show of religiosity, church attendance, or knowledge – without the accompanying "fruit" of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? The cursing of the fig tree reminds us that God desires and expects genuine spiritual fruit from those who bear His name, and that unfruitfulness, especially when coupled with outward pretense, carries serious spiritual consequences.

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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

  • Luke 3:9 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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

  • Jude 1:12 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

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