Matthew 21:20

KJV

And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the disciples {G3101} saw {G1492} it, they marvelled {G2296}, saying {G3004}, How {G4459} soon {G3916} is the fig tree {G4808} withered away {G3583}!

Complete Jewish Bible

The talmidim saw this and were amazed. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked.

Berean Standard Bible

When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

American Standard Version

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon witnessing the immediate and complete desiccation of the fig tree Jesus had cursed the previous day, the disciples were filled with profound astonishment. Their reaction, expressed in their question, "How soon is the fig tree withered away!", underscores the miraculous and instantaneous nature of Jesus' divine power, setting the stage for His subsequent teaching on the efficacy of faith and prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This incident is strategically placed within Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, immediately following His triumphal entry into the city and His cleansing of the Temple. Having entered Jerusalem as Messiah-King, Jesus then asserts His authority over the corrupted religious system by driving out the merchants from the Temple, declaring it a "den of robbers" rather than a "house of prayer" (cf. [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Cleansing the Temple")). The cursing of the fig tree on the way back to Jerusalem from Bethany (cf. [Matthew 21:18-19](/matthew/21-18-19 "Matthew 21:18-19 - The Cursing of the Fig Tree")) serves as a prophetic object lesson, a visual parable of judgment against spiritual barrenness. The disciples' observation in [Matthew 21:20](/matthew/21-20 "Matthew 21:20 - Disciples' Amazement at the Withered Fig Tree") then directly prompts Jesus' teaching on faith and mountain-moving prayer in [Matthew 21:21-22](/matthew/21-21-22 "Matthew 21:21-22 - Jesus Teaches on Faith and Prayer"), linking divine authority, judgment, and the power available to believers through faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fig trees were a common and vital part of the Palestinian landscape and diet. They typically produced an early crop of small, edible figs in late March or April, followed by the main crop in June. The narrative states Jesus found "nothing but leaves" (cf. [Matthew 21:19](/matthew/21-19 "Matthew 21:19 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree")), indicating a failure to produce even the early, unripe figs that would normally precede the leaves. This detail is crucial, as the presence of leaves without any fruit (or even budding fruit) signified a deceptive appearance of vitality without actual productivity. Culturally, the fig tree was also a common biblical symbol for Israel, representing its spiritual state (cf. [Hosea 9:10](/hosea/9-10 "Hosea 9:10 - Israel as Early Figs") or [Micah 7:1](/micah/7-1 "Micah 7:1 - No Grapes or Figs")). Thus, the tree's barrenness and subsequent judgment would have resonated deeply with the disciples as a symbolic act against a nation that, despite its outward religious display, failed to bear the fruit of righteousness and faith.

* **Key Themes:** The episode of the fig tree contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Authority of Jesus** as the Son of God, capable of exercising divine judgment and wielding absolute power over creation, much like His authority over disease and demons (cf. [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")) or even the forces of nature (cf. [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Barrenness and Judgment**, serving as a prophetic warning against outward religious profession that lacks genuine spiritual fruit, a concept reinforced by Jesus' teachings on true discipleship (cf. [Matthew 7:19-20](/matthew/7-19-20 "Matthew 7:19-20 - Bearing Good Fruit")). Finally, the disciples' "marvelled" reaction (cf. [Matthew 21:20](/matthew/21-20 "Matthew 21:20 - Disciples' Astonishment")) transitions directly into Jesus' teaching on the **Power of Faith and Prayer**, demonstrating that the same divine power seen in the fig tree's withering is accessible to those who believe and pray without doubting (cf. [Matthew 21:21-22](/matthew/21-21-22 "Matthew 21:21-22 - The Power of Faith and Prayer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often used in its perfect tense to mean "to know," here primarily conveys the act of seeing or perceiving. The disciples didn't just glance; they observed the fig tree with a recognition that led to profound understanding of what had occurred. Their "seeing" was an act of beholding the dramatic and immediate consequence of Jesus' words.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "wonder," this term expresses a strong sense of astonishment, amazement, or wonder. It indicates that the disciples were genuinely awestruck and perhaps even bewildered by the speed and completeness of the fig tree's demise. Their reaction highlights the truly miraculous nature of the event, which defied natural processes.
* **withered away (Greek, _xēraínō'_):** This verb means "to desiccate," "to dry up," or "to shrivel." Its use here emphasizes the total and irreversible nature of the fig tree's decay. It wasn't just losing leaves or wilting; it was completely dried up, signifying a state of utter lifelessness and destruction, a stark contrast to its appearance just hours before.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the disciples saw [it]":** This clause establishes the immediate context of the disciples' observation. Having been present when Jesus cursed the fig tree the previous day, their return to the same spot allowed them to witness the dramatic fulfillment of His pronouncement. Their act of "seeing" is not a casual glance but an attentive observation of the tree's condition.
* **"they marvelled, saying":** This phrase describes the disciples' emotional and verbal response to what they saw. The verb "marvelled" (ἐθαύμασαν) conveys their profound astonishment and wonder, indicating that the speed and totality of the fig tree's withering were beyond their comprehension. Their amazement was so great that it immediately prompted them to speak, seeking an explanation or expressing their awe.
* **"How soon is the fig tree withered away!":** This exclamation reveals the specific aspect of the miracle that most astonished the disciples: its instantaneousness. The Greek word "parachrēma" (soon/immediately) emphasizes the suddenness. Natural processes of decay take time, but this tree had withered completely overnight, demonstrating Jesus' absolute and immediate power over creation. This question sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Symbolism**, where the fig tree functions as a powerful representation. The fig tree, with its leaves but no fruit, symbolizes Israel's religious leadership and, by extension, the nation itself, which possessed the outward appearance of piety (leaves) but lacked genuine spiritual fruit (righteousness, faith, good works). Jesus' curse on the tree is therefore a **Prophetic Act**, a visual parable of divine judgment against spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy. The disciples' exclamation, "How soon is the fig tree withered away!", while literal, also carries an element of **Hyperbole** in its expression of extreme surprise, emphasizing the extraordinary speed of the event and highlighting the immediate efficacy of Jesus' words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immediate withering of the fig tree serves as a potent theological statement about God's expectation of fruitfulness from His people and the certain judgment that awaits spiritual barrenness. It underscores that outward religious observance or profession without an inward reality of faith and corresponding good works is ultimately futile and subject to divine scrutiny. This event, therefore, is not merely a display of power but a profound object lesson on the nature of true discipleship, which must bear the fruit of righteousness that glorifies God. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's patience, which eventually gives way to decisive judgment when repentance and fruitfulness are absent.

* [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree"): Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree reinforces the theme of expected fruitfulness and the consequence of its absence, with the owner giving the tree one more year before cutting it down.
* [John 15:1-2](/john/15-1-2 "John 15:1-2 - Jesus, the True Vine"): Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine and His Father as the vinedresser, emphasizing that branches (believers) must bear fruit, and those that do not will be cut off.
* [James 2:17-20](/james/2-17-20 "James 2:17-20 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"): This passage explicitly states that faith without works is dead, echoing the fig tree's outward appearance (leaves/faith) without inward reality (fruit/works).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' astonishment at the withered fig tree prompts us to consider the profound implications of spiritual barrenness in our own lives. Just as the fig tree had the outward appearance of life but lacked fruit, we too can fall into the trap of religious activity without genuine spiritual vitality. This passage challenges us to move beyond mere outward displays of faith and to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Christ that naturally produces the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). The swiftness of the fig tree's judgment serves as a sobering reminder that while God is patient, there is a limit to His forbearance for unfruitfulness. Therefore, we are called to a life of active, fruitful faith, trusting in God's power and aligning our prayers with His will, knowing that He desires to work powerfully through us to bear much fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be displaying "leaves" (outward religious activity) without bearing genuine "fruit" (spiritual transformation and good works)?**
* **How does the instantaneous nature of the fig tree's withering challenge my understanding of God's patience and His ultimate judgment?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more fruitful relationship with Christ, moving beyond mere appearances to true spiritual productivity?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?**

Answer: Jesus cursed the fig tree not out of petulance or hunger, but as a symbolic, prophetic act. The fig tree, having leaves but no fruit, represented Israel (particularly its religious leadership) which had the outward appearance of piety and spiritual vitality (leaves) but lacked genuine spiritual fruit (righteousness, faith, obedience to God's will). The cursing was a visual parable, a warning of the judgment that would come upon a nation that failed to produce the fruit God expected, despite its religious privileges and outward show. This action is consistent with other parables of judgment Jesus taught, such as [the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13](/luke/13-6-9 "Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree").

**What is the significance of the fig tree having leaves but no fruit?**

Answer: The presence of leaves without fruit signifies a deceptive appearance. In that region, fig trees typically produced small, edible early figs before or at the same time as the leaves appeared. If a fig tree had leaves, it was expected to have at least some fruit. Thus, the fig tree's leafy appearance suggested fruitfulness, but its barrenness revealed a hollow reality. Spiritually, this symbolized the religious leaders and the nation of Israel, who maintained an outward show of devotion and adherence to the Law, yet lacked the true spiritual fruit of faith, righteousness, and a genuine relationship with God. It was a visual indictment of hypocrisy and spiritual unfruitfulness.

**Does this passage teach that we can curse things with our words?**

Answer: No, this passage does not teach believers to curse things with their words in a general sense. Jesus' action was a unique, divinely authorized prophetic act, demonstrating His absolute authority over creation and His role as judge. While the subsequent verses (cf. [Matthew 21:21-22](/matthew/21-21-22 "Matthew 21:21-22 - Jesus Teaches on Faith and Prayer")) speak of the power of faith and prayer to "move mountains," this refers to overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles through faith aligned with God's will, not a license for believers to pronounce curses on objects or people. The focus shifts from judgment to the positive power of faith in prayer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The withered fig tree, a stark image of barrenness and judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, Jesus, as the true Israel (cf. [Isaiah 49:3](/isaiah/49-3 "Isaiah 49:3 - Israel, God's Servant")), embodies the perfect fruitfulness that the fig tree, representing unfaithful Israel, failed to produce. He is the one who perfectly fulfills God's expectations, bearing the fruit of righteousness and obedience unto death (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Secondly, the judgment pronounced upon the barren fig tree foreshadows Christ's ultimate judgment upon all spiritual unfruitfulness and sin, a judgment that He, in His infinite love, bore upon Himself on the cross (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to true spiritual fruitfulness for those who were once barren. Finally, Jesus Himself is the source of all true fruitfulness for His followers; as the True Vine, He declares that apart from Him, we can do nothing (cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). Thus, the fig tree's barrenness highlights our need for Christ, who not only embodies perfect fruitfulness but also empowers us, through His Spirit, to bear abundant fruit for God's glory (cf. [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

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

Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Mark 11:20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

Mark 11:21

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.