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Judges 9:11

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But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

But the fig tree {H8384} said {H559} unto them, Should I forsake {H2308} my sweetness {H4987}, and my good {H2896} fruit {H8570}, and go {H1980} to be promoted {H5128} over the trees {H6086}?

But the fig tree replied, 'Am I supposed to leave my sweetness and my good fruit just to go and hold sway over the trees?'

But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’

But the fig-tree said unto them, Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?

Commentary

Context

Judges 9:11 is part of Jotham's powerful parable, delivered from Mount Gerizim to the men of Shechem. This parable serves as a stinging rebuke to them for anointing Abimelech as king, after he had brutally murdered seventy of his half-brothers. The parable depicts the trees seeking a king. After the olive tree refuses, they approach the fig tree, which also declines leadership, valuing its natural purpose over political power.

Key Themes

  • Reluctance of the Worthy: The fig tree, like the olive tree before it, represents those who are genuinely fruitful and beneficial to society. It demonstrates a humility and contentment with its inherent purpose, preferring to continue its valuable work rather than pursuing a position of power.
  • Value of Service Over Status: The fig tree asks, "Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit...?" This highlights a preference for tangible contribution and service over mere elevation or authority. Its "sweetness" and "good fruit" are its primary contributions, which it views as more important than ruling.
  • Humility and Contentment: The parable suggests that true, beneficial leadership may not be sought by those who are most qualified or fruitful. Those who are truly productive often find satisfaction in their inherent value and contributions, rather than seeking external validation through power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go to be promoted over the trees" translates the Hebrew word רוּם (*rum*), meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." The fig tree's question implies a perceived conflict: taking a position of exalted authority would mean abandoning its natural, productive role. It questions whether this elevation is truly a "promotion" if it requires forsaking its intrinsic worth and function, its "sweetness" and "good fruit."

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom regarding leadership and personal calling. It challenges the modern tendency to equate success solely with climbing the corporate ladder or achieving positions of authority. Instead, it encourages us to:

  • Value Our Unique Contributions: Recognize and appreciate the "sweetness" and "good fruit" we naturally produce through our gifts and talents, even if they don't lead to high-profile positions.
  • Prioritize True Impact: Consider whether a pursuit of "promotion" or power would genuinely enhance our ability to serve and make a positive difference, or if it would distract from our most valuable contributions.
  • Embrace Humility: The most effective leaders often embody a spirit of servant leadership, valuing the well-being of others and the common good over personal ambition. As Jesus taught, the greatest among us should be a servant.
  • Seek Fruitfulness: Focus on bearing spiritual fruit and living a life that honors God, understanding that true significance comes from our character and our contributions, not just our titles or positions. John 15:8 emphasizes the glory God receives when we bear much fruit.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 13:6 (2 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 13:7 (2 votes)

    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?