New International VersionIf it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
New Living TranslationIf we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
English Standard VersionThen if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Berean Standard BibleIf it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’”
Berean Literal Bibleand if indeed it should bear fruit in the time, so be it. But if not, you will cut it down.'"
King James BibleAnd if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
New King James VersionAnd if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”
New American Standard Bibleand if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
NASB 1995and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
NASB 1977and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
Legacy Standard Bibleand if it bears fruit next year, fine, but if not, cut it down.’”
Amplified Bibleand if it bears fruit after this, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
Christian Standard BiblePerhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
Holman Christian Standard BiblePerhaps it will bear fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’”
American Standard Versionand if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.
Contemporary English VersionMaybe it will have figs on it next year. If it doesn't, you can have it cut down."
English Revised Versionand if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMaybe next year it'll have figs. But if not, then cut it down.'"
Good News TranslationThen if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down.'"
International Standard VersionMaybe next year it will bear fruit. If not, then cut it down.'"
NET BibleThen if it bears fruit next year, very well, but if not, you can cut it down.'"
New Heart English BibleAnd if it bears fruit next time, [fine]; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd if it shall bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Weymouth New TestamentIf after that it bears fruit, well and good; if it does not, then you shall cut it down.'" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf it bears fruit, fine. But if not, you can cut it down next year.’”
World English BibleIf it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand if indeed it may bear fruit—and if not so, thereafter you will cut it off.”
Berean Literal Bibleand if indeed it should bear fruit in the time, so be it. But if not, you will cut it down.'"
Young's Literal Translation and if indeed it may bear fruit -- ;and if not so, thereafter thou shalt cut it off.'
Smith's Literal TranslationWhereas also it might bear fruit: and if not, afterwards thou shalt cut it off. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd, indeed, it should bear fruit. But if not, in the future, you shall cut it down.’ ”
New American Bibleit may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’ ”
New Revised Standard VersionIf it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt might bear fruit; and if not, then you can cut it down.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd perhaps it will have borne fruit, otherwise next year you should cut it down.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand it may bear fruit; but if not, after ward you shall cut it down.
Godbey New Testament
and if it may bear fruit in the future; and if not you shall cut it down.
Haweis New Testament
perhaps it may then produce fruit: but if it does not, afterwards thou shalt cut it down.
Mace New Testament
perhaps it may bear fruit: if not, you may after that hew it down.
Weymouth New Testament
If after that it bears fruit, well and good; if it does not, then you shall cut it down.'"
Worrell New Testament
And if, indeed, it bear fruit for the future,well; but, if not, you shall cut it down.'"
Worsley New Testament
then perhaps it may bear fruit; if not, afterwards cut it down.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree… 8‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9Ifit bearsfruitnext year,fine.Butifnot,you can cut it down.’”10One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,…
Cross References Matthew 3:10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
John 15:2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.
Matthew 7:19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Isaiah 5:1-7I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ...
John 15:6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Matthew 21:19Seeing 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.
Romans 11:21-22For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Jeremiah 8:13I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.”
Hosea 9:10I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved.
Micah 7:1Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave.
Matthew 12:33Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.
Psalm 80:8-16You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it. / You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. / The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. ...
Ezekiel 15:2-6“Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? / Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils? / No, it is cast into the fire for fuel. The fire devours both ends, and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything? ...
Matthew 21:43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
Hebrews 6:7-8For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.
Treasury of Scripture And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that you shall cut it down. if not. Ezra 9:14,15 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumedus, so thatthere should be no remnant nor escaping? … Psalm 69:22-28 Let their table become a snare before them: andthat which should have been fortheir welfare,let it become a trap… Daniel 9:5-8 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: … Jump to Previous BearBearsCutFineFruitGoodIndeedThenceforthThereafterJump to Next BearBearsCutFineFruitGoodIndeedThenceforthThereafterLuke 13 1.Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.6.The fruitless fig tree may not stand.10.He heals the crooked woman;18.shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed,20.and of leaven;22.exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;31.and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.If it bears fruit next year, fine.This phrase is part of a parable Jesus tells about a fig tree, symbolizing Israel or an individual believer. The expectation of bearing fruit is a common biblical metaphor for producing good works or demonstrating faithfulness ( Matthew 7:16-20). The "next year" indicates a period of grace and patience, reflecting God's longsuffering nature ( 2 Peter 3:9). The fig tree is often used in Scripture to represent Israel ( Hosea 9:10), and the call to bear fruit is a call to repentance and spiritual productivity. The patience shown by the vineyard owner mirrors God's patience with humanity, giving time for repentance and transformation. But if not, you can cut it down.’”
The warning of cutting down the tree if it remains fruitless is a sobering reminder of judgment. This reflects the principle that while God is patient, there is an eventual accountability (John 15:2, 6). The act of cutting down the tree is symbolic of divine judgment, which is consistent with the Old Testament imagery of God as a gardener who removes unproductive branches (Isaiah 5:1-7). This phrase underscores the urgency of repentance and the reality of consequences for spiritual barrenness. The parable as a whole serves as a call to self-examination and a reminder of the necessity of living a life that reflects one's faith in tangible ways. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Vineyard OwnerRepresents God, who is patient and desires fruitfulness from His people. 2. The Fig TreeSymbolizes Israel or, more broadly, individuals who are expected to produce spiritual fruit. 3. The GardenerRepresents Jesus or a spiritual leader who intercedes and works to cultivate growth. 4. The VineyardThe setting for the parable, symbolizing the world or the community of believers. 5. The Event of InspectionThe time when the owner checks for fruit, symbolizing God's judgment or evaluation of spiritual productivity. Teaching Points God's Patience and MercyGod is patient and gives us time to repent and bear fruit. His mercy is evident in His willingness to wait and nurture us. The Call to RepentanceThe parable underscores the necessity of repentance and transformation. We are called to examine our lives and turn from sin. The Role of IntercessionJust as the gardener intercedes for the fig tree, we are called to intercede for others, praying for their spiritual growth and fruitfulness. The Importance of Spiritual FruitBearing fruit is a sign of a healthy spiritual life. We should strive to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in our daily walk with Christ. The Reality of JudgmentThere is a time when God will evaluate our lives. We must live with the awareness that our actions and spiritual growth matter. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 13:9?
2.How does Luke 13:9 encourage patience and perseverance in spiritual growth?
3.What does "bear fruit next year" imply about God's expectations for believers?
4.How can Luke 13:9 be connected to John 15:2 on fruitfulness?
5.In what ways can we "dig around" and nurture our spiritual lives today?
6.How does this verse challenge us to evaluate our personal spiritual productivity?
7.What does Luke 13:9 imply about God's patience and judgment?
8.How does Luke 13:9 relate to the concept of repentance?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Luke 13:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 13?
11.When was Jesus crucified?
12.What does the Fig Tree Prophecy entail?
13.Luke 13:6–9: How does this fig tree parable align with or contradict similar accounts in other Gospels, and why does it seem incomplete here?
14.How can one enter through the narrow gate?What Does Luke 13:9 Mean If it bears fruit next year,• Jesus pictures a vinedresser pleading for one more season of care before judgment falls. – “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). • The extra year signals God’s remarkable patience and willingness to extend grace. • Real fruit is expected: repentance that shows up in changed behavior (Luke 3:8) and good works that glorify the Father (John 15:8). • Believers are called to cooperate with this patient cultivation—receiving Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience so that fruit can develop (John 15:1-5).
fine.• The word expresses satisfaction: if the tree finally produces, the owner’s demand is met. • Heaven rejoices over genuine repentance (Luke 15:7). • Fruit validates true faith (James 2:18). When spiritual fruit appears—love, joy, peace, and the other evidences of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—God is pleased. • The vinedresser’s earlier efforts (digging and fertilizing,Luke 13:8) have their desired result; grace is vindicated.
But if not,• A sober contrast: patience is not endless. • Refusal to repent after added mercy hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:15). • “Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). • The Lord’s forbearance magnifies responsibility; increased light brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48).
you can cut it down.• Judgment, though delayed, is certain for persistent fruitlessness. • Separation from Christ leads to ruin: “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers” (John 15:6). • God’s righteous character requires that unproductive, unrepentant lives face consequences (Romans 2:5-6). • The warning prompts urgency: today is the day to respond, for a line is drawn between grace received and grace rejected.
summaryLuke 13:9 unveils God’s heart—patient, gracious, eager for genuine repentance—yet firmly committed to justice. Extra time is granted for fruit to appear, and heaven delights when it does. Still, the opportunity is finite; refusal leads to removal. The verse calls us to embrace the Savior’s tending, bear lasting fruit, and rejoice in the Owner’s “well done.” (9) And if it bear fruit.--Some of the better MSS. have, if it bear fruit in the time to come . . . With either reading the sentence is elliptical, and the insertion of "well," as in the English, is needed to convey its meaning.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Ifκἂν(kan)Conjunction
Strong's 2579:And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.it bearsποιήσῃ(poiēsē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.fruitκαρπὸν(karpon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590:Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.[next year],τὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fine.μέλλον(mellon)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3195:A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.not,μή¦γε(mē¦ge)Adverb
Strong's 1490:But if not, else, otherwise. From ei, de, and me; but if not.you can cut it down.’”ἐκκόψεις(ekkopseis)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1581:To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate.
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NT Gospels: Luke 13:9 If it bears fruit fine (Luke Lu Lk) |
