Luke 13:9
New International Version
If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

New Living Translation
If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”

English Standard Version
Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Berean Standard Bible
If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

Berean Literal Bible
and if indeed it should bear fruit in the time, so be it. But if not, you will cut it down.'"

King James Bible
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

New King James Version
And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

NASB 1995
and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

NASB 1977
and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
and if it bears fruit next year, fine, but if not, cut it down.’”

Amplified Bible
and if it bears fruit after this, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

Christian Standard Bible
Perhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Perhaps it will bear fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’”

American Standard Version
and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.

Contemporary English Version
Maybe it will have figs on it next year. If it doesn't, you can have it cut down."

English Revised Version
and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Maybe next year it'll have figs. But if not, then cut it down.'"

Good News Translation
Then if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down.'"

International Standard Version
Maybe next year it will bear fruit. If not, then cut it down.'"

Majority Standard Bible
If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’”

NET Bible
Then if it bears fruit next year, very well, but if not, you can cut it down.'"

New Heart English Bible
And if it bears fruit next time, [fine]; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And if it shall bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Weymouth New Testament
If after that it bears fruit, well and good; if it does not, then you shall cut it down.'"

World English Bible
If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if indeed it may bear fruit—and if not so, thereafter you will cut it off.”

Berean Literal Bible
and 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 Translation
Whereas also it might bear fruit: and if not, afterwards thou shalt cut it off.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And, indeed, it should bear fruit. But if not, in the future, you shall cut it down.’ ”

New American Bible
it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It might bear fruit; and if not, then you can cut it down.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And perhaps it will have borne fruit, otherwise next year you should cut it down.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and 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. 9If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’” 10One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,…

Cross References
Matthew 3:10
The 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 15:2
He 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 7:19
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Isaiah 5:1-7
I 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 15:6
If 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 21:19
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.

Romans 11:21-22
For 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 8:13
I 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 9:10
I 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 7:1
Woe 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 12:33
Make 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 80:8-16
You 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 21:43
Therefore 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 6:7-8
For 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 consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? …

Psalm 69:22-28
Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their 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
Bear Bears Cut Fine Fruit Good Indeed Thenceforth Thereafter
Jump to Next
Bear Bears Cut Fine Fruit Good Indeed Thenceforth Thereafter
Luke 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
The phrase "bears fruit" is central to understanding the parable of the barren fig tree. In the Greek, the word for "bears" is "ποιήσῃ" (poiēsē), which implies action and productivity. The concept of bearing fruit is a recurring biblical metaphor for living a life that reflects God's will and produces good works. In the context of the New Testament, fruitfulness is often associated with the evidence of a transformed life through the Holy Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23. Historically, fig trees were common in Israel and symbolized prosperity and blessing. Thus, the expectation of fruitfulness is not just agricultural but spiritual, calling believers to examine their lives for evidence of spiritual growth and maturity.

next year
The phrase "next year" indicates a period of grace and patience. In Greek, "εἰς τὸ μέλλον" (eis to mellon) suggests a future time, emphasizing the opportunity for repentance and change. This reflects God's longsuffering nature, as He provides time for individuals to turn from their ways and align with His purposes. The historical context of this parable, spoken to a Jewish audience familiar with agricultural cycles, underscores the urgency of repentance. The "next year" is a reminder that while God is patient, time is finite, and the opportunity for repentance should not be taken for granted.

fine
The word "fine" in this context is a translation of the Greek "καλῶς" (kalōs), meaning well or good. It signifies approval and satisfaction with the outcome. In the biblical narrative, this approval is not just about the physical fruit but the spiritual fruit that aligns with God's kingdom values. The use of "fine" here is a nod to the divine pleasure in seeing His creation fulfill its intended purpose, much like the joy expressed in the parable of the talents when the faithful servants are commended for their stewardship.

But if not
This phrase introduces a conditional warning. The Greek "εἰ δὲ μήγε" (ei de mēge) sets up a contrast between the desired outcome and the consequence of failure. It serves as a sobering reminder of accountability. In the broader scriptural context, God’s warnings are always coupled with His desire for repentance and restoration. The historical context of Israel's repeated cycles of disobedience and repentance highlights the seriousness of this warning. It is a call to self-examination and a reminder of the consequences of spiritual barrenness.

you can cut it down
The phrase "cut it down" is a translation of the Greek "ἐκκόψεις" (ekkopsēs), which means to cut off or remove. This action signifies judgment and the end of opportunity. In the agricultural context, a tree that does not bear fruit is seen as taking up space and resources that could be used more productively. Spiritually, this reflects the biblical principle that those who do not produce fruit in keeping with repentance will face judgment, as seen in John 15:2. The historical context of this parable, delivered to a people familiar with the consequences of unfruitfulness, underscores the urgency of responding to God's call. The imagery of cutting down is a powerful reminder of the finality of judgment and the importance of living a life that bears fruit for God's kingdom.

(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
If
κἂν (kan)
Conjunction
Strong's 2579: And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.

it bears
ποιήσῃ (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.

fruit
καρπὸν (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.

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
εἰ (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.


Links
Luke 13:9 NIV
Luke 13:9 NLT
Luke 13:9 ESV
Luke 13:9 NASB
Luke 13:9 KJV

Luke 13:9 BibleApps.com
Luke 13:9 Biblia Paralela
Luke 13:9 Chinese Bible
Luke 13:9 French Bible
Luke 13:9 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 13:9 If it bears fruit fine (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 13:8
Top of Page
Top of Page