Matthew 3:10
New International Version
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

New Living Translation
Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

English Standard Version
Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Already now the ax is applied to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

King James Bible
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

New King James Version
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

New American Standard Bible
And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.

NASB 1995
“The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

NASB 1977
“And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Amplified Bible
And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Christian Standard Bible
The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

American Standard Version
And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Contemporary English Version
An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into a fire.

English Revised Version
And even now is the axe laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The ax is now ready to cut the roots of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire.

Good News Translation
The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire.

International Standard Version
The ax already lies against the roots of the trees. So every tree that isn't producing good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

New Heart English Bible
"Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.

Webster's Bible Translation
And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Weymouth New Testament
And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which does not produce good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire.

World English Bible
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and now also, the axe is laid to the root of the trees, therefore, every tree not bearing good fruit is cut down, and is cast into fire.

Berean Literal Bible
Already now the ax is applied to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Young's Literal Translation
and now also, the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree therefore not bearing good fruit is hewn down, and to fire is cast.

Smith's Literal Translation
And now also the axe lies at the root of the trees; therefore every one not making good fruit is cut off and cast into fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.

New American Bible
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

New Revised Standard Version
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, the axe is already placed at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which bears not good fruits shall be cut down and dropped in the fire.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But behold, the axe is laid at the root of the tree; every tree, therefore, that has not produced good fruit is cut down and falls into the fire.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees: therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Godbey New Testament
But already the ax is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.

Haweis New Testament
And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which produceth not good fruit, is hewing down, and casting into the fire.

Mace New Testament
the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then which does not produce good fruit, will be hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Weymouth New Testament
And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which does not produce good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire.

Worrell New Testament
And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not bearing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire.

Worsley New Testament
And now the ax is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore, which yieldeth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 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. 11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.…

Cross References
Luke 3:9
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 15:6
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 7:19
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Isaiah 10:33-34
Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.

Ezekiel 31:12-14
Foreigners, the most ruthless of the nations, cut it down and left it. Its branches have fallen on the mountains and in every valley; its boughs lay broken in all the earth’s ravines. And all the peoples of the earth left its shade and abandoned it. / All the birds of the air nested on its fallen trunk, and all the beasts of the field lived among its boughs. / This happened so that no other trees by the waters would become great in height and set their tops among the clouds, and no other well-watered trees would reach them in height. For they have all been consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the mortals who descend to the Pit.’

Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”

Jeremiah 46:22-23
Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. / They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.

Romans 11:17-22
Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ...

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.

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.

Isaiah 5:5-7
Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. / I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” / For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress.

Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,

Isaiah 27:11
When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.

Ezekiel 15:6-8
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. / And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. / Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

Matthew 13:30
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

now.

Malachi 3:1-3
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts…

Malachi 4:1
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Hebrews 3:1-3
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; …

the axe.

Luke 3:9
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.

Luke 23:31
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

therefore.

Psalm 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 92:13,14
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God…

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

is hewn.

Matthew 7:19
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

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.

Psalm 80:15,16
And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself…

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Matthew 3
1. John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.
7. He reprimands the Pharisees,
13. and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.














The axe
The imagery of "the axe" in this verse is powerful and vivid, symbolizing impending judgment and the urgency of repentance. In the context of ancient Israel, an axe was a common tool used for cutting down trees, and its mention here suggests a decisive and irreversible action. The Greek word used is "ἀξίνη" (axinē), which directly translates to "axe." This metaphor indicates that God's judgment is not only imminent but also precise and purposeful. The use of an axe implies that the time for fruitless trees is over, and action is required.

already
The word "already" emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of the coming judgment. It suggests that the process of evaluation and potential destruction is not a distant future event but is currently underway. This serves as a wake-up call to the listeners, urging them to recognize the urgency of their spiritual condition. The Greek word "ἤδη" (ēdē) conveys a sense of something that is presently occurring, underscoring the pressing nature of the message.

at the root
The phrase "at the root" signifies the thoroughness and depth of the judgment. By targeting the root, the axe is aimed at the very source of life and growth for the tree. This indicates that the judgment will be complete and will address the fundamental issues, not just surface-level problems. The Greek word "ῥίζα" (rhiza) means "root," and its use here highlights the comprehensive nature of God's scrutiny, which goes beyond mere appearances to the core of one's spiritual state.

of the trees
"The trees" symbolize individuals or groups of people, particularly those who claim to be part of God's covenant community. In the broader biblical context, trees often represent people or nations (e.g., Psalm 1:3, Isaiah 61:3). The plural form suggests that this message is not directed at a single person but is a collective call to repentance for all who hear. The imagery of trees also evokes the expectation of bearing fruit, a common biblical metaphor for living a life that reflects one's faith and commitment to God.

Therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a logical connector, linking the preceding warning with the subsequent consequence. It indicates that the action described is a direct result of the situation at hand. In this context, it underscores the inevitability of judgment for those who do not heed the call to repentance. The Greek word "οὖν" (oun) is often used to draw conclusions or to emphasize the importance of what follows, reinforcing the seriousness of the message.

every tree
The phrase "every tree" emphasizes the universality of the judgment. No one is exempt from this divine evaluation; all are subject to the same standard. This inclusivity serves as a reminder that God's judgment is impartial and just. The Greek word "πᾶς" (pas) means "every" or "all," highlighting that the call to repentance and the warning of judgment apply to everyone, regardless of status or background.

that does not produce good fruit
The condition "that does not produce good fruit" specifies the criteria for judgment. In biblical terms, "good fruit" refers to actions and behaviors that align with God's will and reflect a genuine faith. The Greek word "καρπός" (karpos) means "fruit," and its use here implies that true faith is evidenced by tangible outcomes in one's life. This echoes other scriptural teachings, such as in James 2:17, where faith without works is considered dead.

will be cut down
The phrase "will be cut down" describes the consequence of failing to produce good fruit. It conveys a sense of finality and destruction, indicating that those who do not meet the standard will face severe repercussions. The Greek word "ἐκκόπτω" (ekkoptō) means "to cut off" or "to cut down," suggesting a decisive and irreversible action. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's judgment.

and thrown into the fire
The imagery of being "thrown into the fire" represents the ultimate judgment and destruction. Fire is often used in the Bible as a symbol of purification and judgment (e.g., Malachi 3:2-3, Revelation 20:15). The Greek word "πῦρ" (pyr) means "fire," and its use here underscores the severity of the consequences for those who do not repent. This serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals to examine their lives and align themselves with God's will to avoid such a fate.

(10) Now.--Rather, already. The present of an act no longer future.

The ax is laid unto the root of the trees.--The symbolism which saw in "trees" the representatives of human characters, of nations, and institutions, had been recognised in Isaiah's parable of the vine (Isaiah 5:1-7), in Jeremiah's of the vine and the olive (Jeremiah 2:21; Jeremiah 11:16), and the Baptist's application of it was but a natural extension. Judgments that were only partial or corrective were as the pruning of the branches (John 15:2). Now the axe was laid to the root, and the alternative was preservation or destruction. For the unfruitful tree there was the doom of fire.

Verse 10. - And now also; Revised Version, and even now. "And" (δὲ), slightly adversative. In contrast to the delay supposed in ver. 9 a, preparations have already been made for your destruction. The axe is laid; Revised Version, is the axe laid; bringing out more emphatically its present position. The American Revisers propose, "the axe lieth at," avoiding the suggestion of an agent; but κεῖμαι often implies one, being used of vessels set ready for use; e.g. John 2:6; John 19:29 (cf. Revelation 4:2). Unto (πρὸς); brought near to (Thayer, s.v., 1:2, a). Therefore. The axe is lying there, therefore every useless tree is sure to be cut down (cf. Winer, 40:2, a). Every tree, etc.; even the noblest (Weiss). However good the tree ought to be, from the character of its original stock (you claim to be Abraham's children, ver. 9), yet, if it does not bear good fruit, it is cut down (Matthew 7:19, note). Into the fire (εἰς πῦρ). Not into a fire prepared with a definite purpose, nor into any one fire pictured as burning (Matthew 17:15; cf. τὸ πῦρ, John 15:6), but into fire generally, which may be in many different places. Worthless trees are only for burning. (For thought, cf. Hebrews 6:8.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ax
ἀξίνη (axinē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 513: An axe. Probably from agnumi; an axe.

lies ready
κεῖται (keitai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2749: To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.

at
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

root
ῥίζαν (rhizan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4491: A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

trees,
δένδρων (dendrōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.

and
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

every
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

tree
δένδρον (dendron)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.

that does not produce
ποιοῦν (poioun)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter 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.

good
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

fruit
καρπὸν (karpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.

will be cut down
ἐκκόπτεται (ekkoptetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1581: To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

thrown
βάλλεται (balletai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] fire.
πῦρ (pyr)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 3:10 Even now the axe lies at (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 3:9
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