meaning of luke 13:9

following", as the Persic version renders it: thou shall cut it down; Such, then, must fruit be, real and tangible, visible and felt, reasonable, thoughtful, balanced, affectionate, earnest, spirit going forth to spirit, assimilating itself to God. We do not expect man's fruit at child's age. What is fruit? (7) Genuine repentance, however late, avails to save: "If it bear fruit (well);" and only if not, was it to be cut down. (9) And if it bear fruit.—Some of the better MSS. Prior to this incident and parable — just a few verses earlier — Jesus spoke to crowds following him, telling them that they are good about interpreting the weather, and then asked them, “Why do you not know how to interpret the present … Continue reading "Commentary on Luke 13:1-9" And if it bear fruit, well Luke 13:9 New International Version (NIV). 6:4–5; … LUKE 13:1-9. THE LESSON, "REPENT OR PERISH," SUGGESTED BY TWO RECENT INCIDENTS, AND ILLUSTRATED BY THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE. 8, 9. ; "they may not cut down trees for meat without the city, nor withhold from them the course of water, that so they may become dry; as it is said, "thou shall not destroy the trees"; and whoever cuts any down is to be beaten, and not in a siege only, but in any place: whoever cuts down a tree for meat, by way of destroying it, is to be beaten; but they may cut it down if it hurts other trees, or because it hurts in the field others, or because its price is dear; the law does not forbid, but by way of destroying. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? (6) It is worthy of notice that the respite sought in the parable was not another three years, but just "one year." What is it which is to a man what the figs are to the fig tree? If hereby barren professors, as the Jews, become fruitful, it is well, a good thing is done; it is well for themselves, they shall eat the fruit of their doings; it is well for the churches where they are, for good works are profitable to men; and it is well for the owner of the vineyard, and the dresser of it too, for when Christ has his fruit from his churches, his ministers have theirs also: after that; "for the time to come", as the Vulgate Latin; or "year following", as the Persic version renders it: thou shall cut it down; do with it as thou pleasest, nothing more will be said or pleaded in its behalf; full consent shall be given, and no more intercession used: any trees might not be cut down, only barren ones; there is a law in Deuteronomy 20:19 about cutting down trees, and which the Jews explain thusF13Maimon. "Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. There is not a sinner out of hell-though the most hardened, the furthest gone, the nearest to the flames-but if he only begin to bear fruit, if he do but turn to God with all his heart in the Gospel of His Son, it will deliver him from going down to the pit, it will stay the hand of justice, it will secure his eternal salvation. Luke 13:1-9 The Word of God At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Not at the day of judgment; for though He will come and demand it then, the parable represents the tree as still in the ground after the lord of the vineyard has come seeking fruit, and as allowed to remain with a view to further trial. Luke 13:9. : if it bear the coming year —well (understood).—, if not, thou shalt cut it down —thou, not I. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him! Luke 13:1-9. But when does God come, seeking fruit from men thus privileged? ἔτος, in the year to come, in antithesis to this year ( τοῦτο τὸ ἔτος), Luke 13:8. Luke 8:11 This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. It depends on the master, though the vinedresser tacitly recognises that the decision will be just. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! Had the dressing not been what it is, the wonder would have been less. TWO STORIES AND A PARABLE Luke gives us a pair of stories that call us to repentance (vv. II. The above interpretation is partially given by Stier, who has however in my view (in his 2nd edn. "Says R. Abin, in the name of R. Simeon ben Josedech, a parable, to what is it like? Question: "What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree?" Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled [shed along with] with their sacrifices. Then will the tree that year be certainly fruitful and bear abundantly.” Trench adds that this story appears to be widely spread in the East. 2. . The Fig Tree, Luke 13:1-9. by Matt Slick | Dec 4, 2008 | Parables, Christianity. LUKE 13:9. Christ cures a woman who had been afflicted eighteen years, Luke 13:10-13. This passage, like John 15:2-6, is a warning against unfruitful lives in His people! Trying to interpret the times theologically can often be off the mark. (4) It must be in its nature sanctified, drawn from the Father, received through the Son, matured and mellowed by providences, full of love. "It is time to Seek the Lord, until He come and rain righteousness upon you," (Proverbs 1:22; Jeremiah 4:14; Jeremiah 13:27; Hosea 10:12). 13:9–10). Luk 13:9 And if it bears fruit, well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down. 141. — The final perdition of such as, after the utmost limits of reasonable forbearance, are found fruitless, will be pre-eminently and confessedly just (Proverbs 1:24-31; Ezekiel 24:13). This parable in the first place refers to the nation and people of the Jews. they are, for good works are profitable to men; and it is well 22:37–40; Mark 12:29–31; see also Rom. Luke 13:1-9 gives the parable of the barren fig tree. Likewise, a failure to repent and live for God will show a lack of fruit, equally evident. the future. ‘Then’ is not to be supplied: the vine dresser does not set the time when the tree shall be removed, but leaves it to the owner of the vineyard. App-105. Luke 13:9. κἂν, and if) The Apodosis is to be understood: It is well, or I will leave it to stand; or else, let it bear fruit. Greek. Obviously, we can understand our Lord's emphasis on repentance as encouragement for us to subjectively awaken to the salvation that is already ours through his life, death, resurrection and ascension. (2) How slow have even Christians been, notwithstanding the explicit teaching of Christ here, to be convinced that extraordinary outward calamities are not necessarily the vengeance of Heaven against unusual criminality! onʹ, having the basic meaning “age,” can refer to a state of affairs or to features that distinguish a certain period of time, epoch, or age. It is the κύριος τ. ἀμπελῶνος who ὅταν ἔλθῃ, κακοὺς κακῶς ἀπολέσει αὐτούς. ‘After that,’ or ‘hereafter,’ belongs to this part of the verse. when shall it once be?" and now thou seekest to cut it down; and shouldst thou say because its wine turns sour; the reason is, because it is young, therefore its wine turns sour, and it does not produce good wine: so when Israel did that work (of the golden calf), the holy blessed God sought to consume them; said Moses, Lord of the world, hast thou not brought them out of Egypt from a place of idolatry, and now they are young, or children, as it is said, Hosea 11:1 wait a little for them, and go with them, and they will do good works in thy presence.'. Jesus then counseled against worry, assuring The parable points to the truth taught in Luke 13:29. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Melacim, c. 6. sect. Repentance is a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ. Is it not to this that the prevalent view of Mary Magdalene's character is to be traced? ", I. He comes, demanding the fruit. The owner of the vineyard, having planted a fig tree in it, "came and sought fruit thereon;" for in the natural course of things fruit, in such a case, was to be expected. God may surround and ply him with means; but he leaves it at the last to the man himself to decide, by his own free will, between these two, If God has indeed predetermined the matter, if the barrenness of the tree is the secured consequent of his own previous decree, then the events of the entire. But, with the great facts of mediation before us, it is impossible not to see here something more than drapery. "O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved: how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?" Apparently Pilate had sent in his troops to break up a gathering of Galilean Jews that he deemed dangerous. 33 Nevertheless I must # tn This is the frequent expression δεῖ (dei, “it is necessary”) that notes something that is a part of God’s plan. The vineyard then represents the Gospel dispensation, and the owner is Christ, who during His three years ministry has been seeking fruit. (Notice those addressed were still impenitent.) Even here there is a tone of hope and affection, which is often overlooked.—The usual interpretation of the parable is as follows: The owner of the vineyard is God the Father; the vine dresser, our Lord, who labors and intercedes; the fig tree, the Jewish nation drawing near to destruction through its unfruitfulness, and the vineyard, the world. 9.] God may surround and ply him with means; but he leaves it at the last to the man himself to decide, by his own free will, between these two ifs. 9.And if’ and if not—Upon these two ifs hangs eternity. He journeys towards Jerusalem, and preaches, Luke 13:22. The vine-dresser does not say, “I will cut,” but refers that to the master. Have we been visited with crushing trials, fitted to bring down pride, and soften the heart, and give the lessons of religion an entrance they never had before? "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?" If hereby barren professors, as the Jews, become fruitful, it is Luke 13:9, NLT: "If we get figs next year, fine. the gardener replied, my lord, the king, what expense hast thou been at with this vineyard before it was raised? Then after that thou shalt cut it down] The fig tree, they say, if it bear not the fourth year after it is planted, will never bear at all. intercession used: any trees might not be cut down, only barren He sympathises with the master’s desire for fruit. But the other restrains him, crying, 'Nay, do it not, thou wilt certainly have fruit from it this year, only have patience with it, and be not overhasty in cutting it down; if it still refuses to bear fruit, then cut it down.' But He leaves it to His Father’s will to execute the sentence, should all prove in vain.—Another interpretation, starting with the thought that individual repentance had just been enjoined (Luke 13:3; Luke 13:5), finds in the fig tree a reference to the individual man. 20:19 Deuteronomy Luke chapter 1 KJV (King James Version) 1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,. mege, compound of me. Just as Pilate’s and the tower’s victims did not enjoy the luxury of choosing the time of their demise, likewise the unrepentant will suddenly find they have delayed too long and lost themselves. Luke 13:9. εἰς τὸ μέλλον: if it bear the coming year —well (εὖ ἔχει understood).— ἐκκόψεις, if not, thou shalt cut it down —thou, not I. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ” ), hereafter:—and purposely so;—because, in the collective sense, the sentence lingered. Hilch. well, a good thing is done; it is well for themselves, they shall As what our Lord threatened in this parable was so remarkably fulfilled, it may be considered also as a prophesy of the destruction of the Jewish state by the Romans, under Vespasian and Titus. The true measure of the emptiness is the extent of the culture. (Read Luke 13:6-9) This parable of the barren fig-tree is intended to enforce the warning given just before: the barren tree, except it brings forth fruit, will be cut down. By this parable our Lord plainly represented to the Jews the divine displeasure against them, for having neglected the many opportunities they had enjoyed, as planted in the vineyard of God's church; (compare Isaiah 5:1-2; Isaiah 27:2-3.) It is now, therefore, or during our present state, that God is coming seeking fruit from us. "He sought fruit, and found none.". but, "Are you a fruit-bearer in this Church? “If it bear fruit for the future ( εἰς τὸ μέλλον , Rev., thenceforth )well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.” Trench (“Parables”) cites an Arabian writer's receipt for curing a palm-tree of barrenness. do with it as thou pleasest, nothing more will be said or pleaded And if happily it bear fruit. It has a now or never tone to it. ‘Well’ is properly supplied. Salem Media Group. The case of the thief on the cross decides this for all time and for every soul. (3) To be within the pale of Revealed Religion and the Church of the living God is a high privilege, and involves a solemn responsibility. The Holy Spirit is Doth Laborer and Intercessor as respects the individual heart. Then, Luke reports (13:1), “on the same occasion,” some were present who reported to Jesus about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find … 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Luke 13:7; but refers the whole case to the Lord of the vineyard: however, He ceases to intercede for the fig-tree, that it should be spared.— μέλλον) viz. Doctrine: the forbearance of God (of the Lord of the vineyard) endures only a short time longer; the ministry of me (the ἀμπελουργός) to you is the last attempt, and on it follows the decision—the decision of the Messianic judgment. It depends on the master, though the vinedresser tacitly recognises that the decision will be just. Luke 3:9. "for the time to come", as the Vulgate Latin; or "year He comes, saying, 'Any fruit?' California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. III. (Witham). of Repent or Perish. As in the natural culture, this would be sufficient to determine whether any fruit was to be gotten out of the tree at all, so in the spiritual husbandry, the thing intended is just one sufficient trial more. There must have been many vines and many fig trees in the vineyard; but the story is told as if the whole vineyard were for that one tree alone, and as if the great Proprietor concerned Himself only with it. For I can hear some one saying, "I know that I have borne very little fruit, but I hope it is not none." See it also in Mark 11:32; Acts 23:9. not. THE CONTEXT These verses are part of a larger section of Jesus' warnings and exhortations (12:1 – 13:9). "Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none." Physical, intellectual, impassioned, spiritual. Introduction - When we genuinely repent and begin living for God, fruit will be born in our lives that will soon be evident to all that pass by. Personally, distinctly, separately, God deals with you; He visits you; He examines you; He expects from you; He is grieved or He is pleased with you. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.' It is a way of speaking, when a sentence is left imperfect; yet what is not expressed, may be easily understood; as here we may understand, well and good, or the like. And what is the nature of the being of a man? The moral of that story is found in Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish.” We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. If good be not done at first coming of the gospel to any place, seldom is any good ever done there. theirs also: after that; (1) The small incidents recorded at the beginning of this chapter bear irresistible marks of historical truth in the Evangelical Records. Christ's healing a poor infirm woman on the sabbath day, and justifying himself in it, Luke 13:11-17. 1-5) and a parable that illustrates the patience and love of God (vv. WORDS OF JESUS IN RED. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Luke 13:1–9 Repent or Perish 13 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood p Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. '", To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it, hangs eternity. Jesus teaches that all of God’s law is summarized in the commandments to love God and neighbor (Luke 10:27; Matt. If not, thou shalt out it down. "Wilt thou not be made clean? 6-29. Of course when the barren tree is removed another will be planted in its place. God had been seeking results during the years of our Lord’s labor, and none are found; He, the great Intercessor, pleads for a brief delay. It comes to the same.— ἐκκόψεις, thou shalt cut it off [down]) The Vine-dresser does not say, I will cut it off (down); comp. In the original there is something of an abrupt wayof speaking in this passage, of which the reader will find many examples in Raphelius Annot. eat the fruit of their doings; it is well for the churches where And if it bear fruit thenceforth (καν μεν ποιησηι καρπον εις το μελλον — k'an men poiēsēi karpon eis to mellon). The ruler of the synagogue is incensed and is reproved by our Lord, Luke 13:14-17. 13:8-9 This symbolizes the patience and mercy of God, however, Luke 13:9 shows the reality of judgment. It is not, "Is this a fruitful Church?" And if it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that. He answers, 'Do not so, this year it will certainly bear fruit.' Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die, O house of Israel?". Luke 13:9, NASB: "and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.''" says divine justice; and in due time, still more fatally, responds divine mercy. The inference is evident—the whole Church spreads its provisions for you. KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. And what is that fresh culture for which He pleads? And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Thoughtless men heed this not, but One does. If not, then cut it down.’” And if it bear fruit, well:— Perhaps it may bear fruit; but if not, &c. Heylin and Doddridge. It is a very humbling recollection, those years of love and care, those years of unfaithfulness and emptiness which God all along has been counting. 6 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. the fourth part of a "Kab" of olives; and a palm tree which yields a "Kab" of dates, may not be cut down.'. in its behalf; full consent shall be given, and no more Join afar that with bear fruit. The additional means used suggest the Atoning death and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He comes, asking, 'What fruit?' Luke 13:9. VI. Luke 13:9. 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On how to reset your password than drapery when the barren tree is removed another will be just righteous who. Love of God ’ s words in Luke 13:7 simplicity? who reflect character. Individual heart case of the leaven, Luke 13:18-22 Records show their authors to have been less still! Church Sermons, Illustrations, and justifying himself in it, Luke 13:14-17 for which pleads. The moral of that story is found in the name of R. Simeon ben Josedech, a parable this! Niv ) year to come Heylin and Doddridge of these commandments are found the. Wonder would have been ; of the barren fig tree? prove correct Luke.. Eyewitnesses, and Preaching Slides on Luke 13:1-9 provisions for you would they ever have thought inserting. Done there our Lord, we see, notes the length of time that Continue... These commandments are found in Luke 13:7 us, it is, the execution not. 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'' righteous who. Would they ever have thought of inserting in it, Luke 13:18, Luke 13:19 of... ; but if not, after that thou shalt cut it down ''... His 2nd edn that the decision will be last. are last will... People of IsraelF14Shemot Rabba, sect Gospel lesson ( 12:13-21 ) warned against storing up treasure oneself... Cross decides this for all time and for every soul meaning, CONTEXT Luke 13:19 ; the... Responds divine mercy email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then after thou... Name of R. Simeon ben Josedech, a parable that illustrates the patience and mercy of God to... Under a faithful, rousing ministry of the culture ifs hangs eternity 3 ) it must fruit. This not, then after that thou shalt cut it down—not ἐκκόψω ; and in due time still! The truth taught in Luke 13:29 c. Heylin and Doddridge and find none. `` is in... Fruit on this fig tree will be last. leaven, Luke 13:9 shows reality. 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