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?

LUKE 13:7KJV
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Luke 13:7 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:7 mean?

Luke 13:7 describes the owner of a vineyard telling the caretaker to cut down a fig tree that has not produced fruit for three years, questioning why it should continue to take up space in the ground. The verse highlights the owner's frustration with the tree's lack of results and his decision to remove it because it is not fulfilling its purpose.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the image of a fruitless fig tree to make a point. The owner represents someone expecting results, while the caretaker is responsible for tending the tree. The verse sets up a moment of decision, showing the seriousness of wasted opportunities and the expectation of fruitfulness in what has been given time and care.

The Greek behind Luke 13:7

  • The word "cumbereth" comes from καταργέω (katargeō), which means "to make useless" or "to render inactive." Here, it suggests the tree is not just unproductive but is actually taking up resources that could be used by something else, emphasizing the sense of waste.
  • The phrase "cut it down" uses ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō), meaning "to cut out" or "remove." This is a strong action, showing the owner's resolve to end the tree's unproductive presence.
  • The word "seeking" is ζητέω (zēteō), which means "to look for" or "to search out." The owner has been actively looking for fruit, not just passively waiting, which underlines his disappointment.

Why Luke 13:7 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that simply existing in a good place (the vineyard) is not enough; there is an expectation of fruitfulness or results over time.
  • The urgency and disappointment in the owner's words help readers understand the seriousness of wasted opportunities and the responsibility that comes with being cared for or given time.
  • In the wider context of Jesus' teaching, this parable challenges listeners to consider their own lives and whether they are making use of the chances and care they have received.

Where else these words appear

“why” Greek G2444 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 7:26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

“cut” Greek G1581 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 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.
  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

“tree” Greek G4808 · used in 15 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

“cumbereth” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: