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

LUKE 13:9KJV
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Luke 13:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:9 mean?

Luke 13:9 describes a situation where someone is waiting to see if a tree will finally produce fruit; if it does, that is good, but if it does not, then the tree will be cut down. The verse shows a moment of patience and a final chance before a decision is made to remove what is unproductive.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable to the people listening to Him. He uses the image of a fig tree that has not produced fruit for several years, and the owner is considering cutting it down. The caretaker asks for one more year to tend to it, hoping it will bear fruit. This verse captures the caretaker’s offer: if the tree bears fruit, it will be spared; if not, it will be removed. The story highlights the ideas of patience, opportunity, and the reality of consequences if there is no change.

The Greek behind Luke 13:9

  • "if" (ἐὰν, ean): This word introduces a condition, showing that the outcome depends on what happens next. The verse is not a flat statement but an "if-then" scenario.
  • "bear" (ποιήσῃ, poiēsē): This Greek word means "to make" or "to produce." Here, it refers to the tree actually producing fruit, not just existing.
  • "fruit" (καρπός, karpos): This word means "fruit" in a literal sense, but in parables, it often points to results or outcomes in a person’s life.
  • "cut down" (ἐκκόψεις, ekkopsēs): This word means "to cut out" or "to remove completely." It is a strong term, showing that the tree will not just be trimmed but taken out entirely if it remains unfruitful.

Why Luke 13:9 matters

  • Luke 13:9 clarifies that the patience shown is not endless; there is a real point when a final decision will be made if there is no change.
  • The verse helps explain the character of God’s patience in the wider passage, showing both mercy (giving more time) and justice (eventually acting if there is no response).
  • The parable connects to the larger theme in Luke 13, where Jesus calls people to respond and change before it is too late, making the story more than just about a tree.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“if” Greek G2579 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
  • Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“not” Greek G1490 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
  • John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

“fruit” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;