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.

MARK 11:13KJV
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Mark 11:13 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:13 mean?

Mark 11:13 describes Jesus seeing a fig tree with leaves from a distance and approaching it, hoping to find fruit, but discovering only leaves because it was not the season for figs. The verse highlights Jesus’ expectation and the absence of figs, setting up what happens next in the story.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem. He notices a fig tree that appears promising because it has leaves, which usually suggests fruit might be present. However, when Jesus gets closer, he finds that the tree has no figs, since it is not the usual time for figs to be ripe. This moment is important for what follows in the narrative.

The Greek behind Mark 11:13

  • ἔχουσαν (echousan, “having”): This word emphasizes that the tree had leaves, which in that region often meant there could be early figs, even if it was not the main season. The detail sets up Jesus’ reasonable expectation.
  • εἰ ἄρα (ei ara, “if haply”): This phrase shows uncertainty—Jesus approaches the tree with the hope or possibility of finding something, not a guarantee.
  • γὰρ (gar, “for”): This word explains the reason for the lack of figs: it was not the season for them. The verse itself clarifies that the tree’s lack of fruit is not surprising given the time of year.

Why Mark 11:13 matters

  • Mark 11:13 helps the reader understand why Jesus approaches the tree and why he is disappointed, even though it was not the usual season for figs.
  • The verse sets up the symbolic act that follows, where Jesus uses the fig tree to teach a lesson to his disciples about fruitfulness and appearances.
  • This detail about the time of figs shows that Jesus’ actions are deliberate and meaningful, not simply a reaction to hunger or frustration.

Where else these words appear

“figs” Greek G4810 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
  • James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

“leaves” Greek G5444 · used in 5 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.
  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

“off” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
  • Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar 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 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
  • Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;