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 21:19KJV
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Matthew 21:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:19 mean?

Matthew 21:19 describes Jesus seeing a fig tree with only leaves and no fruit, then declaring that it will never bear fruit again, after which the tree immediately withers. This act shows Jesus responding to the tree’s lack of fruitfulness in a direct and dramatic way.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with his disciples and notices the fig tree by the roadside. The verse highlights that Jesus expected to find fruit but found only leaves, leading him to speak a curse over the tree. The immediate withering of the fig tree is a striking event that draws attention to the seriousness of Jesus’ words and actions in this moment.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:19

  • The word αἰων (aiōn, "ever") is used here to mean "forever" or "for all time," emphasizing that Jesus’ declaration about the tree is permanent.
  • The verb γίνομαι (ginomai, "grow" or "become") is used twice in this verse, once in the negative ("let no fruit grow") and again to describe the tree withering, highlighting the change from life to barrenness.
  • The adverb παραχρῆμα (parachrēma, "presently" or "immediately") underlines how quickly the fig tree withered after Jesus spoke, stressing the power and immediacy of his words.

Why Matthew 21:19 matters

  • Matthew 21:19 is often misunderstood as simply a miracle of destruction, but it is closely tied to Jesus’ teachings about genuine fruitfulness and the expectations God has for his people.
  • The immediate withering of the tree serves as a visible sign to the disciples, reinforcing the authority of Jesus’ words and actions right before their eyes.
  • This event connects to the broader context of Matthew 21, where Jesus is confronting empty religious practices and calling for true spiritual fruit, making the fig tree a living illustration for his listeners.

Where else these words appear

“leaves” Greek G5444 · used in 5 verses

  • 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 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.
  • 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:

“tree” Greek G4808 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is 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;

“away” Greek G3583 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“presently” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.