And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

MATTHEW 21:20KJV
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Matthew 21:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:20 mean?

Matthew 21:20 describes the disciples’ shock when they see that the fig tree Jesus cursed has withered so quickly. The disciples are amazed and ask how the tree could dry up so fast after Jesus spoke to it.

In this scene, Jesus and his disciples are traveling, and Jesus has just spoken words of judgment to a fig tree that had no fruit. The disciples notice the immediate effect—something unusual and unexpected—and their reaction shows their surprise at the power of Jesus’ words. This moment highlights both the authority Jesus has and the disciples’ growing awareness of it.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:20

  • "μαθηταί" (mathētai, "disciples"): This word refers to Jesus’ close followers, emphasizing that those who knew him best were still surprised by what happened.
  • "ἐθαύμασαν" (ethaumasan, "marvelled"): The Greek here carries a sense of being astonished or amazed, not just mildly surprised. It shows the disciples were deeply struck by the event.
  • "παραχρῆμα" (parachrēma, "soon"): This word often means "immediately" or "all at once," stressing that the fig tree withered right away, not gradually. The speed is what makes the event so remarkable to the disciples.

Why Matthew 21:20 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the fig tree’s withering was a slow or natural process; it happened instantly, which is why the disciples were so amazed.
  • The disciples’ reaction highlights that even those closest to Jesus did not always expect the full extent of his authority over creation.
  • Matthew 21:20 connects to the broader passage by setting up Jesus’ teaching about faith and prayer in the verses that follow, using the fig tree as a concrete example.

Where else these words appear

“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;

“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.

“soon” Greek G3916 · used in 19 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.
  • 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.

“marvelled” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?