King James Version

What Does Luke 13:7 Mean?

Luke 13:7 in the King James Version says “Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 13:7 · KJV

Context

5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

6

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon , and found none.

7

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?

8

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9

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

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none—The fig tree represents Israel (or any professing believer), and the three years (τρία ἔτη, tria etē) likely symbolize Jesus' public ministry. The vineyard owner's patience has been exhausted; the unfruitful tree cumbereth the ground (καταργεῖ, katargei—'renders useless,' 'wastes').

This parable follows Jesus' call to repentance (13:3, 5) and illustrates God's righteous impatience with fruitless religion. The fig tree wasn't merely neutral—it actively wasted soil and space that could produce fruit. Israel had enjoyed centuries of prophetic ministry and three years of the Messiah Himself, yet remained barren of righteousness. The question why cumbereth it exposes the offense of unproductive faith: it consumes resources while yielding nothing for God's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fig trees were cultivated extensively in first-century Palestine and typically bore fruit within three years of planting. A mature tree failing to produce after this period was considered hopelessly barren. Vineyards often included fig trees planted among the vines, making efficient use of space. Jesus spoke this parable during His journey to Jerusalem (13:22), with His crucifixion approaching—Israel's final opportunity to receive her Messiah. The 'three years' matches the duration of His public ministry (AD 27-30).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fruit' does God specifically seek in your life, and how might you be consuming spiritual resources without producing kingdom results?
  2. How does this parable challenge the assumption that religious heritage or church membership equals fruitfulness?
  3. In what ways might you be 'cumbering the ground'—occupying space in God's kingdom without bearing fruit for others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
εἶπεν1 of 25

“said he”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 25

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 25

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν4 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀμπελουργόν5 of 25

“the dresser of his vineyard”

G289

a vine-worker, i.e., pruner

Ἰδού,6 of 25

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τρία7 of 25

“these three”

G5140

"three"

ἔτη8 of 25

“years”

G2094

a year

ἔρχομαι9 of 25

“I come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ζητῶν10 of 25

“seeking”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

καρπὸν11 of 25

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἐν12 of 25

“on”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συκῇ14 of 25

“fig tree”

G4808

a fig-tree

ταύτῃ15 of 25
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ16 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐχ17 of 25

“none”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εὑρίσκω·18 of 25

“find”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἔκκοψον19 of 25

“cut”

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

αὐτήν20 of 25

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἱνατί21 of 25

“why”

G2444

for what reason ?, i.e., why?

καὶ22 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν24 of 25

“the ground”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καταργεῖ25 of 25

“cumbereth”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 13:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:19Luke 3:9John 15:6John 15:2Romans 2:4-5Matthew 3:9-10

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