King James Version

What Does Luke 13:9 Mean?

Luke 13:9 in the King James Version says “And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 13:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down—The vinedresser's intercession has limits. The conditional structure (κἂν μὲν ποιήσῃ καρπόν… εἰ δὲ μή γε, ἐκκόψεις αὐτήν, kan men poiēsē karpon... ei de mē ge, ekkopseis autēn) presents two stark outcomes: fruitfulness or destruction. There is no third option.

This conclusion demolishes presumption upon God's patience. The 'cutting down' (ἐκκόπτω, ekkoptō) means complete removal and judgment—the same verb used by John the Baptist: 'Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down' (Matthew 3:10). For Israel, this judgment fell in AD 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. For individual souls, it comes at death or Christ's return. The parable ends without revealing the tree's response, leaving each hearer to provide the ending through their own life. Will we bear fruit or face the axe?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The destruction of barren fruit trees was standard agricultural practice—sentimentality didn't outweigh economic reality. Firewood from fruit trees was valuable, so even a cut-down tree had use, but only after it failed its primary purpose. Jesus spoke this parable around AD 30; within 40 years (a biblical generation), the Roman legions under Titus besieged Jerusalem, slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Jews, destroyed the temple, and ended the sacrificial system. This national catastrophe fulfilled Jesus' prophecy that fruitless Israel would be 'cut down.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the finality of 'cut it down' challenge modern assumptions about unlimited second chances?
  2. What fruit has God's patient cultivation produced in your life this past year that wouldn't have existed without His intervention?
  3. If your life were evaluated today solely by its spiritual fruit, what would the verdict be—'well' or 'cut it down'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
κἂν1 of 12

“And if”

G2579

and (or even) if

μὲν2 of 12
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ποιήσῃ3 of 12

“it bear”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καρπὸν4 of 12

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

εἰ5 of 12
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ6 of 12
G1161

but, and, etc

μήγε,7 of 12
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς8 of 12

“then after that”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ9 of 12
G3588

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

μέλλον·10 of 12
G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἐκκόψεις11 of 12

“down”

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

αὐτήν12 of 12

“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

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:2Psalms 69:22-28Ezra 9:14-15Hebrews 6:81 Thessalonians 2:15Daniel 9:5-8

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 13 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes