King James Version

What Does Luke 3:9 Mean?

Luke 3:9 in the King James Version says “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hew...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

Luke 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. worthy of: or, meet for

9

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

10

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John's warning 'now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees' emphasizes judgment's immediacy and thoroughness. The present tense 'is laid' indicates current, not future threat—judgment is poised to fall. The 'root' (not just branches) suggests complete destruction, not mere pruning. The agricultural metaphor—'every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire'—teaches that profession without fruit results in destruction. This anticipates Jesus's parables about fruit-bearing (Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-6) and final judgment. The imagery emphasizes that mere religious identity (Jewish descent) or profession without transformed life leads to condemnation. Genuine repentance produces visible fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's threat of imminent judgment challenged Jewish confidence in ethnic privilege. The imagery of trees cut down and burned would resonate with agricultural listeners familiar with clearing unproductive orchards. His warning prepared for Jesus's teaching about fruit inspection as test of genuine discipleship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the axe at the root teach about judgment's thoroughness and imminence?
  2. How does genuine repentance express itself in 'good fruit' of transformed living?
  3. Why is religious profession or ethnic identity insufficient without fruit-bearing faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἤδη1 of 23

“now”

G2235

even now

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

ἡ4 of 23
G3588

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

ἀξίνη5 of 23

“the axe”

G513

compare g4486); an axe

πρὸς6 of 23

“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,

τὴν7 of 23
G3588

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

ῥίζαν8 of 23

“the root”

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

τῶν9 of 23
G3588

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

δένδρον10 of 23

“of the trees”

G1186

a tree

κεῖται·11 of 23

“is laid”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

πᾶν12 of 23

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οὖν13 of 23

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

δένδρον14 of 23

“of the trees”

G1186

a tree

μὴ15 of 23

“not”

G3361

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

ποιοῦν16 of 23

“forth”

G4160

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

καρπὸν17 of 23

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

καλὸν18 of 23

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἐκκόπτεται19 of 23

“is hewn down”

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

καὶ20 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

εἰς21 of 23

“into”

G1519

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

πῦρ22 of 23

“the fire”

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

βάλλεται23 of 23

“cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:19John 15:6Luke 13:9Isaiah 10:33-34Matthew 3:10Luke 13:7

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