King James Version

What Does Mark 11:20 Mean?

Mark 11:20 in the King James Version says “And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”

Mark 11:20 · KJV

Context

18

And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

19

And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. Have: or, Have the faith of God

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots (πρωῒ παραπορευόμενοι εἶδον τὴν συκῆν ἐξηραμμένην ἐκ ῥιζῶν)—this is Tuesday morning of Passion Week. The disciples discover that Jesus' curse (v. 14) has taken full effect. The perfect passive participle exērammenēn (ἐξηραμμένην, "dried up") indicates completed action with ongoing results: the tree is thoroughly dead. The phrase from the roots (ek rhizōn, ἐκ ῥιζῶν) emphasizes the totality of judgment—not merely withered leaves but dead to the core. No possibility of recovery exists; the tree is utterly finished.

This detail heightens the miracle's impact: a full-grown fig tree completely withered overnight, something botanically impossible by natural means. Jesus' word carried creative and destructive power (Hebrews 1:3). The withered tree visually demonstrates the judgment pronounced on Israel's fruitless religion, particularly the temple establishment Jesus cleansed (vv. 15-17). As the tree died from the roots, so Israel's temple system would be destroyed to its foundations (fulfilled AD 70). The image also anticipates Jesus' teaching in John 15:1-6 about branches severed from the vine withering and being burned—fruitlessness results in judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fig tree miracle is one of Jesus' few 'negative' miracles (along with the Gadarene swine, Matthew 8:28-34). Unlike healings and exorcisms that restore and bless, this miracle judges and destroys. The disciples' amazement (v. 21) is understandable—they had never seen Jesus use miracle power destructively. Yet this sign-act was necessary to dramatize God's judgment on fruitless religion. Old Testament prophets similarly performed shocking symbolic acts: Hosea married a prostitute (Hosea 1:2), Isaiah walked naked (Isaiah 20:2-4), Ezekiel lay on his side for 430 days (Ezekiel 4:4-8). These actions viscerally communicated God's message. The withered fig tree remained visible throughout Passion Week as Jesus taught about faith (vv. 22-25), debated religious leaders (11:27-12:40), and prophesied the temple's destruction (13:1-2). Within 40 years, Rome besieged Jerusalem (AD 66-70), starving the city and razing the temple. Not one stone remained on another (Mark 13:2), just as the fig tree dried up from the roots.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the fig tree's complete death 'from the roots' symbolize about the totality of God's judgment on fruitless religious systems?
  2. How does this miracle's 'destructive' nature challenge assumptions that God's power only heals and never judges?
  3. In what ways should the withered fig tree prompt self-examination about whether our spiritual lives produce genuine fruit or merely impressive religious appearances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

πρωῒ2 of 9

“in the morning”

G4404

at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch

παραπορευόμενοι3 of 9

“as they passed by”

G3899

to travel near

εἶδον4 of 9

“they saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν5 of 9
G3588

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

συκῆν6 of 9

“the fig tree”

G4808

a fig-tree

ἐξηραμμένην7 of 9

“dried up”

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

ἐκ8 of 9

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ῥιζῶν9 of 9

“the roots”

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 11:20 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 Mark 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:13Matthew 13:6Matthew 21:19-22John 15:6Mark 11:14Isaiah 40:24

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