King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:19 Mean?

Matthew 21:19 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. a fig tree: Gr. one fig tree

Matthew 21:19 · KJV


Context

17

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

18

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

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. a fig tree: Gr. one fig tree

20

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

21

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἰδὼν2 of 35

when he 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

συκῆ3 of 35

fig tree

G4808

a fig-tree

μίαν4 of 35

a

G3391

one or first

ἐπ'5 of 35

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς6 of 35
G3588

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

ὁδοῦ7 of 35

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἦλθεν8 of 35

he came

G2064

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

ἐπ'9 of 35

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῇ10 of 35

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

καὶ11 of 35

And

G2532

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

οὐδὲν12 of 35

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

εὗρεν13 of 35

found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἐν14 of 35

thereon

G1722

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

αὐτῇ15 of 35

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

εἰ16 of 35
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ17 of 35
G3361

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

φύλλα18 of 35

leaves

G5444

a sprout, i.e., leaf

μόνον19 of 35

only

G3440

merely

καὶ20 of 35

And

G2532

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

λέγει21 of 35

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῇ22 of 35

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

Μηκέτι23 of 35

henceforward

G3371

no further

ἐκ24 of 35

on

G1537

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

σοῦ25 of 35

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

καρπὸς26 of 35

fruit

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

γένηται27 of 35

Let no

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς28 of 35

for

G1519

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

τὸν29 of 35
G3588

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

αἰῶνα30 of 35

ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

καὶ31 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἐξηράνθη32 of 35

withered away

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

παραχρῆμα33 of 35

presently

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

34 of 35
G3588

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

συκῆ35 of 35

fig tree

G4808

a fig-tree


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 21:19 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 Matthew 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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