King James Version

What Does Matthew 3:10 Mean?

Matthew 3:10 in the King James Version says “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hew...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: meet: or, answerable to amendment of life

9

And think 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.

10

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

11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Read Matthew 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imagery of the axe at the tree's root emphasizes the imminent nature of God's judgment and the urgency of repentance. The present tense 'is laid' indicates judgment is not distant but immediately impending. Trees that fail to produce good fruit will be 'hewn down'—covenant language for divine rejection (Jeremiah 11:16-17). The fire represents eternal judgment, not merely temporal discipline. This sobering warning demolishes presumption and demands immediate response.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This warning anticipated both the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem (temporal judgment on unbelieving Israel) and the final eschatological judgment. John's ministry occurred approximately 40 years before Jerusalem's fall, the biblical generation of warning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imminence of judgment create urgency for repentance and gospel proclamation?
  2. What does the imagery of fruitless trees being burned teach about the eternal destiny of those who profess faith without transformation?

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:6Luke 3:9Matthew 7:19John 15:2Luke 13:6-9Ezekiel 15:2-7

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 3 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes