Luke 13:7
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?
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 25
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,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρχομαι
I come
G2064
ἔρχομαι
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ζητῶν
seeking
G2212
ζητῶν
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
10 of 25
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 25
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 7:19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.Luke 3:9And 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.John 15:6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Exodus 32:10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.Leviticus 19:23And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.Daniel 4:14He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
Historical Context
Fig trees were cultivated extensively in first-century Palestine and typically bore fruit within three years of planting. A mature tree failing to produce after this period was considered hopelessly barren. Vineyards often included fig trees planted among the vines, making efficient use of space. Jesus spoke this parable during His journey to Jerusalem (13:22), with His crucifixion approaching—Israel's final opportunity to receive her Messiah. The 'three years' matches the duration of His public ministry (AD 27-30).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit' does God specifically seek in your life, and how might you be consuming spiritual resources without producing kingdom results?
- How does this parable challenge the assumption that religious heritage or church membership equals fruitfulness?
- In what ways might you be 'cumbering the ground'—occupying space in God's kingdom without bearing fruit for others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none—The fig tree represents Israel (or any professing believer), and the three years (τρία ἔτη, tria etē) likely symbolize Jesus' public ministry. The vineyard owner's patience has been exhausted; the unfruitful tree cumbereth the ground (καταργεῖ, katargei—'renders useless,' 'wastes').
This parable follows Jesus' call to repentance (13:3, 5) and illustrates God's righteous impatience with fruitless religion. The fig tree wasn't merely neutral—it actively wasted soil and space that could produce fruit. Israel had enjoyed centuries of prophetic ministry and three years of the Messiah Himself, yet remained barren of righteousness. The question why cumbereth it exposes the offense of unproductive faith: it consumes resources while yielding nothing for God's kingdom.