Luke 13:8
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answering
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 20
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτὴν
it
G846
αὐτὴν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 20
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
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτὴν
it
G846
αὐτὴν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
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
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
13 of 20
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
περὶ
about
G4012
περὶ
about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτὴν
it
G846
αὐτὴν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 20
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
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Romans 11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.Romans 10:1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?Psalms 106:23Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.Jeremiah 18:20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.Jeremiah 15:1Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
Historical Context
Palestinian vinedressers (ἀμπελουργός, ampelourgos) were skilled laborers responsible for maximizing vineyard productivity. Digging around trees loosened compacted soil to improve water and nutrient absorption. Manure (κόπρια) was the primary fertilizer in ancient agriculture. The practice described here—intensive last-resort care for a failing tree—was costly in labor and materials, illustrating the vinedresser's commitment. This parable was spoken as Jesus approached Jerusalem, where He would make His final appeal to the nation through His death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How might God be 'digging and fertilizing' in your life through circumstances you find uncomfortable or unwelcome?
- What does Christ's intercession for the barren tree reveal about His heart toward those who seem spiritually unresponsive?
- How should the gift of 'one more year' affect your urgency about repentance and spiritual productivity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Lord, let it alone this year also (κύριε, ἄφες αὐτὴν καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ἔτος, kyrie, aphes autēn kai touto to etos)—The vinedresser intercedes for mercy, promising till I shall dig about it, and dung it (σκάψω περὶ αὐτὴν καὶ βάλω κόπρια, skapsō peri autēn kai balō kopria). This intensive cultivation—aerating the soil and applying fertilizer—represents extraordinary divine effort to provoke repentance.
The vinedresser is Christ Himself, interceding for Israel and for every barren soul. His 'one more year' extends grace, but grace with accountability. The imagery of digging and fertilizing speaks of God's active work through trials, discipline, and fresh outpourings of truth to awaken spiritual life. This isn't passive tolerance but purposeful intervention—God doesn't merely wait for fruit, He works to produce it. Yet even divine cultivation doesn't guarantee response; the tree retains moral agency.