Luke Chapter 13 · Verse 9
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ποιήσῃ
it bear
G4160
ποιήσῃ
it bear
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μήγε,
G3361
μήγε,
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
then after that
G1519
εἰς
then after that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλον·
G3195
μέλλον·
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
10 of 12
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
Cross References
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.Hebrews 6:8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.1 Thessalonians 2:15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Historical Context
The destruction of barren fruit trees was standard agricultural practice—sentimentality didn't outweigh economic reality. Firewood from fruit trees was valuable, so even a cut-down tree had use, but only after it failed its primary purpose. Jesus spoke this parable around AD 30; within 40 years (a biblical generation), the Roman legions under Titus besieged Jerusalem, slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Jews, destroyed the temple, and ended the sacrificial system. This national catastrophe fulfilled Jesus' prophecy that fruitless Israel would be 'cut down.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does the finality of 'cut it down' challenge modern assumptions about unlimited second chances?
- What fruit has God's patient cultivation produced in your life this past year that wouldn't have existed without His intervention?
- If your life were evaluated today solely by its spiritual fruit, what would the verdict be—'well' or 'cut it down'?
Analysis & Commentary
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down—The vinedresser's intercession has limits. The conditional structure (κἂν μὲν ποιήσῃ καρπόν… εἰ δὲ μή γε, ἐκκόψεις αὐτήν, kan men poiēsē karpon... ei de mē ge, ekkopseis autēn) presents two stark outcomes: fruitfulness or destruction. There is no third option.
This conclusion demolishes presumption upon God's patience. The 'cutting down' (ἐκκόπτω, ekkoptō) means complete removal and judgment—the same verb used by John the Baptist: 'Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down' (Matthew 3:10). For Israel, this judgment fell in AD 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. For individual souls, it comes at death or Christ's return. The parable ends without revealing the tree's response, leaving each hearer to provide the ending through their own life. Will we bear fruit or face the axe?