Luke 3:9
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 23
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,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
13 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιοῦν
forth
G4160
ποιοῦν
forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
16 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καλὸν
good
G2570
καλὸν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Matthew 7:19Every tree that 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.Luke 13:9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.Matthew 3:10And 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.Luke 13:7Then 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?Hebrews 12:29For our God is a consuming fire.Ezekiel 31:18To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.Daniel 4:23And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;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
John's threat of imminent judgment challenged Jewish confidence in ethnic privilege. The imagery of trees cut down and burned would resonate with agricultural listeners familiar with clearing unproductive orchards. His warning prepared for Jesus's teaching about fruit inspection as test of genuine discipleship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the axe at the root teach about judgment's thoroughness and imminence?
- How does genuine repentance express itself in 'good fruit' of transformed living?
- Why is religious profession or ethnic identity insufficient without fruit-bearing faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's warning 'now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees' emphasizes judgment's immediacy and thoroughness. The present tense 'is laid' indicates current, not future threat—judgment is poised to fall. The 'root' (not just branches) suggests complete destruction, not mere pruning. The agricultural metaphor—'every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire'—teaches that profession without fruit results in destruction. This anticipates Jesus's parables about fruit-bearing (Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-6) and final judgment. The imagery emphasizes that mere religious identity (Jewish descent) or profession without transformed life leads to condemnation. Genuine repentance produces visible fruit.