Matthew 21:19

Authorized King James Version

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδὼν

G1492

when he saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

συκῆ

G4808

fig tree

a fig-tree

μίαν

G3391

one or first

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδοῦ

G3598

the way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἦλθεν

G2064

he came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

αὐτῇ

G846

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

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

οὐδὲν

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#13

εὗρεν

G2147

found

to find (literally or figuratively)

#14

ἐν

G1722

thereon

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

αὐτῇ

G846

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

#16

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#17

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#18

φύλλα

G5444

leaves

a sprout, i.e., leaf

#19

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

λέγει

G3004

said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#22

αὐτῇ

G846

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

#23

Μηκέτι

G3371

henceforward

no further

#24

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#25

σοῦ

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

#26

καρπὸς

G2590

fruit

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

#27

γένηται

G1096

Let no

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#28

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#29

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

αἰῶνα

G165

ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#31

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#32

ἐξηράνθη

G3583

withered away

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

#33

παραχρῆμα

G3916

presently

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

#34

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#35

συκῆ

G4808

fig tree

a fig-tree

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Matthew 21:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources