Matthew 21:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδὼν
when he saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
when he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 35
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἐπ'
in
G1909
ἐπ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 35
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
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοῦ
the way
G3598
ὁδοῦ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
7 of 35
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
ἦλθεν
he came
G2064
ἦλθεν
he came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 35
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπ'
in
G1909
ἐπ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 35
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῇ
it
G846
αὐτῇ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 35
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 #:
11 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
12 of 35
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
αὐτῇ
it
G846
αὐτῇ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 35
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
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 35
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
21 of 35
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῇ
it
G846
αὐτῇ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 35
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
ἐκ
on
G1537
ἐκ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
24 of 35
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γένηται
Let no
G1096
γένηται
Let no
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
27 of 35
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
28 of 35
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
ever
G165
αἰῶνα
ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
30 of 35
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
31 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξηράνθη
withered away
G3583
ἐξηράνθη
withered away
Strong's:
G3583
Word #:
32 of 35
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
Cross References
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 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.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Mark 11:14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.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.Jude 1:12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;Revelation 22:11He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.