Matthew 21:20
And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδόντες
saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πῶς
How
G4459
Πῶς
How
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
7 of 11
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἐξηράνθη
withered away
G3583
ἐξηράνθη
withered away
Strong's:
G3583
Word #:
9 of 11
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
Historical Context
Fig trees symbolized Israel's covenant relationship with God (Jer 8:13, Hos 9:10). A leafy tree promised fruit even out of season—finding none demonstrated barrenness. Jesus cursed it Monday morning; by Tuesday morning it was completely dead, an impossible natural timeframe pointing to divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'leaves without fruit'—outward religious activity without genuine spiritual life—might Jesus identify in your walk?
- When you witness God's power, do you marvel at the spectacle or learn the spiritual lesson?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!—The Greek ἐθαύμασαν (ethaumasan, 'marveled') shows astonishment at the speed: How soon (πῶς παραχρῆμα, pōs parachrēma)—immediately, not gradually. The disciples focused on the miracle's timing, missing Jesus's symbolic judgment on Israel's fruitless religion.
Their amazement prepared them for Jesus's teaching on faith (v.21-22). What stunned them—instantaneous withering—illustrates both faith's power and unbelief's consequence. The fig tree represented Israel's outward religion without righteousness (Luke 13:6-9), now judged in Jesus's prophetic act.