Matthew 3:10
And 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.
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
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.Matthew 7:19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.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.Jeremiah 17:8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.Hebrews 6:8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.Psalms 1:3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.Matthew 21:19And 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.Luke 23:31For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
Historical Context
This warning anticipated both the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem (temporal judgment on unbelieving Israel) and the final eschatological judgment. John's ministry occurred approximately 40 years before Jerusalem's fall, the biblical generation of warning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imminence of judgment create urgency for repentance and gospel proclamation?
- What does the imagery of fruitless trees being burned teach about the eternal destiny of those who profess faith without transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of the axe at the tree's root emphasizes the imminent nature of God's judgment and the urgency of repentance. The present tense 'is laid' indicates judgment is not distant but immediately impending. Trees that fail to produce good fruit will be 'hewn down'—covenant language for divine rejection (Jeremiah 11:16-17). The fire represents eternal judgment, not merely temporal discipline. This sobering warning demolishes presumption and demands immediate response.