Bible Strands
Luke 13:9
If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The caretaker addresses the vineyard owner regarding the fig tree’s fate, responding to the owner’s prior command to remove it. The words — κἂν (kan) = "and if" / "if perhaps"; καρπὸν (karpon) = "fruit". The text states the tree will be spared only if it produces fruit next year, with removal as the explicit alternative. The thread — This conditional outcome aligns with John 15:2, where unfruitful branches are cut off, and Hebrews 6:8, where barren land faces imminent destruction. Why it lands — The verse demands immediate accountability for results, framing extended patience as a temporary reprieve rather than a guaranteed pardon.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Cross-references
- John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.
- Hebrews 6:8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.
- Ezra 9:14 shall we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Would You not become so angry with us as to wipe us out, leaving no remnant or survivor?
- Psalms 69:22 May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,
- Daniel 9:5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.
- Revelation 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters say: “Righteous are You, O Holy One, who is and was, because You have brought these judgments.
- Revelation 15:3 and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!