Bible Strands
Matthew 21:20
When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The disciples observe Jesus and ask Him directly after witnessing the immediate withering of the cursed fig tree. This occurs during Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem, right after He pronounces judgment on the barren tree.
The words — The Greek παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) literally means "at this hour" or "immediately," emphasizing the suddenness of the tree's withering. The verb ἐθαύμασαν (ethaumasan) denotes their astonishment at the rapid divine action.
The thread — The sudden withering parallels Mark 11:20, where the disciples also observe the tree dried up from the roots. The theme of fleeting earthly glory connects to Isaiah 40:6 and James 1:10, which compare human life and achievement to grass and field flowers that quickly pass away.
Why it lands — The text states that the disciples questioned the speed of the withering, which prompts Jesus to teach that faith without doubt produces immediate results. It requires readers to treat Jesus' spoken word as authoritative power rather than a passing miracle, demanding undoubting trust in His commands.
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 when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Cross-references
- Isaiah 40:6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.
- Mark 11:20 As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots.
- James 1:10 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.