Devine Scripture

Luke 13:7

What does Luke 13:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 13:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 13:7 means

The owner of the vineyard reveals that he has sought fruit on this fig tree for three years without success. His patience has run out, and he commands the vinedresser to cut the tree down. His justification is that the barren tree is not only unproductive but also "cumber[s] the ground," meaning it wastes resources (soil nutrients, water, space) that could be used by a productive plant. This expresses a righteous indignation at persistent unfruitfulness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to the gardener, See, for three years I have been looking for fruit from this tree, and I have not had any: let it be cut down; why is it taking up space?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said unto the vine-dresser, Lo, three years I come seeking fruit in this fig-tree, and do not find, cut it off, why also the ground doth it render useless?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to the dresser of the vineyard: Behold, for these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down therefore. Why cumbereth it the ground?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to the vinedresser, Behold, [these] three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree and find none: cut it down; why does it also render the ground useless?

Context

Building on the introduction of the barren fig tree in verse 6, this verse reveals the owner's growing impatience and his decision to remove the unproductive tree. It highlights the consequence of prolonged unfruitfulness and the owner's desire for the ground to be utilized effectively. This escalating tension in the parable sets up the vinedresser's intercession, showing the potential for delayed judgment.

v.6And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.

v.7This passage

v.8And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 2:4

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Exodus 32:10

    now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.

  • Leviticus 25:21

    then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for the three years.

  • Leviticus 19:23

    And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as their uncircumcision: three years shall they be as uncircumcised unto you; it shall not be eaten.

  • Luke 3:9

    And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

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