Devine Scripture

Luke 3:9

What does Luke 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:9 means

John uses a stark agricultural metaphor to illustrate the urgency of his message: the axe is already at the root of the trees. This signifies that God's judgment is imminent and decisive. Trees that fail to produce good fruit—representing lives that do not demonstrate genuine repentance—will be cut down and burned. This powerful imagery warns of the severe consequences for those who neglect true transformation, emphasizing the need for immediate and authentic change.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And even now the axe is put to the root of the trees; and every tree which does not have good fruit will be cut down and put into the fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and already also the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and to fire it is cast.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And already also the axe is applied to the root of the trees; every tree therefore not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into [the] fire.

Context

This verse reinforces the warning of impending judgment from the previous passages, intensifying the call to repentance. The vivid imagery of the axe and barren trees underscores the seriousness and immediacy of John's message. This warning prepares the reader for the direct questions the crowds will pose concerning what specific actions constitute "good fruit."

v.8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

v.9This passage

v.10And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 4:14

    He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.

  • Matthew 3:10

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

  • Matthew 7:19

    Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Luke 13:7

    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?

  • John 15:6

    If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

  • Ezekiel 15:2

    Son of man, what is the vine-tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest?

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