Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:20

What does Matthew 21:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:20 means

The disciples were astonished at the immediate and complete withering of the fig tree. Their question, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?" reveals their wonder at Jesus' power and the swiftness of the judgment. This miracle, though seemingly harsh, served as a tangible and memorable lesson for them, drawing their attention to Jesus' authority over creation and the spiritual implications of barrenness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when the disciples saw it they were surprised, saying, How did the fig-tree become dry in so short a time?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the disciples having seen, did wonder, saying, `How did the fig-tree forthwith wither?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the disciples seeing it wondered, saying: How is it presently withered away?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when the disciples saw [it], they wondered, saying, How immediately is the fig-tree dried up!

Context

This verse captures the disciples' reaction to the fig tree's miraculous withering, immediately following the event itself. Their question primes them for Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith and prayer, which directly explains the spiritual principles behind the miracle. This reaction highlights the impact of Jesus' power and sets the stage for a deeper understanding of His message.

v.19And seeing a fig tree by the way side, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only; and he saith unto it, Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And immediately the fig tree withered away.

v.20This passage

v.21And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done.

Cross references

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

  • James 1:10

    and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

  • Mark 11:20

    And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.

  • Isaiah 40:6

    The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.

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