Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:10

What does Matthew 3:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:10 means

John issues a stern warning of imminent judgment, likening it to an axe already at the root of a tree. This means that God's judgment is not far off but is ready to be executed. Any tree (person) that does not produce "good fruit"—evidence of genuine repentance and changed life—will be cut down and cast into the fire, symbolizing destruction and divine wrath. This emphasizes the urgency of spiritual transformation before it is too late.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now also, the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree therefore not bearing good fruit is hewn down, and to fire is cast.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And already 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

Building on the warnings about superficial repentance and reliance on heritage in verses 7-9, this verse intensifies John's message with a vivid image of impending judgment. It underscores the severity of God's coming wrath, preparing the listener for the introduction of an even more powerful figure who will execute this judgment, detailed in the following verses.

v.9and think 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.10This passage

v.11I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 27:11

    When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off; the women shall come, and set them on fire; for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have compassion upon them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.

  • Matthew 21:19

    And 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.

  • Luke 13:6

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

  • Matthew 7:19

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

  • 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?

  • Psalms 1:3

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

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