8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
8 " 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it.
8 And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.
8 "The gardener said, 'Let's give it another year. I'll dig around it and fertilize,
8 But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
8 "The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 13:8
Commentary on Luke 13:6-9
(Read Luke 13:6-9)
This parable of the barren fig-tree is intended to enforce the warning given just before: the barren tree, except it brings forth fruit, will be cut down. This parable in the first place refers to the nation and people of the Jews. Yet it is, without doubt, for awakening all that enjoy the means of grace, and the privileges of the visible church. When God has borne long, we may hope that he will bear with us yet a little longer, but we cannot expect that he will bear always.