9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
9 and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn't, then chop it down.'"
9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.' "
9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.'"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 13:9
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.