📖 Biblical Definition
Christ's parable in Luke 13:6-9. A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard. For three years he came seeking fruit and found none. He told the keeper to cut it down: why cumbereth it the ground? The keeper requested one more year: let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. The parable warns Israel and any who profess without producing fruit.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
BARREN FIG TRE, n.
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A scriptural parable of Christ; the barren fig tree.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 13:6 — "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard."
Luke 13:7 — "Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none."
Luke 13:8 — "Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it."
Matthew 21:19 — "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity assumes longevity equals legitimacy; the fig tree had years and no fruit.
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The barren fig tree had been planted, watered, and tended for three years. By every external metric, it was a fig tree in good standing — same soil, same care, same family, same vineyard. The owner's test was different: where is the fruit? Three years of barrenness was enough to warrant the axe; the keeper's plea bought one more year.
Modern Christianity often assumes longevity equals legitimacy. The longtime church member, the lifelong professor, the elder of decades. The Lord's test is different: where is the fruit? Without fruit, the years count against you, not for you. Be a fruit-bearing tree. The keeper has interceded; the year of digging and dunging is grace; bear fruit unto the Lord.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G4808 — suke — fig tree
G2590 — karpos — fruit
Usage
"Modern Christianity assumes longevity equals legitimacy; the fig tree had years and no fruit."
"Without fruit, the years count against you, not for you."
"The keeper has interceded; the year of digging is grace; bear fruit."