Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Luke 13:6-9

judgmentpatiencefruitfulness

Biblical Text

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

— Luke 13:6-9 (NIV)

Context

Jesus told this parable after discussing recent tragedies and the need for repentance. It illustrates God's patience in waiting for spiritual fruit while warning about the limits of that patience.

Theological Interpretation

This parable reveals both God's patience and His expectation of spiritual fruitfulness. The vineyard owner represents God, the gardener represents Christ's intercession, and the fig tree represents those who have received spiritual privileges but remain unfruitful.