Fig Tree
“Fig tree”
Summary
A fruit tree common in Palestine, frequently used in biblical allegory and parable to represent Israel, fruitfulness, and the consequences of spiritual barrenness.
☩Old Testament Symbolism
The fig tree appears in Jotham's fable, where it refuses to leave its sweetness to rule over the trees (Judges 9:10-11), representing those who value their useful work over empty honor. Jeremiah's parable of the two baskets of figs (Jeremiah 24:2-3) distinguished the good figs (the righteous remnant) from the bad figs (the corrupt people). Sitting under one's fig tree symbolized peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4).
☩The Cursing of the Fig Tree
Jesus, being hungry, approached a fig tree with leaves but found no fruit, though it was not the season for ripe figs. He cursed it, saying 'Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever,' and it withered (Matthew 21:18-22). Since the fig produces fruit before or with its leaves, a tree in full leaf without fruit indicated permanent barrenness. This acted parable symbolized the spiritual unfruitfulness of Israel despite outward religious display, and served as a warning against hypocritical profession without genuine fruit.
☩Parabolic Teaching
The parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 tells of a tree given one more year to bear fruit before being cut down, illustrating God's patience but also His ultimate judgment on persistent unfruitfulness. Jesus also used the fig tree's budding as a sign: 'When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh' (Matthew 24:32), teaching His disciples to recognize the signs of His coming. The fig tree thus served as a powerful teaching instrument about spiritual readiness and judgment.
Related Verses40 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.Richard Watson, "Fig Tree," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 2.Edwin W. Rice, "Fig Tree," in The People's Dictionary of the Bible (American Sunday-School Union, 1893).
- 3.John Kitto, "Fig-tree," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. I (Mark H. Newman, 1845).