A.T. Robertson Commentary James 3:12

"Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? Neither [can] salt water yield sweet." — James 3:12 (ASV)

Can? (μη δυναται; ). Negative answer expected. See the same metaphor in Mt 7:16f.

Fig-tree (συκη). Old and common word (Matthew 21:19f.).

Figs (συκα). Ripe fruit of η συκη.

Olives (ελαιας). Elsewhere in the N.T. for olive-trees as Mt 21:1.

Vine (αμπελος). Old word (Matthew 26:29).

Salt water (αλυκον). Old adjective from αλς (αλας salt), here only in N.T.