A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 3:10

"And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." — Matthew 3:10 (ASV)

Is the axe laid (η αξινη κειτα). This verb κειτα is used as the perfect passive of τιθημ. But the idea really is, "the axe lies at (προς, before) the root of the trees." It is there ready for business. The prophetic present occurs also with "is hewn down" and "cast."