Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 13:9

"and if it bear fruit thenceforth, [well]; but if not, thou shalt cut it down." — Luke 13:9 (ASV)

Once more Jesus alludes to Mic 7 , this time to Mic 7:1, with its lament over unproductive fig trees. The symbolism applies to Israel (cf. Isaiah 5:1–7). Jesus’ mention of both a fig tree and a vineyard makes the figure doubly clear. The tree is not immediately destroyed but is given an extra year of grace, even beyond the three years its owner had already waited. Israel, however, failed to recognize her season of opportunity.