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For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"

Verse Takeaways

1

A Prophecy for Jerusalem

Commentators unanimously explain that Jesus is using a common proverb. He is the 'green tree'—innocent, vibrant, and undeserving of fire. The nation of Jerusalem is the 'dry tree'—guilty, spiritually dead, and ripe for judgment. The warning is clear: if the occupying Roman forces would execute an innocent man, their future destruction of a rebellious nation would be far more severe.

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Book Overview

Luke

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Commentaries

10

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Luke 23:31

18th Century

Theologian

For if they do these things in a green tree. This seems to be a proverbial expression. A green tree is not easily set on fire; a …

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Luke 23:31

In the green tree (εν υγρω ξυλω). Green wood is hard to burn and so is used for the innocent.

In the dry (…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Luke 23:31

19th Century

Bishop

If they do these things in a green tree.—The word for “tree” primarily meant “wood” or “timber,” the tree cut down. In later Greek…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Luke 23:27–31

19th Century

Preacher

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughte…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Luke 23:31

As Jesus heads to Calvary, Luke records an incident that expresses Jesus’ concern for the fate of Jerusalem (cf. 19:41–44; 21:20–24). Jewish women …

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Luke 23:31

16th Century

Theologian

With the statement, If they do these things in the green tree (Luke 23:31), Christ confirms what He had previously declared: t…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Luke 23:31

17th Century

Pastor

For if they do these things in a green tree

Or it may be rendered impersonally, "if these things are done in a green tree"; …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Luke 23:26–31

17th Century

Minister

Here we have the blessed Jesus, the Lamb of God, led as a lamb to the slaughter, to the sacrifice. Though many reproached and reviled him, yet some…