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Verse Takeaways
1
The Danger of Fake Faith
Commentators overwhelmingly agree that the leafy but fruitless fig tree is a powerful object lesson. The leaves represent an outward show of religious life and profession, while the lack of fruit signifies an absence of genuine faith and righteousness. Jesus's curse on the tree is a dramatic warning against hypocrisy, showing that God expects true spiritual substance, not just the appearance of piety.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 21:19
18th Century
Theologian
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, etc. This tree was standing in the public road. It was therefore common property, and anyone might …
AT Robertson
On Matthew 21:19
A fig tree (συκην μιαν). "A single fig tree" (Margin of Rev. Version). But εις was often used = τις or like our indefinite article…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 21:19
19th Century
Preacher
Looking for food, a fig tree in full leaf promised Him some refreshment. This fig tree was, apparently, no one’s property. It stood in the way; it …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 21:19
Somewhere on the road between Bethany and Jerusalem, Jesus approached a fig tree in the hope of allaying his hunger, but found only leaves (see com…
John Calvin
On Matthew 21:19
16th Century
Theologian
Let no fruit grow on you from now on. From this, let us learn the meaning of the word curse—namely, that the tree should be conde…
John Gill
On Matthew 21:19
17th Century
Pastor
And when he saw a fig tree
In the Greek text it is "one fig tree", one remarkable fig tree: he must see a great many…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 21:18–22
17th Century
Minister
This cursing of the barren fig-tree represents the state of hypocrites in general. It teaches us that Christ looks for the power of religion in tho…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 21:1–22
13th Century
Philosopher
Here, it was stated that Matthew’s Gospel is divided into three parts:
- In the first part, he relates Christ’s entrance into the world …