What does Matthew 21:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Matthew 21:19, describes an incident involving Jesus and a fig tree. In this passage, Jesus approaches the fig tree, expecting to find fruit.

However, upon arrival, He discovers the tree only has leaves and no fruit.

As a result of this unfruitfulness, Jesus curses the tree, which subsequently withers.

The fig tree is often seen as a symbol for Israel, and by cursing the fig tree, which outwardly appears to be fruitful but is not, it is suggested that Jesus is making a statement about the spiritual barrenness of Israel, particularly the religious leaders who were not producing the spiritual fruit that God required.

This event is also seen as illustrating Jesus' divine power and the importance of faith and spiritual vitality.

Historical Context

The event of cursing the fig tree recorded in Matthew 21 took place during what is called Holy Week, the last week of Jesus' life before His crucifixion.

The fig tree was a common plant in the region, and it symbolized provision and well-being.

Culturally, the fig tree represented plenty, and religiously it was a symbol for Israel itself.

In cursing the fig tree, an act that reflects the Old Testament prophetic sign-acts, Jesus was demonstrating a judgment against those who are unproductive or hypocritical.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, various interpretations are offered for this passage:

Judgment

The fig tree is seen as a symbol for Israel and its religious leaders. Jesus' action conveys that God will judge and condemn those who are spiritually unproductive.

Faith and Power

The context of this event involves Jesus teaching about faith and the power of prayer. The withering of the fig tree serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power and authority over creation.

Hypocrisy

The leafy but fruitless fig tree could represent the hypocrisy of those who have the outward trappings of religiosity but lack true faith and righteousness.

Eschatological Meaning

Some scholars see the withering of the fig tree as prefiguring the coming judgment at the end of the age.

Practical Applications

The story of the fig tree serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.

Followers of Christ are encouraged to not only appear faithful outwardly but to truly live out their faith through actions.

It reminds believers of the necessity of having a genuine relationship with God, characterized by prayer, faith, and the production of spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, and other attributes mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23.

Cross-References

• Mark 11:12-14, 20-21: Another account of the cursing of the fig tree.
• Luke 13:6-9: The parable of the barren fig tree.
• Galatians 5:22-23: The fruits of the Spirit.
• John 15:1-8: Jesus' teaching about being the vine and His followers being the branches.

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

• "Fig tree" is "συκῆ" (syke), which was a common fruit tree in the region.
• "Found nothing thereon" uses the word "οὐδὲν" (ouden), meaning 'nothing' or 'none', emphasizing the absence of fruit.
• "Let no fruit grow on thee" features "καρπὸς" (karpos), which refers to literal fruit but is often used metaphorically for works or deeds in the New Testament.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, trees were often symbols of life and fertility.

The fig tree, in particular, held significance in several Near Eastern traditions as a symbol of prosperity and sustenance.

Within Jewish tradition, it was associated with the nation of Israel.

The action Jesus takes against the fig tree can be compared to other prophetic actions in the Old Testament where prophets would often perform signs to communicate God's message or judgment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a botanical standpoint, the fig tree typically has a season for bearing fruit. If Jesus was expecting fruit out of season, this could be seen as unreasonable.

However, scholars note that the type of fig tree in Israel could have a crop of early figs, or "bikkurim," which Jesus might have expected to find. The supernatural withering of the tree, in any case, is not explainable by natural phenomena and is presented as a miracle.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various interpretations of this passage:

• William Barclay notes the symbolic act of Jesus as a reflection on the sterility of the religious life of Israel, which has borne no fruit of real goodness.
• John Calvin sees the cursing of the fig tree as a symbol and doctrine intended for the disciples to understand the power of faith and the word of Christ.
• Craig Blomberg interprets the event as illustrative of both Jesus' authority over nature and the judgment that falls on the spiritually unresponsive.
• R.T.

France emphasizes that the primary function of the story in Matthew is to serve as an enacted parable of judgment against the temple and, by extension, the whole of Israel.