The Fig Tree

Illustration of The Fig Tree

The fig tree, a staple of the land, became a recurring symbol of Israel and of spiritual fruitfulness. Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves to cover their shame; Jesus cursed a barren fig tree that had leaves but no fruit, a warning against fruitless religion; and he told a parable of a fig tree given one more year to bear. To sit 'under one's own vine and fig tree' was a picture of peace and blessing.

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Strongest connections in Scripture
Luke 13

Key Passages

The Barren Fig Tree Parable

Luke 13:6-9

A fig tree bearing no fruit is given one more year of patient care - a warning against fruitless lives.

H6e spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

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Characters

Jesus Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Oldโ€ฆ Adam Adam is described in the Bible as the first human being, formed by God from the dust of the ground andโ€ฆ Eve Eve is recognized in the Bible as the first woman, formed by God from one of Adam's ribs to serve as hisโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together as their first clothing.

2

Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree as a warning against empty religion.

3

Nathanael was 'under the fig tree' when Jesus saw him from afar.

4

The fig tree's budding is Jesus' sign that summer - and his return - is near.