Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” New Living Translation Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” English Standard Version Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Berean Standard Bible The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Berean Literal Bible And already also the ax is applied to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into the fire." King James Bible And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. New King James Version And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” New American Standard Bible But indeed the axe is already being laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” NASB 1995 “Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” NASB 1977 “And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Legacy Standard Bible But indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Amplified Bible Even now the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; so every tree that does not produce good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.” Christian Standard Bible The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."” American Standard Version And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Contemporary English Version An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire." English Revised Version And even now is the axe also laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. GOD'S WORD® Translation The ax is now ready to cut the roots of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire." Good News Translation The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire." International Standard Version The ax already lies against the roots of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire." Majority Standard Bible The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.? NET Bible Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." New Heart English Bible Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire." Webster's Bible Translation And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Weymouth New Testament And even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which fails to yield good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire." World English Bible Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand also the axe is already laid to the root of the trees, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and it is cast into fire.” Berean Literal Bible And already also the ax is applied to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into the fire." Young's Literal Translation and already also the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and to fire it is cast.' Smith's Literal Translation And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees: therefore every tree not making good fruit is cut down, and cast into fire. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down and cast into the fire. Catholic Public Domain Version For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.” New American Bible Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” New Revised Standard Version Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, the axe is already placed at the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bears not good fruits will be cut down and dropped in the fire. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “But behold, the ax is laid on the root of the tree. Every tree therefore, which is not producing good fruit is cut down and falls into the fire.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd now also the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire. Godbey New Testament But truly the ax is laid to the root of the trees; Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Haweis New Testament But now is the ax laid even to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that produceth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire. Mace New Testament the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then, which does not produce good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Weymouth New Testament And even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which fails to yield good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire." Worrell New Testament And already the axe also is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not producing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire." Worsley New Testament And now the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which doth not yield good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Mission of John the Baptist…8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”… Cross References Matthew 3:10 The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. John 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Romans 11:21-22 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Hebrews 6:7-8 For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. Isaiah 5:1-7 I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ... Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. Ezekiel 15:1-8 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? / Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils? ... Malachi 4:1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” Psalm 1:3-4 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. / Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Matthew 21:43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. John 8:39 “Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. Romans 2:4-5 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Treasury of Scripture And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 13:7,9 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? … Luke 23:29-31 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck… Isaiah 10:33,34 Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled… Jump to Previous Abraham Already Applied Ax Axe Bear Begin Cast Change Cut Descendants Fire Forefather Forth Fruit Good Heart Hewn Indeed Laid Lies Produce Producing Prove Raise Root Stones Thrown Tree Trees YourselvesJump to Next Abraham Already Applied Ax Axe Bear Begin Cast Change Cut Descendants Fire Forefather Forth Fruit Good Heart Hewn Indeed Laid Lies Produce Producing Prove Raise Root Stones Thrown Tree Trees YourselvesLuke 3 1. The preaching and baptism of John;15. his testimony of Jesus; 19. Herod imprisons John; 21. Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven. 23. The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards. The axe lies ready at the root of the trees This phrase signifies imminent judgment. In biblical times, an axe was a common tool for cutting down trees, symbolizing the readiness to remove what is unproductive. The imagery of the axe at the root suggests that the judgment is not only near but also thorough, targeting the very foundation. This reflects the urgency of John the Baptist's message of repentance. The root of the trees can also symbolize the core of Israel's spiritual life, indicating that God is prepared to address the fundamental issues of faith and obedience. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 10:33-34, where God is depicted as cutting down the proud and lofty. and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the BaptistThe speaker of this verse, John the Baptist, is a prophetic figure who prepares the way for Jesus Christ. He calls for repentance and warns of impending judgment. 2. The Multitudes The audience to whom John is speaking. They come to him for baptism and are warned about the need for genuine repentance. 3. The Jordan River The location where John is baptizing and preaching. It is a significant site for Jewish purification rituals and symbolizes new beginnings. 4. The Trees Symbolic representation of individuals or groups. In this context, trees represent people who are expected to bear good fruit, i.e., demonstrate genuine repentance and righteous living. 5. The Fire Represents judgment and purification. It is a metaphor for the consequences of failing to produce good fruit. Teaching Points The Urgency of RepentanceJohn’s message emphasizes the immediacy of repentance. The imagery of the axe at the root signifies that judgment is imminent, and there is no time to delay in turning away from sin. Evidence of True Repentance True repentance is evidenced by the fruit it produces. Believers are called to examine their lives for the fruits of righteousness, such as love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. The Consequences of Unfruitfulness The warning of being cut down and thrown into the fire serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of a life that does not align with God’s will. It calls for self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth. The Role of Accountability Just as trees are expected to bear fruit, believers are accountable to God and the community of faith to live lives that reflect their commitment to Christ. The Hope of Transformation While the warning is severe, it also implies the possibility of transformation. Through repentance and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers can produce good fruit.Verse 9. - And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. This intensifies the statement respecting the power of God to raise up, out of the very river shingle at their feet, children who should inherit the glorious promises made to Abraham. Nay, more, the Divine Woodman had already laid the axe at the root of the tree of Israel; its hours, as the peculiar people, were indeed numbered. Let these, who said they were willing to wash and be clean, be ready and bring forth fruit worthy of their high calling and the lofty prerogative of which they boasted. The last of the prophets, from his lonely watch-tower of unerring insight into the future, saw the awful coming doom of the loved city, the scattering and captivity of the remnant of the chosen people. Within forty years of that time would the fatal axe, now lying at the root of the tree, be lifted. In uttering this stern prophetic saying, we believe John was gazing at the storm gathering round Jerusalem, which in A.D. swept away city and temple, and destroyed the existence of Israel as a nation. When he preached it was about A.D. -32 Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Theἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ax ἀξίνη (axinē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 513: An axe. Probably from agnumi; an axe. lies ready κεῖται (keitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2749: To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched. at πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. root ῥίζαν (rhizan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4491: A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. trees, δένδρων (dendrōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. and οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. tree δένδρον (dendron) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. that does not produce ποιοῦν (poioun) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. good καλὸν (kalon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. fruit καρπὸν (karpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. will be cut down ἐκκόπτεται (ekkoptetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1581: To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. thrown βάλλεται (balletai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. [the] fire.” πῦρ (pyr) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. Links Luke 3:9 NIVLuke 3:9 NLT Luke 3:9 ESV Luke 3:9 NASB Luke 3:9 KJV Luke 3:9 BibleApps.com Luke 3:9 Biblia Paralela Luke 3:9 Chinese Bible Luke 3:9 French Bible Luke 3:9 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 3:9 Even now the axe also lies at (Luke Lu Lk) |
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