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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. &#8220How did the fig tree wither so quickly?&#8221 they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having seen <i>it</i>, the disciples marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw <i>it</i>, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw <i>it,</i> they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Seeing <i>this,</i> the disciples were amazed and asked, “How did the fig tree wither <i>all</i> at once?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, &#8220How did the fig tree wither all at once?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And seeing <i>this,</i> the disciples marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And seeing <i>this</i>, the disciples marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither <i>all</i> at once?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were astonished and asked, “How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, &#8220How did the fig tree wither so quickly?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The disciples were shocked when they saw how quickly the tree had dried up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The disciples were surprised to see this. They asked, "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The disciples saw this and were astounded. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, ?How did the fig tree wither so quickly??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it they exclaimed in astonishment, "How instantaneously the fig-tree has withered away!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the disciples having seen, wondered, saying, “How did the fig tree instantly wither?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having seen <i>it</i>, the disciples marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the disciples having seen, did wonder, saying, 'How did the fig-tree forthwith wither?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the disciples, seeing, wondered, saying, How suddenly was the fig tree dried up!<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples seeing it wondered, saying: How is it presently withered away? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And seeing this, the disciples wondered, saying, “How did it dry up so quickly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were amazed and said, “How was it that the fig tree withered immediately?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, How is it that the fig tree has withered so soon?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And the disciples saw and they marveled and they were saying, “How quickly the fig tree withered up!”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw it, they were astonished, and said: How soon has the fig-tree withered!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples seeing, were astonished, saying, How did the fig-tree immediately wither away?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And when his disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How suddenly is the fig-tree withered away!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />upon which the disciples said to one another, much surpriz'd, how came the fig-tree to wither away so suddenly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it they exclaimed in astonishment, "How instantaneously the fig-tree has withered away!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples, seeing <i>it</i>, wondered, saying, "How quickly the fig tree withered away!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples seeing <i>it</i> were amazed and said, How suddenly is the fig-tree withered!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/21-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6092" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">The Barren Fig Tree</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">When</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idontes (V-APA-NMP) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw this,</a> <a href="/greek/2296.htm" title="2296: ethaumasan (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.">they marveled</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: Pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">“How did</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4808.htm" title="4808: sykē (N-NFS) -- A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree.">fig tree</a> <a href="/greek/3583.htm" title="3583: exēranthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To dry up, parch, be ripened, wither, waste away. From xeros; to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature.">wither</a> <a href="/greek/3916.htm" title="3916: parachrēma (Adv) -- Instantly, immediately, on the spot. From para and chrema; at the thing itself, i.e. Instantly.">so quickly?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-20.htm">Mark 11:20-21</a></span><br />As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots. / Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a></span><br />“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-6.htm">Luke 17:6</a></span><br />And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-12.htm">John 14:12</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a></span><br />But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-23.htm">Mark 9:23</a></span><br />“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-25.htm">Luke 8:25</a></span><br />“Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a></span><br />If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a></span><br />If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Genesis 18:14</a></span><br />Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a></span><br />Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Numbers 20:11</a></span><br />Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/10-12.htm">Joshua 10:12-14</a></span><br />On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” / There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-22.htm">1 Kings 17:22</a></span><br />And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!</p><p class="hdg">How.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></b></br> The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh <i>is</i> grass, and all the goodliness thereof <i>is</i> as the flower of the field: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/11-20.htm">Mark 11:20,21</a></b></br> And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10,11</a></b></br> But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/19-25.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Astonishment</a> <a href="/matthew/21-6.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Fig-Tree</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Forthwith</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/matthew/9-33.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/matthew/9-33.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Once</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Short</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/matthew/19-25.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-5.htm">Wither</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Withered</a> <a href="/matthew/15-31.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/matthew/15-31.htm">Wondered</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/22-22.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/mark/2-12.htm">Astonishment</a> <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/3-1.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/mark/4-6.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/matthew/26-8.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Fig-Tree</a> <a href="/matthew/25-15.htm">Forthwith</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/matthew/22-22.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/matthew/22-22.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Once</a> <a href="/matthew/27-48.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/matthew/24-22.htm">Short</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/matthew/22-33.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/mark/4-6.htm">Wither</a> <a href="/mark/3-1.htm">Withered</a> <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/matthew/22-22.htm">Wondered</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-1.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-17.htm">curses the fig tree;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">puts to silence the priests and elders,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the disciples saw this</b><br>The disciples had just witnessed Jesus cursing the fig tree, which immediately withered. This event occurs during the final week of Jesus' life, a time filled with significant teaching and symbolic actions. The fig tree represents Israel, often symbolized by a fig tree in the Old Testament (<a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/8-13.htm">Jeremiah 8:13</a>). The disciples' observation highlights their role as witnesses to Jesus' teachings and miracles, preparing them for their future mission.<p><b>they marveled</b><br>The disciples' amazement reflects their growing understanding of Jesus' divine authority. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, they continue to be astonished by His power over nature. This reaction underscores the human tendency to be surprised by the supernatural, even when it aligns with God's revealed character and power.<p><b>and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”</b><br>Their question indicates a lack of understanding of the symbolic nature of Jesus' actions. The rapid withering of the fig tree serves as a prophetic sign of judgment against unfruitfulness, particularly in the context of Israel's spiritual barrenness. This event foreshadows the coming judgment on Jerusalem and the temple, as Jesus later prophesies in <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Matthew 24</a>. The disciples' inquiry opens the door for Jesus to teach about faith and the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of spiritual fruitfulness and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, who demonstrates His divine authority and power through the cursing of the fig tree.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who witness the withering of the fig tree and express amazement at the miracle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fig_tree.htm">The Fig Tree</a></b><br>A symbol of fruitlessness and judgment, representing Israel's spiritual barrenness at the time.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city near which this event takes place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mount_of_olives.htm">The Mount of Olives</a></b><br>The location from which Jesus and His disciples are traveling, a place often associated with significant teachings and events in Jesus' ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_faith.htm">The Power of Faith</a></b><br>Jesus uses the withering of the fig tree to teach about the power of faith. Believers are encouraged to have faith that can move mountains, trusting in God's ability to work beyond natural limitations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_fruitfulness.htm">Spiritual Fruitfulness</a></b><br>The fig tree serves as a warning against spiritual barrenness. Christians are called to examine their lives for evidence of spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_accountability.htm">Judgment and Accountability</a></b><br>The withering of the fig tree symbolizes divine judgment on unfruitfulness. This serves as a reminder of the accountability believers have before God to live lives that reflect His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer.htm">The Importance of Prayer</a></b><br>Following this event, Jesus emphasizes the role of prayer in the life of faith. Believers are encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that God hears and responds to the prayers of the faithful.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_the_fig_tree_wither_instantly.htm">The Gospels say that Jesus cursed a fig tree. Did the tree wither at once? Yes. (Matthew 21:19) No. It withered overnight (Mark II: 20)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_curse_a_fig_tree_out_of_fig_season.htm">Mark 11:12-14, 20-21: Why would Jesus curse a fig tree for lacking fruit when it was not the season for figs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_curse_fig_tree_out_of_fig_season.htm">Why does Jesus curse a fig tree in Matthew 21:19 for having no fruit when it was not the season for figs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_luke_19_28-40's_entry_timing_compare.htm">How does the timing of Jesus's entry in Luke 19:28-40 align or conflict with other Gospel accounts of the Triumphal Entry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">And when the disciples saw it.</span>--Here again St. Mark's narrative (<a href="/context/mark/11-20.htm" title="And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.">Mark 11:20-21</a>) seems at once the fullest and the most precise. As he relates the facts, the disciples did not perceive that the fig-tree was withered away till they passed by on the following morning. Peter then remembered what had been said the day before, and, as the spokesman of the rest, drew his Master's attention to the fact. The immediate withering may have been inferred from its completeness when seen, or its beginning may have been noticed by some at the time.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They marvelled, saying.</span> The apostles' remark on the incident was made on the Tuesday, as we learn from St. Mark's more accurate account. After Christ had spoken his malediction, the little band went on their way to Jerusalem, where was performed the cleansing of the temple. On their return to Bethany, if they passed the tree, it was doubtless too dark to observe its present condition, and it was not till the next morning that they noticed what had happened. St. Matthew does not name the apostle who was the mouthpiece of the others in expressing astonishment at the miracle; he is satisfied with speaking generally of "the disciples" (comp. <a href="/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8</a> with <a href="/john/12-4.htm">John 12:4</a>). We learn from St. Mark that it was Peter who made the observation recorded, deeply affected by the sight of this instance of Christ's power, and awestruck by the speedy and complete accomplishment of the curse. <span class="cmt_word">How soon is the fig tree withered away!</span> better, <span class="accented">How did the fig tree immediately wither away?</span> Vulgate, <span class="accented">Quomodo continue aruit?</span> They saw, but could not comprehend, the effect of Christ's word, and wonderingly inquired how it came to pass. They did not at present realize the teaching of this parabolic act - how it gave solemn warning of the certainty of judgment on the unfruitful Jewish Church, which, hopelessly barren, must no longer cumber the earth. Christ did not help them to understand the typical nature of the transaction. He is not wont to explain in words the spiritual significance of his miracles; the connection between miracle and teaching is left to be inferred, to be brought out by meditation, prayer, faith, and subsequent circumstances. The total rejection of the Jews was a doctrine for which the apostles were not yet prepared; so the Lord, in wisdom and mercy, withheld its express enunciation at this moment. In mercy too he exemplified the sternness and severity of God's judgment by inflicting punishment on an inanimate object, and not on a sentient being; he withered a tree, not a sinful man, by the breath of his mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/21-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="grk">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw [this],</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδόντες</span> <span class="translit">(idontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they marveled</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐθαύμασαν</span> <span class="translit">(ethaumasan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2296.htm">Strong's 2296: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγοντες</span> <span class="translit">(legontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“How {did}</span><br /><span class="grk">Πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(Pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fig tree</span><br /><span class="grk">συκῆ</span> <span class="translit">(sykē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4808.htm">Strong's 4808: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wither</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξηράνθη</span> <span class="translit">(exēranthē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3583.htm">Strong's 3583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dry up, parch, be ripened, wither, waste away. From xeros; to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so quickly?”</span><br /><span class="grk">παραχρῆμα</span> <span class="translit">(parachrēma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3916.htm">Strong's 3916: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instantly, immediately, on the spot. From para and chrema; at the thing itself, i.e. Instantly.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/21-20.htm">Matthew 21:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/21-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 21:20 When the disciples saw it they marveled (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/21-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 21:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/21-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 21:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>