CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/3-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/40_Mat_03_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 3:10 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/3-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/3-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/3-9.htm" title="Matthew 3:9">◄</a> Matthew 3:10 <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm" title="Matthew 3:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/3.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/matthew/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/matthew/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Already now the ax is applied to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/kjv/matthew/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/3.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/nasb/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The 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. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And 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. <a href="/lsb/matthew/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And 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. <a href="/amp/matthew/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/csb/matthew/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn&#8217t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/cev/matthew/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into a fire. <a href="/erv/matthew/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And even now is the axe laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/gwt/matthew/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/matthew/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/matthew/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> The ax already lies against the roots of the trees. So every tree that isn't producing good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/msb/matthew/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/matthew/3.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/matthew/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/wbt/matthew/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which does not produce good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/web/matthew/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now also, the axe is laid to the root of the trees, therefore, every tree not bearing good fruit is cut down, and is cast into fire. <a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Already now the ax is applied to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/ylt/matthew/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now also, the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree therefore not bearing good fruit is hewn down, and to fire is cast. <a href="/slt/matthew/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now also the axe lies at the root of the trees; therefore every one not making good fruit is cut off and cast into fire.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/matthew/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, the axe is already placed at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which bears not good fruits shall be cut down and dropped in the fire. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But behold, the axe is laid at the root of the tree; every tree, therefore, that has not produced good fruit is cut down and falls into the fire.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees: therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/godbey/matthew/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But already 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. <a href="/haweis/matthew/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which produceth not good fruit, is hewing down, and casting into the fire. <a href="/mace/matthew/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then which does not produce good fruit, will be hewn down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which does not produce good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/worrell/matthew/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not bearing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire. <a href="/worsley/matthew/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And now the ax is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore, which yieldeth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire. <a href="/parallel/matthew/3-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=526" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a> …9And do not presume 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. 10<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/513.htm" title="513: axinē (N-NFS) -- An axe. Probably from agnumi; an axe.">axe</a> <a href="/greek/2235.htm" title="2235: ēdē (Adv) -- Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2749.htm" title="2749: keitai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.">lies ready</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/4491.htm" title="4491: rhizan (N-AFS) -- A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a root.">root</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendrōn (N-GNP) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">trees,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-NNS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poioun (V-PPA-NNS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">that does not produce</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-AMS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit</a> <a href="/greek/1581.htm" title="1581: ekkoptetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate.">will be cut down</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: balletai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">thrown</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/4442.htm" title="4442: pyr (N-ANS) -- Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; fire.">the fire.</a> 11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a> 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.” <a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a> Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a> Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. <a href="/ezekiel/31-12.htm">Ezekiel 31:12-14</a> Foreigners, the most ruthless of the nations, cut it down and left it. Its branches have fallen on the mountains and in every valley; its boughs lay broken in all the earth’s ravines. And all the peoples of the earth left its shade and abandoned it. / All the birds of the air nested on its fallen trunk, and all the beasts of the field lived among its boughs. / This happened so that no other trees by the waters would become great in height and set their tops among the clouds, and no other well-watered trees would reach them in height. For they have all been consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the mortals who descend to the Pit.’ <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Malachi 4:1</a> “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.” <a href="/jeremiah/46-22.htm">Jeremiah 46:22-23</a> Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent, for the enemy will advance in force; with axes they will come against her like woodsmen cutting down trees. / They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted. <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-22</a> Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ... <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Hebrews 6:7-8</a> 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. <a href="/john/15-2.htm">John 15:2</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/5-5.htm">Isaiah 5:5-7</a> Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. / I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” / For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a> The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, <a href="/isaiah/27-11.htm">Isaiah 27:11</a> When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. <a href="/ezekiel/15-6.htm">Ezekiel 15:6-8</a> Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. / And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. / Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD.” <a href="/matthew/13-30.htm">Matthew 13:30</a> Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.now.<a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1-3</a> Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts… <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Malachi 4:1</a> For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.<a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Hebrews 3:1-3</a> Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; … the axe.<a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a> 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.<a href="/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31</a> For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?therefore.<a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.<a href="/psalms/92-13.htm">Psalm 92:13,14</a> Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God… <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a> To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.is hewn.<a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a> Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.<a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Matthew 21:19</a> And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.<a href="/psalms/80-15.htm">Psalm 80:15,16</a> And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/2-2.htm">Already</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Ax</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/amos/5-11.htm">Hewn</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-3.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-4.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Root</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-15.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Already</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Ax</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/matthew/20-12.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Hewn</a> <a href="/matthew/8-6.htm">Lies</a> <a href="/mark/5-23.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Root</a> <a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/matthew/21-8.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 3</div>1. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">He reprimands the Pharisees,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>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, as cutting at the root ensures the tree cannot grow back. This reflects the urgency of John the Baptist's message of repentance. The metaphor of trees often represents people or nations in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a>, where God’s judgment is depicted as cutting down trees.and every tree that does not produce good fruit In the Bible, fruitfulness is a common metaphor for spiritual and moral productivity. Good fruit represents righteous deeds and a life aligned with God's will, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, which lists the fruits of the Spirit. The expectation of producing good fruit is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who often used agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual truths, such as in <a href="/john/15.htm">John 15:1-8</a>, where He speaks of Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches expected to bear fruit.will be cut down This phrase indicates the consequence of failing to produce good fruit. The act of cutting down a tree is a decisive action, symbolizing the removal of what is deemed worthless or harmful. In the context of John the Baptist's ministry, this serves as a warning to the religious leaders and the people of Israel to repent and live righteously. The cutting down of unfruitful trees is echoed in Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree in <a href="/luke/13-6.htm">Luke 13:6-9</a>, emphasizing the patience and eventual judgment of God.and thrown into the fire Fire is a common biblical symbol for judgment and purification. In this context, it represents the final and irreversible judgment on those who do not repent and bear good fruit. The imagery of fire is used throughout Scripture to describe divine judgment, as seen in <a href="/malachi/4.htm">Malachi 4:1</a>, where the day of the Lord is described as burning like a furnace. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the call to repentance and the reality of divine judgment, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God’s justice and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> The speaker of this verse, John the Baptist, is a prophet who prepares the way for Jesus Christ by calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_sadducees.htm">Pharisees and Sadducees</a> Religious leaders of the time who come to John’s baptism, often criticized for their hypocrisy and lack of true repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The location where John the Baptist conducts his ministry of baptism, symbolizing cleansing and repentance. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_trees.htm">The Trees</a> Symbolic representation of individuals or groups, particularly those who claim to be part of God's people but do not produce the fruits of repentance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_ax_and_fire.htm">The Ax and Fire</a> Symbols of impending judgment and the consequences of failing to produce good fruit, representing God's righteous judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a> John’s message emphasizes the immediacy of repentance. The ax is already at the root, indicating that judgment is imminent. Believers should not delay in turning away from sin and turning towards God. <a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_bearing_good_fruit.htm">The Necessity of Bearing Good Fruit</a> True repentance is evidenced by the fruit it produces. Believers are called to examine their lives for the fruits of the Spirit and to live in a way that reflects their faith. <a href="/topical/g/god's_righteous_judgment.htm">God’s Righteous Judgment</a> The imagery of the ax and fire serves as a sobering reminder of God’s holiness and justice. It challenges believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing that He will judge all. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leaders</a> John’s confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to lead with integrity and authenticity, not just outward appearances. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_god's_patience_and_grace.htm">The Assurance of God’s Patience and Grace</a> While the warning is stern, it also implies God’s patience, giving time for repentance. Believers should be encouraged by God’s grace but not take it for granted.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 3</a> <a href="/q/how_do_10_protestant_denominations_compare.htm">How do ten Protestant denominations compare?</a> <a href="/q/heed_the_divine_judgment_warning.htm">Will you heed the warning of impending divine judgment?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_john_doubt_jesus_as_messiah.htm">Luke 7:19–23 – Why would John the Baptist doubt Jesus if he had already proclaimed him as the Messiah, and how does this align with other gospel accounts? </a> <a href="/q/did_john_doubt_jesus'_identity.htm">Did John the Baptist doubt Jesus' identity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) Now.--Rather, already. The present of an act no longer future.The ax is laid unto the root of the trees.--The symbolism which saw in "trees" the representatives of human characters, of nations, and institutions, had been recognised in Isaiah's parable of the vine (<a href="/context/isaiah/5-1.htm" title="Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well beloved has a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:">Isaiah 5:1-7</a>), in Jeremiah's of the vine and the olive (<a href="/jeremiah/2-21.htm" title="Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine to me?">Jeremiah 2:21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/11-16.htm" title="The LORD called your name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he has kindled fire on it, and the branches of it are broken.">Jeremiah 11:16</a>), and the Baptist's application of it was but a natural extension. Judgments that were only partial or corrective were as the pruning of the branches (<a href="/john/15-2.htm" title="Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.">John 15:2</a>). Now the axe was laid to the root, and the alternative was preservation or destruction. For the unfruitful tree there was the doom of fire.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - And now also; Revised Version, and even now. "And" (δὲ), slightly adversative. In contrast to the delay supposed in ver. 9 a, preparations have already been made for your destruction. The axe is laid; Revised Version, is the axe laid; bringing out more emphatically its present position. The American Revisers propose, "the axe lieth at," avoiding the suggestion of an agent; but κεῖμαι often implies one, being used of vessels set ready for use; e.g. <a href="/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6</a>; <a href="/john/19-29.htm">John 19:29</a> (cf. <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Revelation 4:2</a>). Unto (πρὸς); brought near to (Thayer, s.v., 1:2, a). Therefore. The axe is lying there, therefore every useless tree is sure to be cut down (cf. Winer, 40:2, a). Every tree, etc.; even the noblest (Weiss). However good the tree ought to be, from the character of its original stock (you claim to be Abraham's children, ver. 9), yet, if it does not bear good fruit, it is cut down (<a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a>, note). Into the fire (εἰς πῦρ). Not into a fire prepared with a definite purpose, nor into any one fire pictured as burning (<a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Matthew 17:15</a>; cf. τὸ πῦρ, <a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a>), but into fire generally, which may be in many different places. Worthless trees are only for burning. (For thought, cf. <a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Hebrews 6:8</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/matthew/3-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_513.htm">Strong's 513: </a> An axe. Probably from agnumi; an axe. lies ready κεῖται (keitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2749.htm">Strong's 2749: </a> To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched. at πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4491.htm">Strong's 4491: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. and οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. that does not produce ποιοῦν (poioun) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. fruit καρπὸν (karpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1581.htm">Strong's 1581: </a> To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. thrown βάλλεται (balletai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. [the] fire. πῦρ (pyr) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4442.htm">Strong's 4442: </a> Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 3:10 Even now the axe lies at (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/3-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 3:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/3-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 3:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:11" /></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>