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>Luke 23:31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/23-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/42_Luk_23_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 23:31 - The Crucifixion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/luke/23-31.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/luke/23-31.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="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 31</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="/ad11.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="/luke/23-30.htm" title="Luke 23:30">◄</a> Luke 23:31 <a href="/luke/23-32.htm" title="Luke 23:32">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/23.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/luke/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what might take place in the dry?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For if they do these things in the green tree, what will happen in the dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If this can happen when the wood is green, what do you think will happen when it is dry? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If people do this to a green tree, what will happen to a dry one?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For if such things as these are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For if such things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For if they do these things in a green tree, what will be done in the dry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For if they are doing these things in the case of the green tree, what will be done in that of the dry?"<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for if they do these things in the green tree, what may happen in the dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things in the green tree, what might take place in the dry?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for, if in the green tree they do these things -- in the dry what may happen?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if they do these in the moist tree, what should be in the dry.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For if they do these things with green wood, what will be done with the dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if they do these things with the green wood, what will be done with dry wood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For if they are doing these things with green wood, what will happen with the dried?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For, if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Because if they do these things in the green tree, what may be done in the dry?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For if they do all these things with the green wood, what will be done with the dry?<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for if the green wood burn thus, how will the dry wood flame?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For if they are doing these things in the case of the green tree, what will be done in that of the dry?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for, if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for if they do these things to the green wood, what shall be done to the dry?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/23-31.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/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=9269" 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/luke/23.htm">The Crucifixion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>At that time ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: Hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">men do</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">while</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- 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/3586.htm" title="3586: xylō (N-DNS) -- From another form of the base of xestes; timber; by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/5200.htm" title="5200: hygrō (Adj-DNS) -- Moist, green, full of sap. From the base of huetos; wet, i.e. sappy.">is green,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">will happen</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/3584.htm" title="3584: xērō (Adj-DNS) -- Dry, withered; noun: dry land. From the base of xestes; arid; by implication, shrunken, earth.">dry?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">32</span>Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.…<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="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Ezekiel 20:47-48</a></span><br />Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched. / Then all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be quenched.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-29.htm">Jeremiah 25:29</a></span><br />For behold, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears My Name, so how could you possibly go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Proverbs 11:31</a></span><br />If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/27-11.htm">Isaiah 27:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-8.htm">Hosea 10:8</a></span><br />The high places of Aven will be destroyed—it is the sin of Israel; thorns and thistles will overgrow their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">1 Peter 4:17-18</a></span><br />For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? / And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a></span><br />Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-21.htm">Romans 11:21-22</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-16.htm">Revelation 6:16-17</a></span><br />And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-4.htm">Revelation 9:4</a></span><br />They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-31.htm">Isaiah 1:31</a></span><br />The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-12.htm">Isaiah 33:12</a></span><br />The peoples will be burned to ashes, like thorns cut down and set ablaze.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Proverbs 11:31</a></b></br> Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/25-29.htm">Jeremiah 25:29</a></b></br> For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/15-2.htm">Ezekiel 15:2-7</a></b></br> Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, <i>or than</i> a branch which is among the trees of the forest? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/13-33.htm">Case</a> <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/mark/6-39.htm">Green</a> <a href="/luke/21-29.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/4-37.htm">Case</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/romans/14-2.htm">Green</a> <a href="/john/1-48.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-1.htm">Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Herod mocks him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-12.htm">Herod and Pilate become friends.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-13.htm">Barabbas is desired of the people, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-24.htm">and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-26.htm">He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">prays for his enemies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-39.htm">Two criminals are crucified with him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-46.htm">His death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/23-50.htm">His burial.</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/luke/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For if men do these things</b><br>This phrase refers to the actions of the people and authorities during Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the injustice and cruelty Jesus faced despite His innocence. The "things" include the mockery, torture, and eventual crucifixion. This reflects the sinful nature of humanity and the rejection of God's chosen one. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of human depravity and the need for redemption, as seen in <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>.<p><b>while the tree is green</b><br>The "green tree" symbolizes a time of life, prosperity, and opportunity. In this context, it represents Jesus Himself, who is righteous and full of life. The imagery of a green tree is often used in the Bible to denote vitality and blessing (<a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>). Jesus, being the source of life and truth, is the "green tree" in this metaphor. His presence among the people was a time of spiritual opportunity and revelation.<p><b>what will happen when it is dry?”</b><br>The "dry tree" symbolizes a time of judgment, desolation, and spiritual barrenness. This phrase foreshadows the coming destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, a time when the opportunity for repentance and salvation would be past. The dry tree can also represent the spiritual state of Israel and humanity without Christ. This imagery is consistent with prophetic warnings found in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/ezekiel/17-24.htm">Ezekiel 17:24</a>, where God speaks of making the dry tree flourish and the green tree wither, indicating His sovereign control over judgment and blessing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the crowd and the women who are mourning for Him as He is led to His crucifixion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The people witnessing Jesus' journey to Golgotha, including those who are mourning and lamenting His fate.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_green_tree.htm">The Green Tree</a></b><br>Symbolically represents Jesus Himself, who is innocent and full of life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dry_tree.htm">The Dry Tree</a></b><br>Represents a time of judgment or a state of spiritual barrenness, possibly referring to the future judgment on Jerusalem or the spiritual state of humanity without Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crucifixion.htm">The Crucifixion</a></b><br>The event during which Jesus is being led to be crucified, a pivotal moment in Christian theology representing the sacrifice for humanity's sins.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_symbolism.htm">Understanding the Symbolism</a></b><br>Recognize the significance of the "green tree" as a symbol of Jesus' innocence and life. Reflect on how Jesus, though innocent, suffered for our sins.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_judgment.htm">The Reality of Judgment</a></b><br>Consider the warning about the "dry tree" as a call to repentance and the reality of judgment for those who reject Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a></b><br>Acknowledge the urgency of turning to Christ while there is still time, as the opportunity for repentance is not indefinite.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light_of_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Living in the Light of Christ's Sacrifice</a></b><br>Live a life that reflects gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice, understanding that His suffering was for our redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/bearing_fruit_in_christ.htm">Bearing Fruit in Christ</a></b><br>Strive to remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, to bear spiritual fruit and avoid spiritual barrenness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_burnout_in_ministry.htm">How can I prevent burnout in ministry roles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_being_spiritually_dead.htm">What defines being spiritually dead?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_psalm_31_5_altered_for_luke_23_46.htm">In Psalm 31:5, 'Into your hand I commit my spirit' also appears in Luke 23:46--was this psalm later retrofitted to validate New Testament claims?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_historical_proof_of_queen's_divine_wisdom.htm">In Luke 11:31, is there credible historical evidence affirming that the Queen of the South recognized a divine wisdom comparable to, or foreshadowing, that of Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">If they do these things in a green tree.</span>--The word for "tree" primarily meant "wood" or "timber," the tree cut down. In later Greek, however, as, <span class= "ital">e.g.,</span> in <a href="/revelation/2-7.htm" title="He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God.">Revelation 2:7</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-2.htm" title="In the middle of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bore twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.">Revelation 22:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-14.htm" title="Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.">Revelation 22:14</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-19.htm" title="And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.">Revelation 22:19</a>, it was used for "tree." The "green tree" is, therefore, that which is yet living, capable of bearing fruit; the "dry," that which is barren, fruitless, withered, fit only for the axe (<a href="/matthew/3-10.htm" title="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.">Matthew 3:10</a>; <a href="/luke/13-7.htm" title="Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why encumbers it the ground?">Luke 13:7</a>). The words have so much the character of a proverb that the verb may almost be treated as practically impersonal. So far as any persons are implied, we must think of our Lord as speaking of the representatives of Roman power. If Pilate could thus sentence to death One in whom he acknowledged that he could find no fault, what might be expected from his successors when they had to deal with a people rebellious and in arms? In <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm" title="For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?">1Peter 4:17</a> we have the same thought in a more general and less figurative form. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall</span> <span class="cmt_word">be done in the dry?</span> Bleek and others interpret this saying here thus: The <span class="accented">green wood</span> represents Jesus condemned to crucifixion as a traitor in spite of his unvarying loyalty to Rome and all lawful Gentile power. The <span class="accented">dry wood</span> pictures the Jews, who, ever disloyal to Rome and all Genesis the authority, will bring on themselves with much stronger reason the terrible vengeance of the great conquering empire. Theophylact, however, better explains the saying in his paraphrase, "If they do these things in <span class="accented">me</span>, fruitful, always green, undying through the Divinity, what will they do to <span class="accented">you</span>, fruitless, and deprived of all life-giving righteousness?" So Farrar, who well summarizes, "If they act thus to me, the Innocent and the Holy, what shall be the fate of these, the guilty and false?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/23-31.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">For</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(Hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[men] do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιοῦσιν</span> <span class="translit">(poiousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these things</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[while]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter 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">tree</span><br /><span class="grk">ξύλῳ</span> <span class="translit">(xylō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3586.htm">Strong's 3586: </a> </span><span class="str2">From another form of the base of xestes; timber; by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] green,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑγρῷ</span> <span class="translit">(hygrō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5200.htm">Strong's 5200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moist, green, full of sap. From the base of huetos; wet, i.e. sappy.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will happen</span><br /><span class="grk">γένηται</span> <span class="translit">(genētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[when]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter 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">dry?”</span><br /><span class="grk">ξηρῷ</span> <span class="translit">(xērō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3584.htm">Strong's 3584: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dry, withered; noun: dry land. From the base of xestes; arid; by implication, shrunken, earth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/23-31.htm">Luke 23:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/23-31.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 23:31 For if they do these things (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/23-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 23:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 23:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/23-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 23:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 23:32" /></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>