Lexical Summary phullon: Leaf Original Word: φύλλον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leaf. From the same as phule; a sprout, i.e. Leaf -- leaf. see GREEK phule NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a leaf NASB Translation leaf (1), leaves (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5444: φύλλονφύλλον, φύλλου, τό (φύω), a leaf: Matthew 21:19; Matthew 24:32; Mark 11:13; Mark 13:28; Revelation 22:2. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 5444 appears six times in the New Testament, always in the plural, and always in narrative or prophetic settings where visible foliage becomes a theological sign. These “leaves” function as indicators—of life, of seasons, of authenticity, of judgment, and finally of eschatological healing. Each occurrence invites reflection on the connection between outward appearance and inward reality, the reliability of Christ’s prophetic word, and God’s ultimate purpose to renew creation. Old Testament Background Although the Greek word itself is not used in the Septuagint, the Hebrew canon frequently employs leaf imagery to describe blessedness and durability (Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8) and to promise end-time restoration (Ezekiel 47:12). Those texts prepare the reader to see foliage as a barometer of spiritual health and covenant fulfillment. Thus, when the New Testament writers employ 5444, they assume an existing theological vocabulary that links leaves with fruitfulness, timing, and healing. Leaves and the Cursing of the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13) In both Matthew and Mark, the fig tree’s abundant leaves promise nourishment. Yet no fruit is found. Jesus’ public cursing of the tree therefore exposes the danger of outward religiosity without the inward reality of righteousness. “Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves” (Matthew 21:19). The immediate withering of the tree confirms the authority of Christ’s words, while its placement between His triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple underscores the warning to an unrepentant nation and to any community that prizes appearance over true obedience. Leaves as Seasonal Signals in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28) In the parallel eschatological teaching, Jesus points to the tender leaves of the fig tree as a lesson in discernment: “When its branch becomes tender and forms leaves, you know that summer is near” (Matthew 24:32). Just as foliage indicates a change of season, so the observable signs Christ lists—wars, earthquakes, persecution—signal the approach of His return. Here the leaves convey reliability; their emergence is predictable and testable, assuring believers that the prophetic timetable rests on firm ground. The illustration also implies urgency: once the leaves appear, summer quickly follows, encouraging watchfulness and perseverance. Leaves of the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:2) John’s final use of 5444 lifts the imagery from sign to substance. In the New Jerusalem “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). What had been a diagnostic symbol throughout Scripture becomes a curative provision. Human history, marred by sin and judgment, culminates in a cosmos where restorative grace flows unceasingly. The plural “nations” highlights the global scope of redemption, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all peoples would be blessed through his seed—a promise realized in the Lamb’s victory. Intertextual Themes 1. Outward Sign vs. Inward Reality – From Genesis 3’s fig-leaf coverings to the barren fig tree of the Gospels, leaves expose the insufficiency of mere appearance. Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • Self-examination: foliage without fruit invites the Savior’s rebuke; believers are called to bear the “fruit of righteousness” that accompanies genuine faith. Summary Whether issuing a warning, confirming a timeline, or portraying eternal wholeness, the six New Testament references to 5444 consistently point to God’s sovereign purpose. Leaves may be delicate, but in the biblical narrative they carry weighty theological significance—calling every reader to authenticity, watchfulness, and hope grounded in the unwavering faithfulness of God. Forms and Transliterations φυλλα φύλλα φύλλον φύλλου phulla phylla phýllaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:19 N-ANPGRK: εἰ μὴ φύλλα μόνον καὶ NAS: on it except leaves only; KJV: thereon, but leaves only, and INT: if not leaves only And Matthew 24:32 N-ANP Mark 11:13 N-ANP Mark 11:13 N-ANP Mark 13:28 N-ANP Revelation 22:2 N-NNP |
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