Luke 3:9
New International Version
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

New Living Translation
Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

English Standard Version
Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Berean Standard Bible
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Berean Literal Bible
And already also the ax is applied to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into the fire."

King James Bible
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

New King James Version
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

New American Standard Bible
But indeed the axe is already being laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

NASB 1995
“Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

NASB 1977
“And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Amplified Bible
Even now the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; so every tree that does not produce good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Christian Standard Bible
The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."”

American Standard Version
And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Contemporary English Version
An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire."

English Revised Version
And even now is the axe also laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The ax is now ready to cut the roots of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire."

Good News Translation
The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire."

International Standard Version
The ax already lies against the roots of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire."

Majority Standard Bible
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

NET Bible
Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

New Heart English Bible
Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

Webster's Bible Translation
And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Weymouth New Testament
And even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which fails to yield good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire."

World English Bible
Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and also the axe is already laid to the root of the trees, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and it is cast into fire.”

Berean Literal Bible
And already also the ax is applied to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into the fire."

Young's Literal Translation
and already also the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and to fire it is cast.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees: therefore every tree not making good fruit is cut down, and cast into fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down and cast into the fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.”

New American Bible
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

New Revised Standard Version
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, the axe is already placed at the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bears not good fruits will be cut down and dropped in the fire.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But behold, the ax is laid on the root of the tree. Every tree therefore, which is not producing good fruit is cut down and falls into the fire.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And now also the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

Godbey New Testament
But truly the ax is laid to the root of the trees; Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Haweis New Testament
But now is the ax laid even to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that produceth not good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

Mace New Testament
the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then, which does not produce good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Weymouth New Testament
And even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which fails to yield good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire."

Worrell New Testament
And already the axe also is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not producing good fruit, is cut down, and cast into the fire."

Worsley New Testament
And now the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which doth not yield good fruit, is cut down and cast into the fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”…

Cross References
Matthew 3:10
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

John 15:6
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Matthew 7:19
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Romans 11:21-22
For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Hebrews 6:7-8
For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.

Isaiah 5:1-7
I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ...

Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.

Ezekiel 15:1-8
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? / Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils? ...

Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”

Psalm 1:3-4
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. / Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.

Matthew 21:43
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

John 8:39
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.

Romans 2:4-5
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Treasury of Scripture

And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 13:7,9
Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? …

Luke 23:29-31
For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck…

Isaiah 10:33,34
Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled…

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Luke 3
1. The preaching and baptism of John;
15. his testimony of Jesus;
19. Herod imprisons John;
21. Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.
23. The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.














The axe lies ready
This phrase evokes a vivid image of imminent judgment. The Greek word for "axe" (πέλεκυς, pelekus) is a tool of both destruction and preparation, symbolizing God's readiness to execute justice. Historically, an axe was used for clearing unproductive trees, making way for new growth. This reflects the urgency of repentance and the immediacy of God's kingdom, as preached by John the Baptist. The readiness of the axe underscores the pressing need for spiritual renewal and transformation.

at the root of the trees
The "root" (ῥίζα, rhiza) signifies the foundation or source of life for the tree. In a spiritual context, it represents the core of one's being or faith. By targeting the root, the message is clear: superficial changes are insufficient; true repentance must reach the deepest parts of one's life. The "trees" symbolize individuals or groups, such as the nation of Israel, who are called to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. This imagery is a call to examine the foundational aspects of one's faith and life.

and every tree that does not produce good fruit
"Every tree" emphasizes the universality of this judgment; no one is exempt. The phrase "does not produce good fruit" highlights the expectation of visible, tangible evidence of faith. The Greek word for "produce" (ποιέω, poieo) implies ongoing action, suggesting that a life of faith is marked by continuous growth and fruitfulness. "Good fruit" (καρπός, karpos) refers to the qualities and actions that reflect God's character, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness. This serves as a reminder that genuine faith is evidenced by a transformed life.

will be cut down
The act of being "cut down" (ἐκκόπτω, ekkoptō) is a decisive and final action, symbolizing divine judgment. This reflects the biblical principle that those who fail to live according to God's standards will face consequences. Historically, this would resonate with an agrarian society familiar with the practice of removing unproductive trees to make way for those that bear fruit. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of spiritual barrenness.

and thrown into the fire
"Thrown into the fire" (πῦρ, pyr) is a metaphor for divine judgment and purification. Fire, in biblical terms, often represents both destruction and purification. This duality suggests that while judgment is severe, it also serves a purpose in God's redemptive plan. The imagery of fire would be familiar to John's audience, evoking the refining process of precious metals. It underscores the ultimate fate of those who reject God's call to repentance and fail to produce the fruit of righteousness.

Verse 9. - And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. This intensifies the statement respecting the power of God to raise up, out of the very river shingle at their feet, children who should inherit the glorious promises made to Abraham. Nay, more, the Divine Woodman had already laid the axe at the root of the tree of Israel; its hours, as the peculiar people, were indeed numbered. Let these, who said they were willing to wash and be clean, be ready and bring forth fruit worthy of their high calling and the lofty prerogative of which they boasted. The last of the prophets, from his lonely watch-tower of unerring insight into the future, saw the awful coming doom of the loved city, the scattering and captivity of the remnant of the chosen people. Within forty years of that time would the fatal axe, now lying at the root of the tree, be lifted. In uttering this stern prophetic saying, we believe John was gazing at the storm gathering round Jerusalem, which in A.D. swept away city and temple, and destroyed the existence of Israel as a nation. When he preached it was about A.D. -32

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ax
ἀξίνη (axinē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 513: An axe. Probably from agnumi; an axe.

lies ready
κεῖται (keitai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2749: To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.

at
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

root
ῥίζαν (rhizan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4491: A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

trees,
δένδρων (dendrōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.

and
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

every
πᾶν (pan)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

tree
δένδρον (dendron)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1186: A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.

that does not produce
ποιοῦν (poioun)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

good
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

fruit
καρπὸν (karpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.

will be cut down
ἐκκόπτεται (ekkoptetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1581: To cut out (off, away), remove, prevent. From ek and kopto; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

thrown
βάλλεται (balletai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] fire.”
πῦρ (pyr)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.


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