Luke 3:9

9 Even now the ax is ready to strike^[a] the root of the trees! Therefore every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

Luke 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 3:9

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees,
&c.] Not only to Jesse's family, which as a root in a dry ground, and to Jerusalem, the metropolis of the nation; but to the root of the vain boasting of every Jew; their descent from Abraham, the covenant made with him, their ecclesiastical state and civil polity, all which would quickly be at an end: the Romans were now among them, the axe in God's hand; by means of whom, utter ruin and destruction would be brought upon their nation, city, and temple:

every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire;
(See Gill on Matthew 3:10).

Luke 3:9 In-Context

7 He then said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don't start saying to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones!

9 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."

10 "What then should we do?" the crowds were asking him.

11 He replied to them, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit the ax lies at