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Matthew 21:20

Matthew 21:20 in Multiple Translations

When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

And when the disciples saw it they were surprised, saying, How did the fig-tree become dry in so short a time?

The disciples were amazed to see this. “How did the fig tree wither so suddenly?” they asked.

And when his disciples saw it, they marueiled, saying, How soone is the figge tree withered!

And the disciples having seen, did wonder, saying, 'How did the fig-tree forthwith wither?'

When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”

And when the disciples saw it , they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered!

And the disciples seeing it wondered, saying: How is it presently withered away?

The next day when we disciples saw what had happened to the tree, we marveled, and we said to Jesus, “◄It is astonishing that the fig tree withered so quickly!/How is it that the fig tree dried up so quickly?►” [RHQ]

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 21:20

BAB
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Matthew 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK και ιδοντες οι μαθηται εθαυμασαν λεγοντες πως παραχρημα εξηρανθη η συκη
και kai G2532 and Conj
ιδοντες horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAP-NPM
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
μαθηται mathētēs G3101 disciple Noun-NPM
εθαυμασαν thaumazō G2296 to marvel Verb-AAI-3P
λεγοντες legō G3004 to say Verb-PAP-NPM
πως pōs G4459 how?! Adv-I
παραχρημα parachrēma G3916 instantly Adv
εξηρανθη xērainō G3583 to dry Verb-API-3S
η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF
συκη sukē G4808 fig tree Noun-NSF
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 21:20

και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ιδοντες horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAP-NPM
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
μαθηται mathētēs G3101 "disciple" Noun-NPM
A disciple is a learner or pupil, like the twelve who followed Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 10:1 and Luke 8:9. This word is used to describe someone who follows a teacher or leader. It is often used in the context of Jesus' teachings.
Definition: μαθητής, -οῦ, ὁ (μανθάνω), [in LXX only as seel. (A) in Jer.13:21 20:11 26(46):9 * ;] a disciple: opposite to διδάσκαλος, Mat.10:24, Luk.6:40; Ἰωάννου, Mat.9:14, Luk.7:18, Jhn.3:25; τ. Φαρισσίων, Mat.22:16, Mrk.2:18, Luk.5:33; Μωυσέως, Jhn.9:28; Ἰησοῦ, Luk.6:17 7:11 19:37, Jhn.6:66 7:3 19:38; esp. the twelve, Mat.10:1 11:1, Mrk.7:17, Luk.8:9, Jo 2:2, al.; later, of Christians generally, Act.6:1, 2 7 9:19, al.; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 252 NT verses. KJV: disciple See also: Acts 1:15; John 21:23; Matthew 13:10.
εθαυμασαν thaumazō G2296 "to marvel" Verb-AAI-3P
To marvel means to feel great wonder or admiration for something. Jesus' disciples marveled at his power in Matthew 8:10 and 27. It's a strong feeling of surprise or awe.
Definition: θαυμάζω [in LXX for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to marvel, wonder, wonder at: absol., Mat.8:10, 27 9:33 15:31 21:20 22:22 27:14, Mrk.5:20 15:5, Luk.1:21 (R, txt.; ICC, in l, but see infr.), Luk.1:63 8:25 11:14 24:41, Jhn.5:20 7:15, Act.2:7 4:13 13:41, Rev.17:7-8; with accusative of person(s), Luk.7:9; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.24:12 (WH, R, mg. om.), Jhn.5:28, Act.7:31; θαῦμα μέγα, Rev.17:6; πρόσωπον (LXX for פָּנִים נָשָׂא, Deu.10:17, al.), Ju 16; before διά, with accusative, Mrk.6:6, Jhn.7:21; before ἐν, with dative obj., Luk.1:21 (? R, mg., but see supr); before ἐπί, with dative of thing(s), Luk.2:33 4:22 9:43 20:26, Act.3:12; περί, Luk.2:18; ὀπίσω, Rev.13:3; ὅτι, Luk.11:38, Jhn.3:7 4:27, Gal.1:6; εἰ, Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13. Pass. (Sir.38:3, Wis.8:11): before ἐν, with dative of person(s), 2Th.1:10 (cf. ἐκ-θαυμάζω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder See also: 1 John 3:13; Luke 11:14; Revelation 13:3.
λεγοντες legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAP-NPM
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
πως pōs G4459 "how?!" Adv-I
How is a question about the way something is done, as in Matthew 12:29, or an exclamation of surprise, like how much something is.
Definition: πῶς, interrog. adv., correl. of ὅπως, __1. prop., in direct questions, how?: with indic., Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:23, Luk.11:18, Jhn.3:4, al.; καὶ π., Mrk.4:13, Luk.20:44; π. οὖν, Mat.12:26; π. οὐ, Mat.16:11, Luk.12:56; in deliberative questions (cf. Bl., §64, 6), with subjc., Mat.23:33 26:54; π. οὖν, Rom.10:14; π. δέ, Rom.10:14, 15; before ἄν, with optative, Act.8:31. __2. As sometimes in cl. but more frequently and increasingly so in late writers (see WM, §57, 2; Bl., §70, 2; Thumb, MGr., 192; Jannaris, Gr., App., vi, 13f.), = ὅπως, ὥς; __(a) in indirect discourse: with indic., Mat.6:28, Mrk.12:41, Luk.8:36, Jhn.9:15, Act.9:27, al.; with subjc., Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:11; __(b) in exclamations: Mat.21:20, Mrk.10:23, 24 Luk.12:50 18:24, Jhn.11:36. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: how, after (by) what manner (means), that See also: 1 Corinthians 3:10; Luke 8:18; Hebrews 2:3.
παραχρημα parachrēma G3916 "instantly" Adv
Means instantly or right away, like when Jesus healed a fig tree in Matthew 21:19-20. It shows something happens immediately, without delay. This word is used in many books, including Matthew, Luke, and Acts.
Definition: παραχρῆμα adv. (= παρὰ τὸ χρῆμα), [in LXX: Num.6:9 12:4, Isa.29:5 30:13 (פִּתְאוֹם), etc. ;] on the spot, forthwith, instantly: Mat.21:19-20, Luk.1:64 4:39 5:25 8:44, 47 8:55 13:13 18:43 19:11 22:60, Act.3:7 5:10 12:23 13:11 16:26, 33 (on the usage in Mt, Lk, see Dalman, Words, 28 f.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon See also: Acts 3:7; Luke 8:44; Matthew 21:20.
εξηρανθη xērainō G3583 "to dry" Verb-API-3S
This word means to dry up or wither, like a plant in the sun. Jesus used it in Matthew 13:6 to describe a withered seedling. It also appears in Mark 11:20-21 and Luke 8:6.
Definition: ξηραίνω (ξηρός), [in LXX chiefly for יָבֵשׁ ;] to dry up, parch, wither. with accusative, τ. χόρτον, Jas.1:11; pass., to become or be dry or withered. of plants, Mat.13:6 21:19-20, Mrk.4:6 11:20-21, Luk.8:6, Jhn.15:6, 1Pe.1:24; of ripened crops, Rev.14:15; of liquids, Mrk.5:20, Rev.16:12; of members of the body, to waste away, Mrk.3:1 (cf. 3Ki.13:4) Mrk.9:18.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: dry up, pine away, be ripe, wither (away) See also: 1 Peter 1:24; Mark 9:18; James 1:11.
η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
συκη sukē G4808 "fig tree" Noun-NSF
A fig-tree is a common tree in the Bible, mentioned in Matthew 21:19 and Mark 11:13. Jesus often used it as an example in his teachings. The fig-tree symbolizes fruitfulness and spiritual growth.
Definition: συκῆ (contr. fr. συκέα), -ῆς, ἡ (σῦκον), [in LXX for תְּאֵן ;] a fig-tree: Mat.21:19-21 24:32, Mrk.11:13, 20-21 13:28, Luk.13:6-7 21:29, Jhn.1:49, 51, Jas.3:12, Rev.6:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: fig tree See also: James 3:12; Mark 11:20; Revelation 6:13.

Study Notes — Matthew 21:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 40:6–8 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
2 Mark 11:20–21 As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots. Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.”
3 James 1:10–11 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Matthew 21:20 Summary

This verse shows the disciples' amazement at the miracle of the withered fig tree, which Jesus had cursed because it was not producing any fruit, as seen in Matthew 21:19. The disciples' question about the withered tree leads Jesus to teach them about the power of faith and prayer, as seen in Matthew 21:21-22. Just like the disciples, we can learn to trust in God's power and goodness, and pray with faith and confidence, knowing that He can move mountains and do great things in our lives, as promised in Mark 11:22-24 and Jeremiah 32:17. By following Jesus' teachings and example, we can grow in our faith and become more fruitful in our spiritual lives, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10 and Psalm 1:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the disciples marvel at the withered fig tree?

The disciples marveled because they had just witnessed a miraculous event, where Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered immediately, as seen in Matthew 21:19, which is a demonstration of Jesus' divine power and authority, similar to other miracles recorded in the Bible, such as Mark 11:12-14 and Luke 13:6-9.

What can we learn from the disciples' question about the withered fig tree?

The disciples' question shows their curiosity and desire to understand the ways of Jesus, and we can learn from their example by being humble and seeking to learn from Jesus' teachings, as encouraged in Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 119:66.

How does this event relate to Jesus' teachings on faith and prayer?

This event is closely tied to Jesus' teachings on faith and prayer, as seen in the following verses, Matthew 21:21-22, where Jesus explains that faith and prayer can move mountains, and Mark 11:22-24, which emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and goodness.

What is the significance of the fig tree in this story?

The fig tree represents spiritual barrenness and the consequences of not producing spiritual fruit, as Jesus taught in Luke 13:6-9, and the withering of the tree serves as a warning to believers to examine their own spiritual fruitfulness, as encouraged in Galatians 5:22-23 and Matthew 3:8-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to see the power of God at work, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to those areas?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God's power and goodness, like the disciples did as they followed Jesus and learned from Him?
  3. What are some 'mountains' in my life that I need to trust God to move, and how can I pray with faith and confidence, as Jesus taught in Matthew 21:21-22?
  4. What spiritual fruit am I producing in my life, and what changes do I need to make to become more fruitful, as Jesus taught in John 15:1-17?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 21:20

And when the disciples saw it,.... The next day in the morning, as Mark says: they had, heard what Christ had said to it the day before, as the same evangelist observes; but did not take notice of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 21:20

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? For the exposition, see Luke 19:1-48 after 5:44; and the notes at Mark 11:12-26.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 21:20

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Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 21:20

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Ver. 20. They marvelled, saying, &c.] And well they might, for no conjurer, with all his skill, could have caused this fig tree so suddenly to wither, with a word speaking. For the fig tree is the most juicy of any tree, and bears the brunt of winter blasts. Yea, Plutarch tells us that there issueth from the fig tree such a strong and most vehement virtue, as that if a bull be tied unto it for some while he becomes tame and tractable, though he were never so fierce and fell before. No wonder therefore though the disciples wondered at so sudden an alteration.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 21:20

(20) And when the disciples saw it.—Here again St. Mark’s narrative (Mark 11:20-21) seems at once the fullest and the most precise. As he relates the facts, the disciples did not perceive that the fig-tree was withered away till they passed by on the following morning. Peter then remembered what had been said the day before, and, as the spokesman of the rest, drew his Master’s attention to the fact. The immediate withering may have been inferred from its completeness when seen, or its beginning may have been noticed by some at the time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 21:20

Verse 20. How soon is the fig tree withered away!] We often say to our neighbours, "How suddenly this man died! Who could have expected it so soon?" But who takes warning by these examples? What we say to-day of OTHERS, may be said to-morrow of OURSELVES. Be ye also ready! Lord, increase our faith!

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 21:20

20. they marvelled] It was rather the power and wonder of the act than the deeper significance of it that moved the disciples. The miracle was to them an “act of power” (δύναμις), or a “wonder” (τέρας), rather than a “sign” (σημεῖον). Yet Jesus follows the turn their thoughts take, and teaches that prayer and faith will remove mountains of difficulty, see ch. Matthew 17:20.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 21:20

Tuesday of Passion Week.20. And when — On Tuesday, the next morning after the cursing of the fig tree. They spent the night at Bethany, and were on their return to the city.

Sermons on Matthew 21:20

SermonDescription
Andrew Murray Eighteenth Lesson. ‘Whose Is This Image?’ Or, Prayer in Harmony With the Destiny of Man by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of man being created in God's image and the inherent purpose of prayer in fulfilling man's destiny. He explains that prayer is not just a
Andrew Murray Whose Is This Image? by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray explores the profound question posed by Jesus, 'Whose is this image?' to illustrate humanity's divine origin and purpose. He emphasizes that man, created in God's ima
Favell Lee Mortimer Mark 11:20-26. Christ and His Disciples Pass by the Withered Fig-Tree. by Favell Lee Mortimer Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the power of faith and forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus and His apostles. The withered fig tree serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' authori
Warren Wiersbe Get a Good Look at God by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from Isaiah chapter 40, specifically verses 1-17 and 26-31. The sermon begins by emphasizing the comforting message of God to Hi
David Wilkerson Why Do the Heathen Rage by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inability to pacify the wicked and gives four reasons why it is impossible. He uses Hosea 11:1 as a reference and explains that pursuing
J. Frank Norris We Shall All Be Changed by J. Frank Norris In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concept of change in the world and the challenges that people face, such as conflict, anxiety, fear, and poverty. He shares personal expe
Leonard Ravenhill Important Questions by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the profound question posed in the text about the essence of life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of our existence and the critical personal reflection it

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