New Testament
Matthew 21:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The disciples were stunned. "How did the fig tree wither so fast?" they asked.
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And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
What Matthew 21:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples are amazed by the rapid withering of the fig tree that Jesus had cursed. This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority and the effectiveness of faith. The disciples' astonishment reflects their growing understanding of Jesus' divine power and the spiritual lessons he was teaching them. The fig tree, often a symbol of Israel, represents the consequences of unfruitfulness and the importance of genuine faith. The disciples' question highlights their surprise at how quickly the tree died, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. This moment encourages believers to recognize the power of faith and the importance of being spiritually fruitful in their own lives.
How to apply Matthew 21:20 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of faith in our lives. Just as the fig tree withered at Jesus' command, our doubts can hinder our spiritual growth. We should strive to cultivate a strong faith that produces good works and reflects our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:20 mean?
Matthew 21:20 describes the disciples' amazement at the quick withering of the fig tree that Jesus had cursed. This event illustrates Jesus' authority and the power of faith, highlighting the consequences of unfruitfulness.
What is the significance of the fig tree in Matthew 21:20?
The fig tree in Matthew 21:20 symbolizes Israel and represents the importance of being spiritually fruitful. Its rapid withering serves as a warning about the consequences of lacking genuine faith.
Why were the disciples surprised in Matthew 21:20?
The disciples were surprised because they witnessed the fig tree wither almost instantly after Jesus cursed it. Their astonishment reflects their growing understanding of Jesus' miraculous power and authority.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 21:20?
Matthew 21:20 teaches us about the importance of faith and spiritual fruitfulness. Just as the fig tree withered due to lack of fruit, our doubts can hinder our spiritual growth.
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