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Luke 13:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 13:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luke 13:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
6And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.
7And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?
8And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9and if it bear fruit thenceforth, [well]; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.
10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath day.
11And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he answering, said unto him, Lord, etc.] Which, if understood of God the Father, may intend the intercession of Christ with him, who not only intercedes for his elect, for those that are unconverted, that they may be converted; and for converted ones, for the carrying on of the work of sanctification; for fresh discoveries of pardoning grace; for consolation and support under trouble; for their final perseverance, and eternal glorification: but also for his enemies, for profane sinners, and for formal professors; for the sake of his own people among them, and for their preservation, and for the averting of divine judgments from them, at least as yet: and so the Jewish nation was spared…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he answering, &c.--Christ, as Intercessor, loath to see it cut down so long as there was any hope (see Luk 13:34). dig, &c.--loosen the earth about it and enrich it with manure; pointing to changes of method in the divine treatment of the impenitent, in order to freshen spiritual culture.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“let: Exo 32:11-13, Exo 32:30-32, Exo 34:9; Num 14:11-20; Jos 7:7-9; Psa 106:23; Jer 14:7-9, Jer 14:13-18, Jer 15:1, Jer 18:20; Joe 2:17; Rom 10:1, Rom 11:14; Pe2 3:9 Luke 13:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification