BibleWord.ai› Bible› Luke› Chapter 3› Verse 9

Luke 3:9

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 3:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Luke 3:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
7He said therefore to the multitudes that went out to be baptized of him, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9And 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.
10And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?
11And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.
12And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?
← Luke 3:8Luke 3:10 →
← Full Chapter 3 Luke Overview

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 now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees, etc.] 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 “<400310>Matthew 3:10”).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“On the baptism of John - see the notes at Matthew 3:0. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:9 every tree that does not produce good fruit: Israel would be judged as an unfruitful vineyard (see Isa 5:1-7; cp. Luke 13:7-9; 20:9-19).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 13:7, Luk 13:9, Luk 23:29-31; Isa 10:33, Isa 10:34; Eze 15:2-4, Eze 31:18; Dan 4:14, Dan 4:23; Mat 3:10, Mat 7:19; Joh 15:6; Heb 10:28, Heb 12:29 Luke 3:10”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Luke 3 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification