Study Desk

And He began telling this parable: "A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

"And he said to the vineyard-keeper, 'Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?'

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

"But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer;

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'"

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.