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]
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 21:20
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Matthew 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 21:20
Study Notes — Matthew 21:20
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 21:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
- Sermons on Matthew 21:20
Context — The Barren Fig Tree
20When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 21:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 21:20
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 21:20
Sermons on Matthew 21:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |






