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What the Bible Says About Unfruitfulness

Overview

The Bible addresses unfruitfulness across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Luke and John. Closely related themes include Unfaithfulness, Parables, Vineyard and Jesus, The Christ.

Key Bible verses about unfruitfulness

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 7:19

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 13:4

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

Matthew 13:5

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

Matthew 13:6

And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Matthew 13:7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Matthew 21:19

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. a fig tree: Gr. one fig tree

Matthew 21:20

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Studying unfruitfulness for yourself

  • Begin with Isaiah 5:2, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Luke and John each treat the theme.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Unfaithfulness, Parables, Vineyard and Jesus, The Christ.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about unfruitfulness?

The Bible addresses unfruitfulness across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Luke and John. Closely related themes include Unfaithfulness, Parables, Vineyard and Jesus, The Christ.

How many Bible verses are about unfruitfulness?

The Bible references unfruitfulness in 18 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention unfruitfulness?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Isaiah 5:2: “And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. fenced: or, made a wall about made: Heb. hewed”

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on unfruitfulness.

Preach a series on Unfruitfulness