Parable of the Fig Tree — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the fig tree, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 13:6 (KJV)
In Luke 13, what did a certain man have planted in his vineyard?
Answer: A fig tree
Study note. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. (Luke 13:6)
Lesson 2 · Luke 13:6 (KJV)
What did the man look for on the fig tree?
Answer: Fruit
Study note. And he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. (Luke 13:6)
Lesson 3 · Luke 13:7 (KJV)
What did the man tell the dresser of his vineyard to do?
Answer: Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Study note. 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? (Luke 13:7)
Lesson 4 · Luke 13:8 (KJV)
What did the dresser of the vineyard ask for?
Answer: One more year to dig about it and dung it
Study note. And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it. (Luke 13:8)
Lesson 5 · Luke 13:9 (KJV)
What would happen if the fig tree still bore no fruit?
Answer: Then after that thou shalt cut it down
Study note. And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:9)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 24:32 (KJV)
In Matthew 24, what does Jesus say when the fig tree's branch is tender?
Answer: Summer is nigh
Study note. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. (Matthew 24:32)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 24:33 (KJV)
What lesson does Jesus draw from the fig tree?
Answer: When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors
Study note. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (Matthew 24:33)
Lesson 8 · Matthew 21:19 (KJV)
What did Jesus curse because it had no fruit?
Answer: A fig tree by the way side
Study note. 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. (Matthew 21:19)
Lesson 9 · Matthew 21:19 (KJV)
What happened to the fig tree immediately?
Answer: It withered away
Study note. And presently the fig tree withered away. (Matthew 21:19)
Lesson 10 · Luke 13:6 (KJV)
What does the fig tree symbolize in Scripture?
Answer: Israel and the need for spiritual fruit
Study note. The fig tree often represents Israel in prophetic passages (Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:7; Luke 13:6-9).
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the fig tree point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?