Online Bible Commentary
Select Language
Select font sizeDark ModeSet to dark mode
HomeBible CommentaryLukeChapter 23Luke 23:31

Luke 23:31 meaning

In this poignant passage, Jesus uses a proverbial expression to highlight the gravity of His impending suffering. He draws a stark contrast between Himself, the innocent figure facing death, and the future fate of Jerusalem and its people, who had rejected Him. The "green tree" symbolizes times of divine blessing, while the "dry tree" signifies divine judgment. If the innocent could suffer such a fate, one can only ponder the fate awaiting those who were guilty when God's judgment finally descended on Jerusalem. This proverb serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the dire consequences of unrepentant sin.

Jesus' lament serves not just as a prediction of judgment, but also underscores His role as not merely a martyr, but as a Savior calling for repentance. The urgency in His words, emphasizing that there is still time to escape the coming wrath, reflects the broader theme of mercy intertwined with justice. This moment starkly foreshadows both the immediate and ultimate consequences of their rejection of Him as the Messiah, serving as a reminder that even in moments of great suffering, there remains the opportunity for redemption. "For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Luke 23:31 NASB95).

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Luke 23:3-7 meaning. Pilate’s First Interview with Jesus and his First Declaration of Innocence: Pilate follows up on the charge of insurrection and interviews Jesus, asking Him if He is the King of the Jews. Jesus replies, "It is as you say." Pilate finds nothing in Jesus’s answer to convict Him, so declares His innocence. The chief priests are adamant that Jesus must die. As they protest, Pilate hears that Jesus is from Galilee, and decides to send Jesus to Herod, the ruler of that district, and let him deal with the trial. This event is part of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. It is known as Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate.
  • Luke 23:18-21 meaning. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas: The crowd responds to Pilate’s offer to use the governor’s "Passover Pardon" on Jesus by shouting at Him to give them Barabbas instead. Barabbas had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and tries to persuade the crowd again, but they kept on calling out—"Crucify, crucify Him!" This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
  • Luke 23:1-2 meaning. The Priests bring and accuse Jesus to Pilate. Not permitted to execute Jesus themselves, the Sanhedrin brings Jesus to Pilate early in the morning for His Roman or Civil Trial. They present three charges against Jesus: He is misleading the nation; He teaches people to not pay their taxes; He claims to be a king. The third accusation is the most serious and the one that the trial chiefly pursues. This event is part of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. It is known as Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate.