13:6 Then 5 Jesus 6 told this parable: “A man had a fig tree 7 planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.
1 sn The principle of the passage is that one produces what one is.
2 tn Grk “they do not gather”; this has been simplified to the passive voice in the translation since the subject “they” is not specified further in the context.
3 tn This is a different verb (τρυγῶσιν, trugwsin) for gathering from the previous one (συλλέγουσιν, sullegousin).
4 tn This is a different term (βάτος, batos) for a thorn or bramble bush than the previous one (ἄκανθα, akanqa).
sn The statement nor are grapes picked from brambles illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit, does not produce fruit.
5 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
6 tn Grk “he”; the referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 sn The fig tree is a variation on the picture of a vine as representing the nation; see Isa 5:1-7.
8 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of Zacchaeus not being able to see over the crowd.
9 sn A sycamore tree would have large branches near the ground like an oak tree and would be fairly easy to climb. These trees reach a height of some 50 ft (about 15 m).
10 tn Grk “that one”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.