Matthew 21:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The disciples are astonished at how quickly the fig tree withered.
What Does Matthew 21:20 Mean?
The disciples notice the withered tree and marvel at the speed of it, exclaiming how quickly it dried up. Their wonder turns the moment into an occasion for teaching, as Jesus often used their questions to open deeper truth.
Their amazement focuses on the suddenness, the immediate effect of Jesus' word. It is a glimpse of the power that His speech carries: when He declares a thing, it comes to pass. The disciples are being prepared to see that the same authority operating in this sign is available to faith. Their astonishment becomes the doorway to His next words about believing prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:20
What does Matthew 21:20 mean?
The disciples are astonished at how quickly the fig tree withered.