1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had¹ mingled with their sacrifices.  ‡

2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

6 He also spoke this parable: ^a“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.  ‡

7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it¹ use up the ground?’  ‡

8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.

9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can ^acut it down.’ ”  ‡