Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
three years—a long enough trial for a fig tree, and so denoting probably just a sufficient period of culture for spiritual fruit. The supposed allusion to the duration of our Lord's ministry is precarious.
cut it down—indignant language.
cumbereth—not only doing no good, but wasting ground.
fig tree—Israel, as the visible witness of God in the world, but generally all within the pale of the visible Church of God; a familiar figure (compare Isaiah 5:1-7; John 15:1-8, etc.).
vineyard—a spot selected for its fertility, separated from the surrounding fields, and cultivated with special care, with a view solely to fruit.
came and sought fruit—a heart turned to God; the fruits of righteousness; compare Matthew 21:33-34, and Isaiah 5:2, "He looked that it should bring forth fruit"; He has a right to it, and will require it.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Luke 13:7:
Ezekiel 15:6
Daniel 4:14
Daniel 9:27
Luke 13:1-3
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