This was evidently a proverbial saying in Jesus" day. The green tree stands for good conditions resulting from God"s blessing and the dry tree for bad conditions resulting from divine judgment. If God allowed innocent Jesus to perish in times of His blessing, what would happen to guilty Jerusalem when God judged her?[source]
"If the Romans condemned to death the one they admitted to be innocent, how would they deal in the future with those whom they found guilty?" [1][source]
Jesus" words constituted yet another call for repentance. There was still time for individuals and the nation to believe on Him and escape God"s wrath, but barring repentance God"s severe judgment would certainly fall. Luke evidently recorded these words because of his interest in extending the call to salvation to his readers. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Luke 23:26-34 - "they Crucified The Lord Of Glory"
Simon's two sons are believed to have become Christians. See Mark 15:21,Romans 16:13. Perhaps this strange interruption in his ordinary experiences led to the whole household becoming Christian. Jesus and he bore the cross together. So later, Symeon of Cambridge, who was much reviled for his evangelical principles, loved to think that he and Christ were suffering together.
Ever more thoughtful for others than for Himself, the Lord seemed to forget His griefs that He might address warnings and entreaties to these poor women, Luke 23:28. He was the young green tree in the forest glade, consumed in the awful heat of divine burnings, while they and theirs were the dry wood, which would soon crackle in the overthrow of their city.
On the cross our Lord became immediately the high priest, pleading for the great world and for His own; and He has never ceased since. See Hebrews 7:25. Sins of ignorance are placed in a different category from those of presumption; See 1 Timothy 1:13,1 John 5:16. The answer to that prayer, Luke 23:34, was given on the day of Pentecost. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 23
1Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod 8Herod mocks him 12Herod and Pilate become friends 13Barabbas is desired of the people, 24and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified 26He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem; 34prays for his enemies 39Two criminals are crucified with him 46His death 50His burial
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:31
In the green tree [εν υγρωι χυλωι] Green wood is hard to burn and so is used for the innocent. [source]
In the dry [εν τωι χηρωι] Dry wood kindles easily and is a symbol for the guilty. This common proverb has various applications. Here the point is that if they can put Jesus to death, being who he is, what will happen to Jerusalem when its day of judgment comes? What shall be done (τι γενηται ti genētai). Deliberative subjunctive. [source]
What shall be done [τι γενηται] Deliberative subjunctive. [source]
Luke 12:20Is thy soul required of thee [την πσυχην σου αιτουσιν απο σου] Plural active present, not passive: “They are demanding thy soul from thee.” The impersonal plural (aitousin) is common enough (Luke 6:38; Luke 12:11; Luke 16:9; Luke 23:31). The rabbis used “they” to avoid saying “God.” [source]
Acts 16:24Made their feet fast [τους ποδας ησπαλισατο αυτων] First aorist (effective) middle of ασπαλιζω asphalizō from ασπαλης asphalēs (safe), common verb in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Matthew 27:64. The inner prison was safe enough without this refinement of cruelty. In the stocks (εις το χυλον eis to xulon). Χυλον Xulon from χυω xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Acts 16:24In the stocks [εις το χυλον] Χυλον Xulon from χυω xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Galatians 3:13Having become a curse for us [γενομενος υπερ ημων καταρα] Here the graphic picture is completed. We were under That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Galatians 3:13over [υπερ] That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Galatians 3:13That hangeth on a tree [ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου] Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
1 Peter 2:24Bare our sins [ανηνεγκεν τας αμαρτιας ημων] Second aorist active indicative of αναπερω anapherō common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isaiah 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ‘s body Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23).Having died unto sins Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
Revelation 2:7Of the tree [ἐκ ξύλου] The preposition ἐκ outof occurs one hundred and twenty-seven times in Revelation, and its proper signification is almost universally out of; but this rendering in many of the passages would be so strange and unidiomatic, that the New Testament Revisers have felt themselves able to adopt it only forty-one times out of all that number, and employ of, from, by, with, on, at, because of, by reason of, from among. See, for instance, Revelation 2:7,Revelation 2:21,Revelation 2:22; Revelation 6:4,Revelation 6:10; Revelation 8:11; Revelation 9:18; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:21. Compare John 3:31; John 4:13,John 6:13,John 6:39,John 6:51; John 8:23,John 8:44; John 9:6; John 11:1; John 12:3,John 12:27,John 12:32; John 17:5. Tree, lit., wood. See on Luke 23:31; see on 1 Peter 2:24. Dean Plumptre notes the fact that, prominent as this symbol had been in the primeval history, it had remained unnoticed in the teaching where we should most have looked for its presence - in that of the Psalmist and Prophets of the Old Testament. Only in the Proverbs of Solomon had it been used, in a sense half allegorical and half mystical (Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 15:4). The revival of the symbol in Revelation is in accordance with the theme of the restitution of all things. “The tree which disappeared with the disappearance of the earthly Paradise, reappears with the reappearance of the heavenly.” To eat of the tree of life expresses participation in the life eternal. The figure of the tree of life appears in all mythologies from India to Scandinavia. The Rabbins and Mohammedans called the vine the probation tree. The Zend Avesta has its tree of life called the Death-Destroyer. It grows by the waters of life, and the drinking of its sap confers immortality. The Hindu tree of life is pictured as growing out of a great seed in the midst of an expanse of water. It has three branches, each crowned with a sun, denoting the three powers of creation, preservation, and renovation after destruction. In another representation Budha sits in meditation under a tree with three branches, each branch having three stems. One of the Babylonian cylinders discovered by Layard, represents three priestesses gathering the fruit of what seems to be a palm-tree with three branches on each side. Athor, the Venus of the Egyptians, appears half-concealed in the branches of the sacred peach-tree, giving to the departed soul the fruit, and the drink of heaven from a vial from which the streams of life descend upon the spirit, a figure at the foot of the tree, like a hawk, with a human head and with hands outstretched. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In the Norse mythology a prominent figure is Igdrasil, the Ash-tree of Existence; its roots in the kingdom of Eels or Death, its trunk reaching to heaven, and its boughs spread over the whole universe. At its foot, in the kingdom of Death, sit three Nornas or Fates, the Past, the Present, and the Future, watering its roots from the sacred well. Compare Revelation 22:2,Revelation 22:14,Revelation 22:19. Virgil, addressing Dante at the completion of the ascent of the Purgatorial Mount, says:“That apple sweet, which through so many branchesThe care of mortals goeth in pursuit of, Today shall put in peace thy hungerings.”“Purgatorio,” xxvii., 115-117. ParadiseSee on Luke 23:43. Omit in the midst of. Παράδεισος Paradise“passes through a series of meanings, each one higher than the last. From any garden of delight, which is its first meaning, it comes to be predominantly applied to the garden of Eden, then to the resting-place of separate souls in joy and felicity, and lastly to the very heaven itself; and we see eminently in it, what we see indeed in so many words, how revealed religion assumes them into her service, and makes them vehicles of far higher truth than any which they knew at first, transforming and transfiguring them, as in this case, from glory to glory” (Trench). [source]
Revelation 22:2On this side of the river and on that [του ποταμου εντευτεν και εκειτεν] Εντευτεν Enteuthen occurs as a preposition in Daniel 12:5 (Theodoret) and may be so here (post-positive), purely adverbial in John 19:18.The tree of life (χυλον ζωης xulon zōēs). For the metaphor see Genesis 1:11. and Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:14. Χυλον Xulon is used for a green tree in Luke 23:31; Ezekiel 47:12.Bearing Neuter active participle of ποιεω poieō (making, producing, as in Matthew 7:17). Some MSS. have ποιων poiōn (masculine), though χυλον xulon is neuter.Twelve manner of fruits (καρπους δωδεκα karpous dōdeka). “Twelve fruits.”Yielding Neuter active participle of αποδιδωμι apodidōmi to give back, but some MSS. have αποδιδους apodidous (masculine) like ποιων poiōn the healing of the nations Spiritual healing, of course, as leaves (πυλλα phulla) are often used for obtaining medicines. Here again the problem occurs whether this picture is heaven before the judgment or afterwards. Charles distinguishes sharply between the Heavenly City for the millennial reign and the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven after the judgment. Charles rearranges these chapters to suit his theory. But chronology is precarious here. [source]
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:31
Green wood is hard to burn and so is used for the innocent. [source]
Dry wood kindles easily and is a symbol for the guilty. This common proverb has various applications. Here the point is that if they can put Jesus to death, being who he is, what will happen to Jerusalem when its day of judgment comes? What shall be done (τι γενηται ti genētai). Deliberative subjunctive. [source]
Deliberative subjunctive. [source]
Originally wood, timber. In later Greek, a tree. Used of the cross by Peter, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and 1 Peter 2:24. Compare Galatians 3:13. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 23:31
Plural active present, not passive: “They are demanding thy soul from thee.” The impersonal plural (aitousin) is common enough (Luke 6:38; Luke 12:11; Luke 16:9; Luke 23:31). The rabbis used “they” to avoid saying “God.” [source]
See on Luke 23:31. [source]
See on Luke 23:31. [source]
First aorist (effective) middle of ασπαλιζω asphalizō from ασπαλης asphalēs (safe), common verb in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Matthew 27:64. The inner prison was safe enough without this refinement of cruelty. In the stocks (εις το χυλον eis to xulon). Χυλον Xulon from χυω xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Χυλον Xulon from χυω xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Here the graphic picture is completed. We were under That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Comp. Philemon 2:8. olxx. Originally an upright stake or pale. Σταυροῦν todrive down a stake; to crucify. Comp. the use of ξύλον woodor tree for the cross, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; 1 Peter 2:24. See on Luke 23:31. [source]
Second aorist active indicative of αναπερω anapherō common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isaiah 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ‘s body Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23).Having died unto sins Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23). [source]
See on Luke 23:31, and see on Revelation 2:7. [source]
The preposition ἐκ outof occurs one hundred and twenty-seven times in Revelation, and its proper signification is almost universally out of; but this rendering in many of the passages would be so strange and unidiomatic, that the New Testament Revisers have felt themselves able to adopt it only forty-one times out of all that number, and employ of, from, by, with, on, at, because of, by reason of, from among. See, for instance, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:21, Revelation 2:22; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:10; Revelation 8:11; Revelation 9:18; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:21. Compare John 3:31; John 4:13, John 6:13, John 6:39, John 6:51; John 8:23, John 8:44; John 9:6; John 11:1; John 12:3, John 12:27, John 12:32; John 17:5. Tree, lit., wood. See on Luke 23:31; see on 1 Peter 2:24. Dean Plumptre notes the fact that, prominent as this symbol had been in the primeval history, it had remained unnoticed in the teaching where we should most have looked for its presence - in that of the Psalmist and Prophets of the Old Testament. Only in the Proverbs of Solomon had it been used, in a sense half allegorical and half mystical (Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 15:4). The revival of the symbol in Revelation is in accordance with the theme of the restitution of all things. “The tree which disappeared with the disappearance of the earthly Paradise, reappears with the reappearance of the heavenly.” To eat of the tree of life expresses participation in the life eternal. The figure of the tree of life appears in all mythologies from India to Scandinavia. The Rabbins and Mohammedans called the vine the probation tree. The Zend Avesta has its tree of life called the Death-Destroyer. It grows by the waters of life, and the drinking of its sap confers immortality. The Hindu tree of life is pictured as growing out of a great seed in the midst of an expanse of water. It has three branches, each crowned with a sun, denoting the three powers of creation, preservation, and renovation after destruction. In another representation Budha sits in meditation under a tree with three branches, each branch having three stems. One of the Babylonian cylinders discovered by Layard, represents three priestesses gathering the fruit of what seems to be a palm-tree with three branches on each side. Athor, the Venus of the Egyptians, appears half-concealed in the branches of the sacred peach-tree, giving to the departed soul the fruit, and the drink of heaven from a vial from which the streams of life descend upon the spirit, a figure at the foot of the tree, like a hawk, with a human head and with hands outstretched. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In the Norse mythology a prominent figure is Igdrasil, the Ash-tree of Existence; its roots in the kingdom of Eels or Death, its trunk reaching to heaven, and its boughs spread over the whole universe. At its foot, in the kingdom of Death, sit three Nornas or Fates, the Past, the Present, and the Future, watering its roots from the sacred well. Compare Revelation 22:2, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19. Virgil, addressing Dante at the completion of the ascent of the Purgatorial Mount, says:“That apple sweet, which through so many branchesThe care of mortals goeth in pursuit of, Today shall put in peace thy hungerings.”“Purgatorio,” xxvii., 115-117. ParadiseSee on Luke 23:43. Omit in the midst of. Παράδεισος Paradise“passes through a series of meanings, each one higher than the last. From any garden of delight, which is its first meaning, it comes to be predominantly applied to the garden of Eden, then to the resting-place of separate souls in joy and felicity, and lastly to the very heaven itself; and we see eminently in it, what we see indeed in so many words, how revealed religion assumes them into her service, and makes them vehicles of far higher truth than any which they knew at first, transforming and transfiguring them, as in this case, from glory to glory” (Trench). [source]
Εντευτεν Enteuthen occurs as a preposition in Daniel 12:5 (Theodoret) and may be so here (post-positive), purely adverbial in John 19:18.The tree of life (χυλον ζωης xulon zōēs). For the metaphor see Genesis 1:11. and Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:14. Χυλον Xulon is used for a green tree in Luke 23:31; Ezekiel 47:12.Bearing Neuter active participle of ποιεω poieō (making, producing, as in Matthew 7:17). Some MSS. have ποιων poiōn (masculine), though χυλον xulon is neuter.Twelve manner of fruits (καρπους δωδεκα karpous dōdeka). “Twelve fruits.”Yielding Neuter active participle of αποδιδωμι apodidōmi to give back, but some MSS. have αποδιδους apodidous (masculine) like ποιων poiōn the healing of the nations Spiritual healing, of course, as leaves (πυλλα phulla) are often used for obtaining medicines. Here again the problem occurs whether this picture is heaven before the judgment or afterwards. Charles distinguishes sharply between the Heavenly City for the millennial reign and the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven after the judgment. Charles rearranges these chapters to suit his theory. But chronology is precarious here. [source]
For the metaphor see Genesis 1:11. and Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:14. Χυλον Xulon is used for a green tree in Luke 23:31; Ezekiel 47:12. [source]