Is the Story of the Withered Fig Tree Confusing?

Question:

Matthew 21:19 says the fig tree withered immediately after Jesus cursed it:

“Immediately the fig tree withered away.”

But Mark 11:20 says the fig tree had withered the next day, not the same day it was cursed:

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”

Which account is correct?

Understanding the Text: No Contradiction in Scripture

The Bible is internally consistent. Apparent contradictions often come from misunderstandings or reading the text without context (2 Timothy 3:16). Both Matthew and Mark present truthful accounts, just from different angles.

Matthew’s Account (Matthew 21:18-21)

Jesus, hungry in the morning, sees a fig tree with leaves but no fruit. He curses it, saying no fruit will ever grow on it again. Then the tree immediately withers. The disciples marvel at how fast it happened.

This miracle illustrates Jesus’ authority over nature and symbolizes judgment against unfruitfulness (cf. John 15:2). The immediate withering signifies God’s swift judgment on those who appear outwardly righteous (like the leafy but fruitless fig tree) but are spiritually barren.

Mark’s Account (Mark 11:12-14, 19-23)

Mark records that Jesus approached the tree but it was not the season for figs. After Jesus curses it, the disciples see it the next morning completely dried up.

Mark emphasizes the visible result of the curse appearing the following day, showing a natural progression—yet still miraculous because trees don’t usually wither overnight.

Reconciling the Two Accounts: The Meaning of “Immediately”

The Greek word translated as “immediately” (εὐθέως, euthéōs) can mean “soon after” or “without delay,” but not necessarily “within seconds.”

Consider Mark 1:28

“Immediately His fame spread throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”
It’s clear this took time, yet it’s described as “immediately” to express rapid spread, not instantaneous.

Similarly, the fig tree began to wither at Jesus’ spoken word (immediate spiritual effect), but the visible withering took until the next morning (natural timeline accelerated supernaturally).

• Divine Judgment: The fig tree represents Israel, which had the appearance of spiritual fruitfulness (leaves) but was barren. Jesus’ curse is a symbolic judgment (cf. Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 8:13).
• Faith and Authority: Jesus teaches His disciples that faith in God allows them to command impossible things (Mark 11:22-23), underscoring the power of belief and God’s sovereignty.
• Miracle and Natural Order: The miracle respects natural processes but accelerates them supernaturally, demonstrating God’s control over creation without violating it abruptly.

Both Matthew and Mark give accurate accounts from different perspectives. The fig tree’s withering began immediately at Jesus’ word (spiritually and supernaturally), with the visible effects appearing the next day. There is no contradiction.

Do you accept Jesus’ authority in your life? The fig tree warns us about bearing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22:20). Now is the time to believe and bear fruit that lasts.

Shalom.

Print this post