Judges 9:11 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

But the fig tree said to them, 'Should I give up my sweetness and my good fruit just to go and rule over the trees?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The fig tree is asking why it should abandon its natural purpose of producing sweet, nourishing fruit just to gain power and authority over others.

📚 Historical Context

This verse is part of Jotham's parable about trees choosing a king, told after his half-brother Abimelech killed their other brothers to become ruler of Shechem. In this fable, various productive trees (olive, fig, vine) all refuse the offer to rule, representing how good leaders often prefer serving others to seeking power for themselves.

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Song Of Solomon 4:16

Wake up, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow through my garden so that its sweet spices will spread their fragrance everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and enjoy its delicious fruits.

Song Of Solomon 7:13

The mandrakes are giving off their sweet fragrance, and at our doorway there are all kinds of delicious fruits, both fresh and preserved ones, which I have saved up for you, my beloved.

Song Of Solomon 2:3

Like an apple tree standing out among all the forest trees, that's how my beloved stands out among all other men. I sat down in his shade with great joy, and his fruit tasted sweet to me.

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