^{6 Ref} He spoke this parable. "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none.

^{7 Ref} He said to the vine dresser, 'Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?'

^{8 Ref} He answered, 'Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it.

^{9 Ref} If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.'"