LEAVES.—The tree is often used in NT as a symbol of the life of a man. Leaves are the indication of the existence of life in the tree. The barren fig-tree was cursed by our Lord because it had leaves only (Matthew 21:19, Mark 11:13) and no fruit. See Fig-tree. We have here a type of religious profession unaccompanied by practice, a spiritual condition which always drew from our Lord the strongest condemnation.
The putting forth of leaves by the fig-tree is referred to by our Lord as one of the indications that summer is nigh (Matthew 24:32, Mark 13:28). See Robertson Nicoll, Ten Minute Sermons, 59.
C. H. Prichard.