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Luke 13:6
ESV And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
NIV Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.
NASB And He began telling this parable: 'A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
CSB And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and found none.
NLT Then Jesus told this story: 'A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.
KJV He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
NKJV He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.

What does Luke 13:6 mean?

Prior lessons were Jesus speaking about people repenting to each other (Luke 12:57–59) and to God (Luke 13:1–5). He points out that the time to do so is short, but reconciliation is much better than judgment.

Now, He expands the message to Jews as a people, as represented by the fig tree (Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 8:13; 24:1–10). The owner of the tree, God the Father, sees no fruit. In fact, the tree hasn't produced fruit in the past three years. He tells the vinedresser, Jesus, to cut it down. The vinedresser begs for one more year. He will fertilize it with manure and see if it will "repent"—or turn away from—its fruitlessness. If it still doesn't, it will be cut down (Luke 13:6–9).

In Luke 12:57–59, Jesus tells the offender to reconcile with the victim. In Luke 13:1–5, He tells the sinful people to reconcile with the God they have sinned against. Here, He shows how He is trying to orchestrate reconciliation between God and the sinful nation. For now, the people will fail to hear His warning. As a nation, Jews will demand His death. As a nation, they will reject the apostles' teaching. In AD 70, the nation will be destroyed.

Jesus will compare Israel to a fig tree during Passion Week, as well. As He approaches Jerusalem, He sees a fig tree that does not produce fruit. He curses it, and it dies (Matthew 21:19–21; Mark 11:13–14, 20–21). Israel has had many opportunities to repent and recognize their Messiah (Luke 12:54–56). They choose to crucify Him instead.
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