Did the fig tree that Jesus cursed die immediately or the next day?
This is often cited as a contradiction. Did the fig tree wither immediately as per Matthew or the next day as per Mark.
Matthew 21- 19And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. Matthew 21- 20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Mark 11- 13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11- 20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
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This is where paying close attention to the texts and what they ACTUALLY say is important not what we THINK the texts says.
Notice that in Matthew Jesus came to the fig tree and finding it barron cursed it. The text clearly states that the tree presently withered away. The Greek translated as presently is παραχρῆμα parachréma which means immediately.
So it is very clear that the tree withered immediately.
Mark records that the disciples HEARD Jesus curse the tree.
Mark 11- 14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
However Mark states that the disciples actually SAW the tree withered the next morning.
Mark 14-20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Matthew makes a very important statement after Jesus cursed the fig tree, WHEN the disciples saw it.
Matthew 21- 20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Although the fig tree withered immediately Matthew does NOT say that the disciples SAW the fig tree withered immediately. Matthew tells us WHEN they saw it they said “how soon is the fig tree withered away.”
WHEN did they see it? The next morning as Mark very clearly states.
Jesus cursed the fig tree and it immediately withered but the disciples only heard him curse the tree, they did not actually see it until the next morning.