For the axe is already laid at the root of the trees. So every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
This verse is John the Baptist’s powerful warning about the inevitability of God’s judgment. “The axe is laid at the root” means that the time of judgment is near, and God is ready to judge each person according to his deeds. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit” symbolizes the person whose life lacks righteousness and holiness that flow from faith. The fire portrays divine judgment—not merely punishment, but a purifying action that separates what is true from what is false. John calls people not to delay repentance, because judgment begins where there is no fruit.