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This heading is for more detailed discussions of all or part of a passage. Discussion may include the meaning of a particular word, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout the passage, insights to be developed in the future, and other items. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →
The allegory of the olive tree is a very complex piece of literature that has great meaning that can really help us to live our lives. As we see the reactions of the lord of the vineyard we see how God will react to our works and see how he will try to save us, and also how we can be punished if we do not repent.
Points to ponder
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I have a question
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- Verses 5:16-20. What does the fruit represent?
- Answer: According to a chart showing symbols in the allegory in the Sunday School manual click here, the fruit is a symbol of the works people perform (their lives). Sometimes it's "good," and sometimes it's "bad."
- Verse 6:5. What does it mean to cleave unto God? How does God cleave unto us?
- Verse 6:6. Why is the wording of this verse nearly identical to this verse in the Old Testament: "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (see Heb 3:15 and Heb 4:7)?
This heading is for listing links and print resources, including those cited in the notes. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →
- Chapters 5-6. One possible interpretation of this allegory is given here.
- Verse 6:12. M. Russell Ballard, "O Be Wise," Ensign, Nov 2006, pp. 17–20. Elder Ballard counsels: "Church members must be so very wise in all that we do."
Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves, such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word. In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources are preferable to footnotes.