φύλλον (phullon)
phullon
leaf
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phullon refers simply to a leaf, the thin, green structure attached to a plant’s stem. In the New Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, with one mention in Revelation. Its usage is straightforward, denoting the physical part of a tree or vine without complex metaphorical layers.
The word often serves as a concrete detail in Jesus’ parables and actions. For instance, in Matthew 21:19 and Mark 11:13, the fig tree’s leaves signal that it should bear fruit; when it does not, the tree withers. Similarly, in Matthew 24:32 and Mark 13:28, the budding leaves of a fig tree serve as a natural indicator that summer is near, illustrating how observable signs point to imminent events.
In Revelation 22:2, the leaves of the tree of life are described as being for the healing of the nations. This final mention connects the ordinary concept of foliage to a vision of restoration and peace in the new creation. The consistent thread across these texts is the leaf’s role as a visible sign of life, season, or divine provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phullon simply means leaf. In Scripture, it often marks a visible sign of life or a coming season. When Jesus pointed to budding leaves on a fig tree, He used a familiar detail to show how we can recognize that summer is near. These small natural signs help us pay attention to the world around us and trust in God’s timing.
Even when a tree has leaves but no fruit, as seen in Matthew 21:19, the image reminds us that outward appearance should match inner reality. This does not mean we must be perfect, but it invites us to live with integrity. Our faith is meant to show in how we treat others and care for what God has made.
In Revelation 22:2, the leaves of the tree of life are described as being for the healing of the nations. This final mention connects the ordinary concept of foliage to a vision of restoration and peace in the new creation. It offers hope that one day, all brokenness will be made whole.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- leaves4×
- leaves;1×
- leaves,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φύλλα4×
- φύλλα·1×
- φύλλα,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:19
Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit from you forever!” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
The leaves here signal false promise, showing that appearance without fruit invites judgment.
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Matthew 24:32
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near.
Leaves serve as a reliable natural sign that summer is near, illustrating how observable events point to God's plan.
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Revelation of John 22:2
in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The leaves are specifically noted for the healing of the nations, linking physical foliage to spiritual restoration in the new creation.