There are seven different Hebrew words translated 'ax' or 'axe,' with various shades of meaning. De 19:5; Jg 9:48; 2Sa 12:31; 1Ch 20:3; Ps 74:6; Jer 10:3; Eze 26:9; Mt 3:10; Lu 3:9.
And already the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which does not produce good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire.
And even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees, so that every tree which fails to yield good fruit will quickly be hewn down and thrown into the fire."