Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.
Parallel translations
- WEB “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.
- KJV Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
- NKJV “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
- NASB “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near;
- NLT “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jesus uses the fig tree as a parable: tender branches and leaves signal summer is near. He teaches the disciples to read the signs of his coming.
Overview
Just as a budding fig tree reliably announces the approach of summer, certain signs announce that the appointed time is near. Jesus calls his hearers to discernment rather than ignorance about God's unfolding plan. The lesson is not date-setting but watchful readiness. Knowing the season, disciples are to live faithfully as those expecting their Lord.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 2
- Mark 13:28–29Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.
- Luke 21:29–30Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 24:32 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.