Mark 13:28

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples on the Mount of Olives, concluding his discourse on the gathering of the elect and the signs preceding his return. He shifts from cosmic events to a common agricultural observation to ground his teaching.

The words — The text highlights παραβολὴν (parabolēn), meaning a parable or illustrative lesson, and συκῆς (sukēs), identifying the fig tree. Jesus commands the listeners to do learn (μαθετε/mathete) from the natural cycle of tender branches and sprouting leaves.

The thread — This fig tree illustration runs in parallel accounts in Matthew 24:32 and Luke 21:29, where Jesus similarly uses leafing branches to signal an approaching season.

Why it lands — The text demands practical observation: just as tender branches and leaves objectively indicate summer's proximity, visible fulfillment of preceding signs requires immediate recognition of the promised event's nearness.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Cross-references

Luke 21:29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.
Matthew 24:32 Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.