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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples on the Mount of Olives immediately after describing the angelic gathering of the elect. He speaks during a prophetic discourse to clarify how to read unfolding events.

The words — The Greek παραβολὴν (parabolēn) literally means parable or lesson, while δὲ (de) acts as a connective "now" that advances the sequence. These terms frame the botanical observation as a direct instructional analogy rather than a casual remark.

The thread — This same fig tree analogy appears in Mark 13:28 and Luke 21:29, where Jesus similarly uses leafing branches to signal approaching fulfillment. The parallel passages preserve the identical sequence of observation followed by certainty.

Why it lands — The text states that sprouting leaves reliably indicate summer's approach, then commands readers to apply that same certainty to visible prophetic signs. It requires practical discernment of present events instead of speculative timeline construction.

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 his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

Cross-references

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.
Luke 21:29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.