Luke 12:54
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
Original Language Analysis
λέγετε
he said
G3004
λέγετε
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοις
to the people
G3793
ὄχλοις
to the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 19
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
Ὅταν
When
G3752
Ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
6 of 19
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἴδητε
ye see
G1492
ἴδητε
ye see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
δυσμῶν
the west
G1424
δυσμῶν
the west
Strong's:
G1424
Word #:
12 of 19
the sun-set, i.e., (by implication) the western region
λέγετε
he said
G3004
λέγετε
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἔρχεται
There cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
There cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
16 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
In Mediterranean climate, westerly winds from the sea brought moisture and rain, while southern desert winds (v.55) brought scorching heat. This pattern was reliable enough for agricultural planning. Jesus uses universally recognized meteorological knowledge to expose their selective discernment—they see what they want to see.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs' do you expertly read in your areas of interest while remaining blind to spiritual realities?
- How does selective perception prevent you from recognizing God's work or word?
- What uncomfortable spiritual 'weather patterns' might you be deliberately ignoring?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is (Ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις, Ὅταν ἴδητε τὴν νεφέλην ἀνατέλλουσαν ἀπὸ δυσμῶν, εὐθέως λέγετε, Ὄμβρος ἔρχεται· καὶ γίνεται οὕτως)—Jesus shifts from division to discernment, addressing ochlois (crowds). Palestinian meteorology was observable: clouds from the west (Mediterranean Sea) brought rain. Eutheos (straightway, immediately) indicates instant recognition. And so it is (καὶ γίνεται οὕτως)—their predictions prove accurate.
Jesus uses weather-reading ability to indict spiritual blindness. They expertly interpret natural signs but miss prophetic fulfillment standing before them. This introduces his critique (vv.54-56): they're weather-smart but messiah-blind, demonstrating selective perception serving their interests.