Luke 12:55
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
2 of 10
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
νότον
ye see the south wind
G3558
νότον
ye see the south wind
Strong's:
G3558
Word #:
3 of 10
the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself
λέγετε
ye say
G3004
λέγετε
ye say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Historical Context
The sirocco (south/southeast wind) from Arabian and Negev deserts could raise temperatures dramatically, wither vegetation, and create dangerous conditions. This wind pattern appears throughout Scripture (Job 37:17, Jeremiah 18:17, Hosea 13:15). Jesus's audience would instantly recognize the reference—they lived by reading these patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life do you demonstrate keen perception while cultivating willful blindness in other areas?
- How does comfort or self-interest determine what 'signs' you choose to recognize or ignore?
- In what ways might you be weather-wise but spiritually foolish?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass (καὶ ὅταν νότον πνέοντα, λέγετε ὅτι Καύσων ἔσται· καὶ γίνεται)—the south wind (notos) from the Negev desert brought kausōn (scorching heat, burning). Again, and it cometh to pass—meteorological accuracy. Jesus acknowledges their competence in natural observation and prediction. They aren't stupid or unobservant; their perception is selective.
The parallel structure (west/rain, south/heat) emphasizes their consistent accuracy in weather-reading while building toward the indictment: why can't they read the times? Their blindness isn't intellectual incapacity but willful refusal—they interpret what serves them and ignore what condemns them.