Luke 12:56
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Original Language Analysis
ὑποκριταί
Ye hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριταί
Ye hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
1 of 17
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
the face
G4383
πρόσωπον
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
3 of 17
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
of the earth
G1093
γῆς
of the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
5 of 17
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
of the sky
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
of the sky
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
8 of 17
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
οἴδατε
ye can
G1492
οἴδατε
ye can
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
δοκιμάζετε
discern
G1381
δοκιμάζετε
discern
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
10 of 17
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πῶς
how is it
G4459
πῶς
how is it
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
15 of 17
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
Cross References
Matthew 16:3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?1 Chronicles 12:32And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic expectation emphasized recognizing the 'signs of the times'—discerning when God's kingdom was breaking in. Daniel, Ezekiel, and the prophets spoke of appointed times (kairos) when God would act decisively in history. Jesus indicts them for missing the very discernment their tradition emphasized—recognizing Messiah's arrival and kingdom's inauguration.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'time' or 'season' of God's working might you be missing because it doesn't match your expectations?
- How does your competence in earthly/professional matters contrast with your spiritual discernment?
- What would it look like to be as attentive to spiritual 'signs of the times' as you are to practical daily matters?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? (ὑποκριταί, τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς καὶ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ οἴδατε δοκιμάζειν, τὸν καιρὸν δὲ τοῦτον πῶς οὐ δοκιμάζετε;)—Jesus pronounces them hupokritai (hypocrites, actors). They dokimazō (discern, examine, test) to prosōpon (the face) of sky and earth expertly, yet fail to dokimazō (discern) ton kairon touton (this time, this season, this critical moment).
Kairos denotes qualitative, appointed time—the messianic moment, God's visitation. They're living in history's climax (Messiah present, kingdom offered) yet blind to it. Their hypocrisy is selective perception: they see what requires no moral response (weather) but miss what demands repentance (Christ). This echoes Jesus's lament over Jerusalem: 'thou knewest not the time of thy visitation' (Luke 19:44).