Mark 13:28
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Original Language Analysis
Ἀπὸ
of
G575
Ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολήν·
a parable
G3850
παραβολήν·
a parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
7 of 24
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
ὅταν
When
G3752
ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
8 of 24
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γένηται
is
G1096
γένηται
is
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γινώσκετε
ye know
G1097
γινώσκετε
ye know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
19 of 24
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
20 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Palestinian agriculture shaped Jesus's teaching vocabulary. Fig harvest (August-September) was economically vital, and observing the tree's spring budding (April-May) allowed farmers to plan. Rabbinic literature similarly used agricultural parables to teach Torah. The fig tree imagery would evoke Jesus's cursing of the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21), symbolizing Israel's spiritual fruitlessness and impending judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the spiritual 'signs of the times' you observe that point toward Christ's purposes unfolding in history?
- How does this parable balance watchful awareness with the humility of not knowing exact timing?
- In what ways might you be producing 'leaves' (religious appearance) without the fruit of genuine discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near—Jesus shifts from apocalyptic vision to agricultural illustration. The Greek mathete (μάθετε, 'learn') commands active observation. The fig tree (sykē, συκῆ) was common in Palestine, losing leaves in winter and budding in spring—a reliable natural sign.
The parabole (παραβολή, parable/comparison) functions as a prophetic wake-up call: just as seasonal signs are unmistakable, so the events Jesus described (vv. 5-23) will signal his coming. The tender branch (hapalos, ἁπαλός, soft/young) sprouting leaves inevitably leads to summer (theros, θέρος, harvest time). This creates tension with verse 32's 'no one knows the day or hour'—we can recognize the season without calculating the exact moment. The fig tree may also symbolize Israel (Jeremiah 24, Hosea 9:10), whose 'leafing' portends judgment-harvest.