Matthew 24:32
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Original Language Analysis
Ἀπὸ
of
G575
Ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 23
"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 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολήν·
a parable
G3850
παραβολήν·
a parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
7 of 23
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 23
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
his
G846
αὐτῆς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 23
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
γένηται
is
G1096
γένηται
is
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
13 of 23
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 23
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 #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γινώσκετε
ye know
G1097
γινώσκετε
ye know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
19 of 23
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 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Fig trees were ubiquitous in first-century Judea, making this an accessible illustration. The agricultural calendar governed Jewish feast days and daily life. Jesus spoke this parable on the Mount of Olives (24:3) in sight of the temple, perhaps with fig trees visible. Three days earlier, He had cursed a barren fig tree (21:18-22), symbolizing Israel's fruitlessness—now He uses figs to teach discernment.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs of the times' in current events do you discern as evidence of prophetic fulfillment or spiritual seasons?
- How can you cultivate the spiritual discernment to read the times without falling into date-setting speculation?
- What is the difference between healthy watchfulness for Christ's return and unhealthy obsession with prophecy charts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now learn a parable of the fig tree—The Greek parabole (παραβολή) means comparison, and Jesus shifts from apocalyptic vision to agricultural observation. When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves (hapalos, ἁπαλός = tender/soft), you recognize the pattern of seasons. The fig tree (sykē, συκῆ) was a common Palestinian symbol, leafing out in late spring, signaling summer's approach.
This isn't identifying Israel as 'the fig tree' (though figs symbolize Israel in Jeremiah 24, Hosea 9:10), but teaching discernment of signs. Just as farmers read nature's signals, disciples must recognize prophetic fulfillment—temple destruction, tribulation, cosmic signs—as harbingers of the final harvest. Jesus moves from 'when' questions to 'watchfulness' imperatives.