Luke 12:56
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 12:56
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?
Chapter Context
Luke 12 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, redemption, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-59: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 12:56
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?
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 12:32, Matthew 11:25, 16:3