32Jesus said: "From the fig tree learn the parable: when its branch already becomes tender and puts forth the leaves, you know that summer is near. [24:33] Thus also, when you yourselves see all these things, know that he is near, at the doors. [24:34] Amen, I say to you that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things happen. [24:35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of mine will certainly not pass away."
MAT 24:32-35
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Judea, the fig tree was a common agricultural symbol, often associated with Israel itself (e.g., Micah 7:1, Jeremiah 8:13). Its seasonal cycles were well understood: tender branches and leaves signaled the nearness of summer, a time of harvest and fulfillment. For Jesus’ audience, this imagery would evoke both agricultural familiarity and prophetic undertones. The phrase 'this generation' likely referred to the contemporary Jewish people, particularly those alive during Jesus’ ministry, who would witness the events leading to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 CE. The permanence of Jesus’ words contrasted sharply with the transient nature of heaven and earth, echoing Jewish apocalyptic themes where divine promises endure despite cosmic upheaval. The 'parable' here functions as a comparison, inviting listeners to discern the signs of impending events through observable patterns, much like interpreting the fig tree’s growth.
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How other translations render this
MAT 24:32
- KJV
- Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
- BSB
- Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.
- Koinōnos
- Jesus said: "From the fig tree learn the parable: when its branch already becomes tender and puts forth the leaves, you know that summer is near.
MAT 24:33
- KJV
- So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
- BSB
- So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door.
- Koinōnos
- Thus also, when you yourselves see all these things, know that he is near, at the doors.
MAT 24:34
- KJV
- Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
- BSB
- Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.
- Koinōnos
- Amen, I say to you that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things happen.
MAT 24:35
- KJV
- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
- BSB
- Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
- Koinōnos
- Heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of mine will certainly not pass away.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MAT 24:32
- parable::The word translated 'parable' here refers to a comparison or illustration drawn from everyday life, used to convey a deeper spiritual truth. It's a story that sets one thing alongside another to explain it.
MAT 24:34
- generation:The term 'generation' in this context can refer not only to a group of people born around the same time but also to a particular race, family, or even a specific era or age.
MAT 24:35
- the words:The word translated 'the words' here carries a rich meaning, encompassing not just individual utterances but also a complete message, a reasoned account, or even the underlying divine reason or plan.