28"From the fig tree, learn this lesson by experience: when its branch has already become tender and it puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. [13:29] So also, when you see these things happening, know that he is near — at the doors. [13:30] Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. [13:31] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
MRK 13:28-31
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Judea, the fig tree was a common symbol of Israel’s prosperity and divine favor, often used in prophetic imagery (e.g., Micah 7:1, Jeremiah 8:13). Its seasonal cycles were well-known, making it a fitting (comparison) for discerning signs. The mention of the fig tree’s tender branch and leaves would evoke agricultural familiarity, as these were indicators of summer’s approach. For Jesus’ audience, this metaphor would resonate with their expectation of eschatological signs, particularly in a context of Roman occupation and Jewish apocalyptic hope. The phrase 'near He is at the doors' reflects a common Jewish idiom for imminent divine action, likely evoking Malachi 3:1. The declaration that 'this generation' will not pass away until 'these things' occur would have been understood as a reference to the current generation’s witnessing of eschatological events, a claim that heightened urgency. The assertion that 'heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not' underscores the permanence and authority of Jesus’ teaching, contrasting it with the transient created order, a theme familiar in Jewish apocalyptic literature.
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How other translations render this
MRK 13:28
- KJV
- Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
- 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
- From the fig tree, learn this lesson by experience: when its branch has already become tender and it puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
MRK 13:29
- KJV
- So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
- BSB
- So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door.
- Koinōnos
- So also, when you see these things happening, know that he is near — at the doors.
MRK 13:30
- KJV
- Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
- BSB
- Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.
- Koinōnos
- Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.
MRK 13:31
- 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 my words will not pass away.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MRK 13:28
- do learn:The word translated 'do learn' implies gaining knowledge through experience and instruction, leading to a deep understanding rather than just superficial acquaintance.
- parable::The term translated 'parable' originally referred to placing two things side-by-side for comparison, often to illustrate a moral or spiritual truth through a familiar story.
MRK 13:30
- generation:The word translated 'generation' can refer to a group of people living at the same time, a lineage, or even a particular kind of people, not just a time span.
MRK 13:31
- the words:The word translated 'the words' here carries a broad meaning, encompassing not just individual utterances but also a message, a statement, or even a divine pronouncement.