TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Luke 12 verses 54–59
Having given his disciples their lesson in the foregoing verses, here Christ turns to the people, and gives them theirs, Luk 12:54. He said also to the people: he preached ad populum - to the people, as well as ad clerum - to the clergy. In general, he would have them be as wise in the affairs of their souls as they are in their outward affairs. Two things he specifies: -
I. Let them learn to discern the way of God towards them, that they may prepare accordingly. They were weather-wise, and by observing the winds and clouds could foresee when there would be rain and when there would be hot weather (Luk 12:54, Luk 12:55); and, according as they foresaw the weather would be, they either housed their hay and corn, or threw it abroad, and equipped themselves for a journey? Even in regard to changes of the weather God gives warning to us what is coming, and art has improved the notices of nature in weather-glasses. The prognostications here referred to had their origin in repeated observations upon the chain of causes: from what has been we conjecture what will be. See the benefit of experience; by taking notice we may come to give notice. Whose is wise will observe and learn. See now.
1.The particulars of the presages: "When you see a cloud arising out of the west" (the Hebrew would say, out of the sea), "perhaps it is at first no bigger than a man's hand (Kg1 18:44), but you say, There is a shower in the womb of it, and it proves so. When you observe the south wind blow, you say, There will be heat" (for the hot countries of Africa lay not far south from Judea), "and it usually comes to pass;" yet nature has not ties itself to such a track but that sometimes we are mistaken in our prognostics.
2.The inferences from them (Luk 12:56): "Ye hypocrites, who pretend to be wise, but really are not so, who pretend to expect the Messiah and his kingdom" (for so the generality of the Jews did) "and yet are no way disposed to receive and entertain it, how is it that you do not discern this time, that you do not discern that now is the time, according to the indications given in the Old Testament prophecies, for the Messiah to appear, and that, according to the marks given of him, I am he? Why are you not aware that you have now an opportunity which you will not have long, and which you may never have again, of securing to yourselves an interest in the kingdom of God and the privileges of that kingdom?" Now is the accepted time, now or never. It is the folly and misery of man that he knows not his time, Ecc 9:12. This was the ruin of the men of that generation, that they knew not the day of their visitation, Luk 19:44. But a wise man's heart discerns time and judgment; such was the wisdom of the men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, Ch1 12:32. He adds, "Yea, and why even of yourselves, though ye had not these loud alarms given you, judge ye not what is right? Luk 12:57. You are not only stupid and regardless in matters that are purely of divine revelation, and take not the hints which that gives you, but you are so even in the dictates of the very light and law of nature." Christianity has reason and natural conscience on its side; and, if men would allow themselves the liberty of judging what is right, they would soon find that all Christ's precepts concerning all things are right, and that there is nothing more equitable in itself, nor better becoming us, than to submit to them and be ruled by them.
II. Let them hasten to make their peace with God in time, before it be too late, Luk 12:58, Luk 12:59. This we had upon another occasion, Mat 5:25, Mat 5:26. 1. We reckon it our wisdom in our temporal affairs to compound with those with whom we cannot contend, to agree with our adversary upon the best terms we can, before the equity be foreclosed, and we be left to the rigour of the law: "When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, to whom the appeal is made, and knowest that he has an advantage against thee, and thou art in danger of being cast, thou knowest it is the most prudent course to make the matter up between yourselves; as thou art in the way, give diligence to be delivered from him, to get a discharge, lest judgment be given, and execution awarded according to law." Wise men will not let their quarrels go to an extremity, but accommodate them in time. 2. Let us do thus in the affairs of our souls. We have by sin made God our adversary, have provoked his displeasure against us, and he has both right and might on his side; so that it is to no purpose to think of carrying on the controversy with him either at bar or in battle. Christ, to whom all judgment is committed, is the magistrate before whom we are hastening to appear: if we stand a trial before him, and insist upon our own justification, the cause will certainly go against us, the Judge will deliver us to the officer, the ministers of his justice, and we shall be cast into the prison of hell, and the debt will be exacted to the utmost; though we cannot make a full satisfaction for it, it will be continually demanded, till the last mite be paid, which will not be to all eternity. Christ's sufferings were short, yet the value of them made them fully satisfactory. In the sufferings of damned sinners what is wanting in value must be made up in an endless duration. Now, in consideration of this, let us give diligence to be delivered out of the hands of God as an adversary, into his hands as a Father, and this as we are in the way, which has the chief stress laid upon it here. While we are alive, we are in the way; and now is our time, by repentance and faith through Christ (who is the Mediator as well as the magistrate), to get the quarrel made up, while it may be done, before it be too late. Thus was God in Christ reconciling the world to himself, beseeching us to be reconciled. Let us take hold on the arm of the Lord stretched out in this gracious offer, that we may make peace, and we shall make peace (Isa 27:4, Isa 27:5), for we cannot walk together till we be agreed.
(in Hexam. Hom. 6, 4.) Now we must observe, that conjectures concerning the stars are necessary to the life of man, as long as we do lot push our searches into their signs beyond due limits. For it is possible to discover some things with respect to coming rain, still more concerning heat and the force of the winds, whether partial or universal, stormy or gentle. But the great advantage that is rendered to life by these conjectures is known to every one. For it is of importance to the sailor to prognosticate the dangers of storms, to the traveller the changes of the weather, to the husbandman the abundant supply of his fruits.
For the prophets have in many ways foretold the mystery of Christ; it became them therefore, if they were wise, to stretch their prospect beyond to the future, nor will ignorance of the time to come avail them after the present life. For there will be wind and rain, and a future punishment by fire; and this is signified when it is said, A shower cometh. It became them also not to be ignorant of the time of salvation, that is, the coming of the Saviour, through whom perfect piety entered into the world. And this is meant when it is said, Ye say that there will be heat. Whence it follows in censure of them, Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and the earth, but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps. We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, “Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come.” As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him.
Or, they who from the change of the elements can easily when they like predetermine the state of the weather, might if they wished also understand the time of our Lord's coming from the words of the Prophets.
But lest any of the people should allege their ignorance of the prophetical books as a reason why they could not discern the courses of the times, He carefully adds, And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right, showing them that although unlearned they might still by their natural ability discern Him, who did works such as none other man did, to be above man, and to be God, and that therefore after the injustice of this world, the just judgment of the creation would come.
When He spoke about preaching, and called it a sword, His hearers may have been troubled, not knowing what He meant. And therefore our Lord adds, that as men determine the state of the weather by certain signs, so ought they to know His coming. And this is what he means by saying, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower. And when ye see the south wind blowing, ye say, There will be heat, &c. As if He says, Your words and works show me to be opposed to you. Ye may therefore suppose that I came not to give peace, but the storm and whirlwind. For I am a cloud, and I come out of the west, that is, from human nature; which has been long since clothed with the thick darkness of sin. I came also to send fire, that is, to stir up heat. For I am the strong south wind, opposed to the northern coldness.
Continue studying Luke 12:55 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In Luke 12:55, Jesus continues His pointed critique of spiritual blindness, employing a common meteorological observation to underscore His message. He notes that His listeners are adept at predicting the arrival of heat when they observe the south wind blowing, a natural phenomenon that reliably brings scorching temperatures to the region. This verse serves as a foundational premise for Jesus' subsequent rebuke, highlighting the stark contrast between their practical wisdom in natural matters and their profound lack of spiritual discernment regarding the unfolding of God's kingdom and the significance of His own ministry.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of Jesus' broader discourse in Luke 12, which spans topics from hypocrisy and fear to trust in God's provision and the urgency of spiritual readiness. Specifically, Luke 12:55 follows immediately after Jesus' example in Luke 12:54, where He describes people's ability to predict rain from a cloud rising in the west. Together, these two verses establish a clear analogy between natural and spiritual discernment. The ultimate punchline of this analogy is delivered in Luke 12:56, where Jesus directly challenges His audience for their failure to interpret the "present time" despite their proficiency in forecasting weather. The entire passage forms a powerful call to spiritual awareness and an indictment of those who remain oblivious to God's active presence.
Historical & Cultural Context: The region of Judea, being situated in the Near East, experienced distinct weather patterns that were well-understood by its inhabitants. The "south wind" (Greek: nótos) typically blew from the vast deserts to the south and southeast of Palestine, including the Arabian Desert. This wind was notorious for bringing intense, dry heat, often accompanied by dust, and was a reliable indicator of rising temperatures, a phenomenon known as a khamsin in some regional dialects. Conversely, winds from the west, coming off the Mediterranean Sea, brought moisture and rain. The people's ability to accurately predict weather based on these natural signs was not merely a casual observation but a vital skill for agriculture, travel, and daily life, demonstrating a practical and well-honed discernment of their physical environment.
Key Themes: Luke 12:55 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and this specific discourse. A primary theme is Natural vs. Spiritual Discernment, highlighting the profound irony that people are highly skilled at interpreting physical signs but utterly fail to grasp the spiritual implications of Jesus' ministry and the arrival of God's kingdom. This leads to the theme of Readiness and Awareness, as Jesus implicitly calls for a heightened sensitivity to God's active work in the world, urging His listeners to be as prepared for spiritual realities as they are for a change in weather. Furthermore, the verse subtly touches upon Accountability, as Jesus' rebuke in Luke 12:56 implies that their spiritual blindness is not merely ignorance but a culpable failure to recognize and respond to the divine signs before them.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in Luke 12:55 to convey His message. The most prominent is Analogy, where He draws a direct comparison between the people's ability to interpret natural weather signs and their inability to interpret spiritual "signs of the times." This sets up a powerful Irony: those who are shrewd in predicting physical phenomena are spiritually obtuse regarding the profound significance of Jesus' presence and the unfolding of God's kingdom. The verse also functions as a form of Rhetorical Setup, laying the groundwork for the direct and challenging question posed in Luke 12:56, where Jesus implicitly asks why they do not apply the same interpretive skills to the spiritual realm. The certainty of the "south wind bringing heat" serves as a Metaphor for the undeniable truth of God's redemptive plan being revealed through Christ.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:55, while seemingly a simple observation, carries profound theological weight, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual discernment. Jesus highlights the human capacity for practical wisdom in the natural world, contrasting it sharply with a pervasive spiritual blindness concerning God's active work. This passage challenges listeners, then and now, to move beyond superficial observation and cultivate a deep understanding of God's kingdom breaking into the present reality through Christ. It emphasizes that the signs of God's presence and purposes are as clear and reliable as natural weather patterns, if only one has the spiritual eyes to see and interpret them. The failure to discern these spiritual "signs" is not merely a lack of knowledge but a culpable neglect of divine revelation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:55 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting our own tendencies to be highly attuned to the visible, tangible realities of our world while often remaining oblivious to the deeper spiritual currents at play. Just as the people in Jesus' day could read the signs of the sky to predict weather, we are called to cultivate a similar acumen for the spiritual landscape. This means not only understanding biblical truth but also applying it to the moral, social, and spiritual trends of our time. Are we as quick to discern the signs of injustice, the call for compassion, or the subtle workings of God's Spirit as we are to predict economic shifts or technological advancements? This verse challenges us to develop a spiritual sensitivity that enables us to recognize God's hand in our circumstances, to understand the urgency of His kingdom, and to live in a manner that reflects our awareness of His imminent return or the unfolding of His will. It is a call to intentional, prayerful discernment, ensuring our lives are aligned with divine purposes rather than being caught unprepared.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus use weather analogies to teach about spiritual discernment?
Answer: Jesus frequently used everyday, relatable examples from the natural world and common human experience to teach profound spiritual truths. In this instance, the people of Judea were intimately familiar with their local weather patterns and were skilled at interpreting signs like the south wind bringing heat or a cloud from the west bringing rain (Luke 12:54). By drawing a direct analogy between their accurate meteorological predictions and their failure to discern the "present time" (Luke 12:56), Jesus highlighted the irony of their spiritual blindness. He was challenging them to apply the same common sense and observational skills they used in their physical world to the infinitely more significant spiritual realities of God's kingdom breaking in through His ministry.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:55, with its emphasis on discerning reliable signs, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the definitive "sign of the times." The people's inability to interpret the spiritual significance of the south wind bringing heat is analogous to their failure to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, the very embodiment of God's kingdom breaking into human history. His birth, ministry, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection were the undeniable indicators—the "signs"—that God's redemptive plan was unfolding precisely as prophesied (Isaiah 7:14; John 2:18-22). Just as the south wind reliably brought heat, Jesus' advent reliably brought the dawn of salvation and the judgment of spiritual blindness. The true discernment Jesus sought was not merely intellectual assent but a recognition of His divine identity and a responsive embrace of the new covenant He inaugurated through His blood (Luke 22:20). For believers today, discerning the "signs of the times" means recognizing Christ's ongoing work in the world through His Spirit and anticipating His glorious return (Acts 1:11).