Luke 12:56

[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?

Ye hypocrites {G5273}, ye can {G1492} discern {G1381} the face {G4383} of the sky {G3772} and {G2532} of the earth {G1093}; but {G1161} how is it {G4459} that ye do not {G3756} discern {G1381} this {G5126} time {G2540}?

Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky — how is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time?

Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?

In Luke 12:56, Jesus delivers a sharp rebuke to the crowds, including the religious leaders present, exposing their spiritual blindness. This verse follows His observations about people's ability to interpret natural weather patterns, setting up a powerful contrast.

Context

Jesus had just explained how people could accurately predict weather based on natural signs—a cloud rising in the west meant rain, and a south wind indicated heat (Luke 12:54-55). He then challenges their inability to apply similar discernment to the profound spiritual reality unfolding before them. His ministry, miracles, and teachings were clear indicators of God's presence and the arrival of the Kingdom of God, yet many failed to recognize it. This passage highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: the spiritual dullness of those who should have known better, often due to preconceived notions about the Messiah and His kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Discernment vs. Natural Understanding: The core message is a condemnation of spiritual apathy. People were skilled at interpreting earthly signs but utterly failed to grasp the significance of God's work in their midst. This spiritual blindness prevented them from recognizing the Messiah and the critical time of salvation.
  • The Urgency of "This Time": "This time" refers to the specific epoch of Jesus' earthly ministry—the promised coming of the Messiah and the dawning of God's kingdom. It was a pivotal moment in redemptive history, demanding a response of repentance and faith.
  • Hypocrisy: Jesus labels them "hypocrites" (Greek: hypokritai), a term referring to actors or those who wear masks. This implies a pretense of religious devotion without genuine spiritual insight or a willingness to acknowledge the truth of God's revelation through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hypocrites" (Greek: hypokritai) is a strong indictment, pointing to insincerity and a disconnect between outward appearance and inward reality. They presented themselves as discerning, perhaps even spiritually superior, yet lacked true understanding of God's unfolding plan.

The word "discern" (Greek: dokimazo) means to test, prove, or approve after examination. They were capable of this analytical judgment for weather, but refused to apply it to the signs of the Messiah's coming. Their failure was not intellectual inability but spiritual unwillingness.

"This time" (Greek: ton kairon touton) uses kairos, which denotes an opportune or appointed time, a critical moment, rather than merely chronological time (chronos). It emphasizes the unique, divinely appointed period of Jesus' ministry and the implications for humanity.

Practical Application

Jesus' words in Luke 12:56 serve as a timeless challenge. Are we, like those in Jesus' day, adept at worldly matters but spiritually dull? We might be experts in our professions, finances, or current events, yet fail to discern God's work in our lives, our communities, or the broader world. This verse calls for spiritual awareness and readiness. It urges us to pay attention to the "signs of the times," not in a speculative way about end-times predictions, but in recognizing God's active presence and call to faith and repentance in our present moment. Just as the people of Jesus' day missed the Messiah standing among them, we must guard against complacency and ensure we are truly discerning the spiritual realities around us, preparing ourselves for future divine appointments and the return of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:3

    And in the morning, [It will be] foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O [ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not [discern] the signs of the times?

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • 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:

  • Matthew 24:33

    So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:32

    And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.

  • Luke 19:42

    Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

  • Luke 19:44

    And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
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