Luke 12:56

KJV

[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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 12:56, Jesus issues a sharp and direct rebuke to the crowds, including the religious leaders, for their profound spiritual blindness. He contrasts their astute ability to interpret natural weather patterns and earthly signs with their utter failure to discern the critical, divinely appointed "time" of His ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan right before their eyes. This indictment highlights a dangerous disconnect between outward knowledge and inward spiritual understanding, exposing a deep-seated hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discourse by Jesus in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke Chapter 12 - Warnings and Exhortations"), where He addresses various topics including hypocrisy, fear of God, covetousness, and the necessity of watchfulness. Immediately preceding [Luke 12:56](/luke/12-56 "Luke 12:56 - Discerning the Times"), Jesus observes the people's skill in predicting weather: "When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass" ([Luke 12:54-55](/luke/12-54-55 "Luke 12:54-55 - Discerning Weather Signs")). This sets up a powerful **a fortiori** argument: if they can discern natural signs, how much more should they discern spiritual ones? The passage serves as a call to spiritual vigilance, preceding parables about readiness for the master's return and making peace with adversaries, all pointing to the urgency of responding to God's present work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was an agrarian society, where understanding weather patterns was crucial for survival and livelihood. Farmers, fishermen, and common people alike would have developed keen observational skills regarding clouds, winds, and other natural phenomena. This knowledge was practical, empirical, and widely shared. Culturally, the Jewish people were steeped in prophetic expectation, anticipating the Messiah's coming, often with specific ideas about how He would appear and what He would do (e.g., a conquering king to overthrow Roman rule). However, their expectations often blinded them to the humble, suffering servant Messiah presented in Jesus. The "signs" they sought were often external displays of power or political liberation, rather than the spiritual transformation and kingdom inauguration that Jesus' miracles, teachings, and very presence signified.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 12:56](/luke/12-56 "Luke 12:56 - Discerning the Times") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discernment vs. Natural Understanding**, highlighting the tragic irony that people were adept at interpreting earthly signs but utterly failed to grasp the profound spiritual reality unfolding before them in Jesus' ministry. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Urgency of "This Time" (Kairos)**, referring to the unique and pivotal epoch of Jesus' earthly presence—the dawning of God's kingdom and the arrival of the Messiah, which demanded an immediate and decisive response of repentance and faith. Finally, Jesus' use of the term "hypocrites" brings to the forefront the theme of **Hypocrisy**, exposing the insincerity of those who claimed religious knowledge or piety but lacked genuine spiritual insight or a willingness to acknowledge the truth of God's revelation through Christ. This spiritual dullness is a recurring motif, also seen in passages like [Matthew 16:1-4](/matthew/16-1-4 "Matthew 16:1-4 - The Demand for a Sign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs'_):** From the Strong's G5273 data, this term refers to "an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler." Jesus is not merely calling them insincere in a general sense, but specifically accusing them of playing a role, of pretending to be spiritually discerning or righteous, while their actions and lack of understanding reveal a profound inner disconnect from the truth. They wore a mask of piety but lacked genuine spiritual insight.
* **Discern (Greek, _dokimázō'_):** According to Strong's G1381, this verb means "to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve." It implies a process of examination, evaluation, and then reaching a judgment or approval. The people were capable of this analytical judgment for natural phenomena (weather), but Jesus indicts them for failing to apply this same critical faculty—this testing and evaluating—to the signs of His messianic presence and the spiritual realities He was revealing. Their failure was not an intellectual inability but a spiritual unwillingness to test and approve what God was doing.
* **Time (Greek, _kairós'_):** Strong's G2540 defines _kairós_ as "an occasion, i.e. set or proper time." This is distinct from _chronos_, which refers to chronological time. _Kairos_ emphasizes a divinely appointed, opportune, or critical moment. Jesus is highlighting that His ministry is not just another period in history, but the specific, long-awaited, and decisive moment in God's redemptive plan—a time demanding a unique and urgent response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye hypocrites":** Jesus' opening address is a direct and scathing indictment. By calling them "hypocrites," He exposes their pretense of spiritual understanding and piety. They outwardly presented themselves as knowledgeable in religious matters, perhaps even as interpreters of God's will, yet their inability to recognize the Messiah revealed their true, disingenuous spiritual state. This term underscores the severe spiritual blindness of those who should have been the most attuned to God's activity.
* **"ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth":** This clause acknowledges their practical intelligence and observational skills. The people were adept at reading natural signs—the appearance ("face") of the sky and earth—to predict weather patterns. A cloud from the west meant rain, a south wind meant heat. This demonstrates a natural, earthly wisdom that allowed them to navigate their daily lives and livelihoods effectively. Jesus concedes their competence in the natural realm.
* **"but how is it that ye do not discern this time?":** This is the core of Jesus' rebuke, a powerful rhetorical question. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast. Despite their proficiency in interpreting natural signs, they utterly failed to apply similar discernment to the profound spiritual "time" (G2540, _kairós_) unfolding before them. This "time" refers to Jesus' messianic ministry, the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Their failure was not due to a lack of signs, but a lack of willingness to perceive and respond to them, revealing a deeper spiritual insensitivity and resistance to God's active presence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:56 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Jesus highlights the stark contrast between the crowds' ability to interpret natural phenomena and their inability to discern the far more significant spiritual "signs of the times." This creates a poignant and cutting critique of their misplaced priorities and spiritual dullness. The phrase "face of the sky and of the earth" uses **Personification**, subtly giving the natural world a "face" that can be read, further emphasizing the human capacity for interpretation. The entire verse is structured as a **Rhetorical Question**, "but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" This question is not seeking information but is a forceful accusation, designed to provoke self-reflection and expose their spiritual negligence. Finally, the **Repetition** of the verb "discern" (G1381, _dokimázō_) underscores the central theme of spiritual perception and the profound failure of the audience in this crucial area.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:56 serves as a profound theological statement on the necessity of spiritual discernment and the danger of spiritual apathy. It reveals that intellectual capacity in worldly matters does not automatically translate into spiritual understanding. The "signs of the times" that Jesus refers to were not obscure prophecies but His very presence, His teachings, and His miracles, which clearly pointed to the arrival of God's kingdom. The failure to discern these signs was not an innocent oversight but a culpable blindness rooted in hypocrisy and a resistance to the truth. This passage challenges believers across all ages to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that actively seeks to understand God's work in their present moment, rather than being distracted by worldly concerns or preconceived notions. It underscores the urgency of responding to God's call, as opportunities for spiritual growth and repentance are not indefinite.

* [Matthew 16:3](/matthew/16-3 "Matthew 16:3 - Discerning the Signs of the Times"): "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?"
* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness"): "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits"): "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' piercing question in Luke 12:56 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own spiritual acuity: are we, like those in Jesus' day, highly skilled in navigating the complexities of our earthly lives—our careers, finances, social dynamics, or technological advancements—yet spiritually dull and unresponsive to God's active presence and call? This verse is a powerful summons to cultivate genuine spiritual awareness, to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith, and to actively seek to discern God's will and work in our personal lives, our communities, and the broader world. It calls us to be vigilant, not in a speculative way about future events, but in recognizing the "kairos" moments God presents to us now—opportunities for repentance, service, witness, and deeper communion with Him. Guarding against complacency and spiritual apathy is crucial, ensuring that we are truly discerning the spiritual realities around us and living in a state of readiness for whatever God calls us to, and ultimately, for the return of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I highly skilled at "discerning" earthly signs, yet perhaps spiritually dull to God's activity?**
* **What "signs" of God's presence or call might I be overlooking in my daily life or in the world around me?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper spiritual discernment that moves beyond mere intellectual assent to active, responsive faith?**
* **What preconceived notions or worldly distractions might be preventing me from truly recognizing "this time"—the significant moments God is orchestrating in my life?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "hypocrites" Jesus is addressing in this verse?**

Answer: While Jesus is speaking to the "crowds" in [Luke 12:54](/luke/12-54 "Luke 12:54 - Discerning Weather Signs"), His use of the term "hypocrites" is often directed at the religious leaders and those who outwardly professed piety but lacked genuine spiritual insight or a willingness to believe in Him. It's a broad indictment of anyone who could keenly observe natural signs but remained spiritually blind to the profound significance of His ministry and the dawning of God's kingdom. It suggests a pretense of spiritual understanding that was not matched by true discernment.

**What does Jesus mean by "this time" that they fail to discern?**

Answer: "This time" (Greek: _kairos_) refers to the unique, divinely appointed, and critical epoch of Jesus' earthly ministry. It signifies the period when the Messiah had arrived, the Kingdom of God was being inaugurated, and God's long-promised redemptive plan was unfolding. It was a pivotal moment in salvation history, characterized by Jesus' teachings, miracles, and His very presence. Their failure to discern "this time" meant they missed the profound spiritual significance of God's direct intervention in human history through His Son.

**Is Jesus condemning the act of observing and understanding natural phenomena?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not condemning the ability to observe and understand natural phenomena like weather patterns. In fact, He acknowledges and implicitly affirms their skill in this area. His point is not that such discernment is bad, but that their ability to apply keen observation to earthly matters stood in stark contrast to their *inability* or *unwillingness* to apply similar discernment to spiritual matters of infinitely greater importance. He uses their natural wisdom as a baseline to highlight their spiritual deficiency, emphasizing that if they can interpret the lesser, they should certainly be able to interpret the greater.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:56, though a sharp rebuke, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate "sign" and the fulfillment of all "times." The people's failure to discern "this time" was fundamentally a failure to discern Jesus Himself—His true identity as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan. He was the "sign of Jonah" ([Luke 11:29-30](/luke/11-29-30 "Luke 11:29-30 - The Sign of Jonah")), the one through whom the Kingdom of God had come near ([Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Within You")). Their spiritual blindness to His first coming foreshadows a continuing need for discernment regarding His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and the signs pointing to His glorious second coming ([Matthew 24:3-14](/matthew/24-3-14 "Matthew 24:3-14 - Signs of the End of the Age")). For believers, discerning "this time" means recognizing Jesus as Lord, living in light of His finished work on the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness in Christ")), and being prepared for His return by living faithfully and watchfully ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). Jesus is not just a sign among many, but the very "alpha and omega" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - The Alpha and the Omega")) around whom all of history, and every "kairos" moment, revolves.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.