Luke 21:30

KJV

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G3752} they now {G2235} shoot forth {G4261}, ye see {G991} and know {G1097} of {G575} your own selves {G1438} that {G3754} summer {G2330} is {G2076} now {G2235} nigh at hand {G1451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near.

Berean Standard Bible

When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.

American Standard Version

when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:30, part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, employs a simple, agricultural analogy to teach His disciples about discerning the signs of His return and the nearness of God's Kingdom. Just as the budding of trees, particularly the fig tree, unmistakably signals the approach of summer, so too will specific prophetic events clearly indicate the imminent arrival of the eschatological age, requiring spiritual awareness and discernment from those who observe them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus’ eschatological discourse, often called the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. It follows Jesus' predictions of the destruction of the Temple, the persecution of believers, and cosmic disturbances that will precede His glorious return. Specifically, [Luke 21:29](/luke/21-29 "Luke 21:29 - The Parable of the Fig Tree") introduces the parable of the fig tree and "all the trees," setting the stage for the natural analogy presented in verse 30. The parable serves as a crucial interpretive key, providing a relatable, observable phenomenon to help His audience understand the otherwise abstract and overwhelming prophetic events. The immediate follow-up in [Luke 21:31](/luke/21-31 "Luke 21:31 - The Kingdom of God is Near") directly interprets the parable, linking the observation of these signs to the nearness of the Kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the rhythms of nature and the agricultural calendar were central to daily life. The fig tree (Ficus carica) was a common and important fruit tree, highly recognizable for its distinct seasonal cycle. After the dormancy of winter, the appearance of new shoots and leaves on the fig tree, and indeed on "all the trees," was a clear and universally understood sign that the warm, productive season of summer was "nigh at hand." This was not merely an academic observation but a practical reality that dictated planting, harvesting, and daily living. Jesus' audience would have immediately grasped the self-evident nature of this sign, making the spiritual parallel profoundly impactful and accessible.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"), particularly this section, emphasizes several key themes. First, **Discernment and Vigilance** are paramount; believers are called not to be ignorant of the times but to actively observe and understand the unfolding of God's prophetic plan. Second, the **Imminence of God's Kingdom** is highlighted, suggesting that while the precise timing is unknown, the signs will indicate its near arrival, much like the budding trees signal summer. Third, the theme of **Reliable Signs** underscores that God provides clear indicators for those who are spiritually awake, ensuring that His people are not caught unawares but can "know of your own selves." This passage contributes to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises, culminating in the establishment of His eternal reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shoot forth (Greek, _probállō_):** From G4261, meaning "to throw forward, i.e., push to the front, germinate." This word vividly describes the initial, visible emergence of new growth—the first sprouts or leaves—on the trees. It signifies the beginning of a process, the earliest undeniable evidence of life returning after winter, which then leads to the full blossoming of summer.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** From G1097, meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):--allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand." This refers to a deep, experiential, and certain knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. It implies an intuitive understanding gained through direct observation and personal awareness, much like one instinctively knows summer is coming when trees bud.
* **nigh at hand (Greek, _engýs_):** From G1451, meaning "near (literally or figuratively, of place or time):--from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready." This term emphasizes proximity and imminence. It does not mean "already here" but "very close," indicating that the event is on the threshold of happening, just as summer is not yet present but is certainly approaching when the trees begin to bud.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they now shoot forth":** This clause refers to the observable phenomenon of trees, specifically the fig tree and "all the trees" mentioned in [Luke 21:29](/luke/21-29 "Luke 21:29 - The Parable of the Fig Tree"), beginning to sprout new leaves and branches after the dormant winter period. It highlights the initial, unmistakable signs of seasonal change. The word "now" (G2235, _ḗdē_) emphasizes the immediate and current observation of this process.
* **"ye see and know of your own selves":** This phrase underscores the self-evident nature of the sign. The disciples, being familiar with agricultural cycles, do not need a scholar or prophet to interpret this natural phenomenon for them. Their own observation ("ye see") combined with their practical experience and innate understanding ("know of your own selves") leads them to an undeniable conclusion. It implies a direct, intuitive, and personal comprehension of the approaching change.
* **"that summer is now nigh at hand.":** This final clause states the logical conclusion derived from the observation. The budding of trees is a sure indicator that the season of summer is not far off. "Summer" (G2330, _théros_) represents a time of warmth, growth, and harvest. The phrase "nigh at hand" (G1451, _engýs_) signifies proximity and imminence, not immediate arrival, but a certainty of its impending presence. This natural truth serves as the direct analogy for understanding the signs of God's Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:30 primarily employs **Analogy** as a subset of **Parable**. Jesus uses a familiar, observable natural phenomenon—the budding of trees signaling the approach of summer—to explain a complex spiritual truth: the signs preceding the arrival of God's Kingdom. The clarity and self-evidence of the natural sign are directly paralleled with the clarity and self-evidence of the prophetic signs. This **Analogy** makes the abstract concept of end-time events tangible and understandable for an agrarian audience. Furthermore, there is clear **Symbolism** at play, where "summer" symbolizes the full manifestation of God's Kingdom, a time of warmth, fruitfulness, and the ultimate harvest of souls. The "shooting forth" of trees thus symbolizes the initial, observable indicators that precede this grand culmination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects the natural world's dependable cycles to the certainty of God's prophetic timetable. It teaches that just as there are undeniable signs in creation that precede significant seasonal changes, so too will there be clear, observable signs that precede the ultimate return of Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom. This instills confidence in the reliability of Jesus' words and encourages spiritual vigilance rather than idle speculation. The emphasis on "knowing of your own selves" implies a personal responsibility to discern the times, not relying solely on external interpretation, but cultivating an intimate understanding of God's unfolding plan. This knowledge is intended to inspire hope and readiness, not fear or despair.

* [Matthew 24:32](/matthew/24-32 "Matthew 24:32 - The Parable of the Fig Tree")
* [Mark 13:28](/mark/13-28 "Mark 13:28 - The Parable of the Fig Tree")
* [Luke 21:31](/luke/21-31 "Luke 21:31 - The Kingdom of God is Near")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:30 calls believers to a posture of active spiritual discernment and readiness. It reminds us that God's plan is not haphazard but unfolds with divine precision, marked by observable indicators. Just as a farmer knows summer is coming by the budding trees, we are to be attuned to the "signs of the times" that point to Christ's return and the full establishment of His Kingdom. This does not invite date-setting or sensationalism, but rather a sober and hopeful vigilance. Our understanding of these signs should motivate us to live lives aligned with the values of God's approaching Kingdom—lives of holiness, evangelism, and justice—so that we are found faithful and prepared when the Lord appears. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper walk with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to His ongoing work in the world and in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" in the world today, both positive and negative, might be interpreted as indicators of God's unfolding plan, prompting us to greater spiritual awareness?**
* **How does the "knowing of your own selves" challenge us to cultivate personal spiritual discernment rather than passively relying on others' interpretations of prophecy?**
* **If the "summer" of God's Kingdom is "nigh at hand," how should this truth practically impact our daily priorities, evangelistic efforts, and commitment to living a Christ-like life?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus' parable of the fig tree give us a timeline for His return?**

Answer: No, Jesus' parable of the fig tree in [Luke 21:29-30](/luke/21-29-30 "Luke 21:29-30 - The Parable of the Fig Tree") does not provide a specific timeline or date for His return. Instead, it offers a principle of discernment. Just as the budding of trees is a clear, self-evident sign that summer is near, so too will certain prophetic events be clear indicators that the Kingdom of God is "nigh at hand." The purpose is not to enable date-setting, which Jesus explicitly warns against in [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - The Father's Authority"), but to encourage spiritual vigilance and readiness. It teaches believers to recognize the general proximity of His coming, rather than its precise moment, ensuring they are not caught unaware but are living in hopeful expectation and faithful service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:30, while speaking of signs preceding the Kingdom, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the recognition of future events, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the central figure of all prophecy, the one to whom all signs ultimately point. The "summer" that is "nigh at hand" is the full, glorious reign of the Kingdom of God, which was inaugurated by Christ's first coming and will be consummated at His second. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension are the foundational "signs" that God's redemptive plan is irrevocably in motion. The very act of His teaching this parable demonstrates His sovereign knowledge and authority over history, assuring His disciples that His words are true and will certainly come to pass. He is the "Alpha and Omega" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")), the one who brings all things to their appointed end. Thus, the call to "see and know of your own selves" is ultimately a call to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, the one who is "coming soon" ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus is Coming Soon")) to establish His eternal Kingdom, where He will reign forever as the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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

Luke 12:57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?