Mark 13:28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Now {G1161} learn {G3129} a parable {G3850} of {G575} the fig tree {G4808}; When {G3752} her {G846} branch {G2798} is {G1096} yet {G2235} tender {G527}, and {G2532} putteth forth {G1631} leaves {G5444}, ye know {G1097} that {G3754} summer {G2330} is {G2076} near {G1451}:

"Now let the fig tree teach you its lesson: when its branches begin to sprout and leaves appear, you know that summer is approaching.

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.

Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;

Commentary

Mark 13:28 presents Jesus' parable of the fig tree, a crucial teaching within His "Olivet Discourse" concerning the signs of the end times and His Second Coming. This short, yet profound, analogy serves as a practical guide for His disciples—and for believers throughout history—to understand the nearness of future events by observing clear, natural indicators.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive prophecy delivered on the Mount of Olives, as recorded in Mark chapter 13 (with parallels in Matthew 24 and Luke 21). Following His predictions of the destruction of the Temple and various signs of global distress like wars and rumors of wars, and the great tribulation, Jesus shifts to a simple, observable illustration. The parable encourages His followers to learn to discern the spiritual seasons just as they understand natural ones.

Key Themes

  • Discernment and Observation: The core message is the importance of observing the "signs of the times." Just as the budding of a fig tree signals the arrival of summer, certain events and conditions will indicate the nearness of Christ's return.
  • Natural Analogy: Jesus uses a common, relatable phenomenon from nature to explain a profound spiritual truth. The predictability of seasons based on natural signs is a powerful metaphor for recognizing God's prophetic timeline.
  • Readiness and Watchfulness: The parable implicitly calls for a state of readiness. Knowing that summer is near prompts preparation; similarly, understanding the signs of Christ's coming should lead to spiritual preparedness and vigilance. This links directly to the broader theme of being watchful throughout Mark 13.
  • The Second Coming of Christ: Ultimately, the "summer" being anticipated is the glorious and decisive return of Jesus Christ to establish His eternal kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The word "parable" in Greek is parabolē (παραβολή), meaning a comparison, illustration, or analogy. Here, it is a straightforward comparison from daily life. The term "tender" (Greek: hapalos, ἁπαλός) emphasizes the soft, new growth of the branch, signifying the early, yet unmistakable, beginnings of a new season. This suggests that the signs of His coming will be clear and recognizable, not hidden or obscure.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 13:28 serves as a timeless reminder to:

  1. Be Discerning: We are called to be spiritually aware and to pay attention to global events and spiritual trends through the lens of biblical prophecy, without becoming alarmist or setting dates.
  2. Live in Expectation: The parable encourages a life lived in hopeful anticipation of Christ's return, which should motivate us to holy living, faithful service, and the urgent proclamation of the Gospel.
  3. Trust God's Timing: While we observe the signs, the parable also reinforces that God's plan unfolds with certainty, just as seasons change. Our role is to be prepared, not to know the exact hour, as Jesus explicitly states in Mark 13:32.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 21:29

    ¶ And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

  • Luke 21:31

    So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

  • 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.
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