Matthew 24:32

KJV

¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 24:32, Jesus introduces the Parable of the Fig Tree, a concise yet profound illustration within His Olivet Discourse. This parable serves as a vital teaching on discerning the signs of His second coming and the culmination of the age. By likening the recognition of summer's approach through the budding fig tree to understanding prophetic signs, Jesus instructs His disciples on the imperative of spiritual awareness and readiness, emphasizing that observable events will clearly indicate the nearness of His return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:32 is strategically placed within Jesus' extensive Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). Preceding this parable, Jesus has detailed a series of escalating signs, including false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and widespread persecution, culminating in cosmic disturbances ([Matthew 24:4-29](/matthew/24-4-29 "Matthew 24:4-29 - Signs of the End")). The Parable of the Fig Tree marks a shift from describing specific events to providing a principle for interpreting these signs, offering a relatable analogy that transitions into warnings about the suddenness and unexpected nature of the Son of Man's return ([Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36-44 "Matthew 24:36-44 - The Unexpected Day and Hour")). It functions as a clear, accessible guide for His followers to understand how to discern the proximity of these momentous events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fig tree (Ficus carica) was a ubiquitous and highly recognizable tree throughout ancient Israel and the Mediterranean region, deeply integrated into the daily lives and economy of its people. Its seasonal cycle was common knowledge: in late winter or early spring, its branches would soften and begin to sprout small leaves before the fruit appeared, signaling the imminent arrival of summer. This natural phenomenon was a reliable indicator of the changing seasons, a crucial piece of information for an agrarian society dependent on agricultural cycles. Jesus' choice of the fig tree for this parable demonstrates His masterful use of everyday observations to convey profound spiritual truths, ensuring His audience, largely composed of people familiar with farming and nature, would immediately grasp the analogy. The parable's power lay in its simplicity and the universal understanding of the natural sign it presented.
* **Key Themes:** The Parable of the Fig Tree contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Discernment of Signs**, emphasizing that just as natural indicators reliably predict seasonal changes, so too will prophetic events clearly signal the approach of Christ's return. This calls for spiritual vigilance and an understanding of the times, as highlighted in passages like [Luke 12:56](/luke/12-56 "Luke 12:56 - Discerning the Times"). Secondly, it communicates the **Imminence and Readiness** of these events; once the signs begin, the "summer"—representing the close proximity of the Son of Man's coming—is "nigh." This message urges believers to live in constant anticipation and preparedness, a theme echoed in Jesus' subsequent warnings to "keep watch" ([Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be on Watch")). Lastly, the parable exemplifies Jesus' frequent use of **Natural Analogy for Spiritual Truths**, demonstrating how observable phenomena in the natural world can illuminate complex theological realities, making divine truths accessible and memorable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **learn (Greek, _manthánō'_):** This verb signifies the process of acquiring knowledge or understanding, not merely intellectual assent but often implying a practical or experiential grasp. Here, Jesus commands his disciples to "learn" from the fig tree, indicating a necessary process of observation and deduction regarding the signs of the times, much like a student learns a lesson. It implies an active, intentional engagement with the observable world to derive spiritual insight.
* **tender (Greek, _apalós'_):** Describing the branch, "tender" refers to its softness and pliability, indicating new growth and the beginning of a seasonal change. It highlights a subtle, yet unmistakable, sign of transition. The tenderness of the branch is the first, clear indicator, a precursor to the fuller manifestation of summer, paralleling the initial signs that precede the full coming of the Son of Man.
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** This adverb denotes proximity, whether in terms of place or, as here, time. It conveys the idea that summer is "at hand" or "very near," emphasizing the immediacy indicated by the signs. The term implies not just a general nearness but a certainty of arrival once the specific conditions (tender branches, leaves) are met, underscoring the certainty of Christ's return once the prophesied signs unfold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now learn a parable of the fig tree;"**: Jesus introduces a teaching illustration, a "parable" (Greek: _parabolē_), drawn from a familiar natural phenomenon—the fig tree. This command to "learn" (Greek: _manthánō_) emphasizes the didactic purpose of the following analogy, urging His disciples to actively grasp the spiritual lesson being conveyed.
* **"When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves,"**: This clause describes the specific natural signs to observe. The branch becoming "tender" (Greek: _apalós_) and "putting forth" (Greek: _ekphýō_, to sprout up) "leaves" (Greek: _phýllon_) are distinct, observable indicators of new life and seasonal progression. These are the precursors to summer, not summer itself, but undeniable harbingers.
* **"ye know that summer is nigh:"**: This final clause states the logical conclusion drawn from observing the signs. The collective "ye know" (Greek: _ginṓskō_, to know with certainty) highlights the undeniable nature of this deduction. Just as the tender branch and new leaves unequivocally signal that "summer" (Greek: _théros_, heat, i.e., summer) "is nigh" (Greek: _engýs_, near, at hand), so too will the prophetic signs unequivocally signal the nearness of the end of the age and the Son of Man's return.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 24:32 is **Analogy**, presented in the form of a **Parable**. Jesus uses a direct comparison between a universally understood natural phenomenon—the fig tree's seasonal budding—and the discernment of spiritual truths regarding the end times. The fig tree serves as a **Symbol** of a natural indicator, its tender branches and new leaves acting as **Signs** that reliably point to an approaching reality (summer). This simple, agricultural illustration makes the complex theological concept of eschatological discernment accessible. The verse is also highly **Didactic**, as Jesus explicitly commands His disciples to "learn" from this observation, indicating its purpose as a direct teaching tool designed to impart practical wisdom and spiritual alertness. The clarity of the analogy ensures that the message of recognizing prophetic signs is unmistakable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:32 underscores the divine principle that God often provides observable signs to His people, inviting them to exercise wisdom and discernment. This parable integrates the natural world into the realm of prophecy, affirming that God's patterns are consistent across creation and history. It teaches that just as there are predictable natural cycles, there are also discernible spiritual and historical patterns that precede major divine interventions. The ability to "know" (Greek: _ginṓskō_) what is nigh based on these signs is not about predicting exact dates but about recognizing the season, fostering a posture of readiness and spiritual alertness rather than complacency. This aligns with a broader biblical call for believers to be wise stewards of the knowledge God reveals, living purposefully in light of His sovereign plan.

* [Luke 21:29-31](/luke/21-29-31 "Luke 21:29-31 - The Parable of the Fig Tree (Parallel Account)")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-6](/1_thessalonians/5-1-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - Be Watchful and Sober")
* [Romans 13:11-14](/romans/13-11-14 "Romans 13:11-14 - Wake Up, Salvation is Near")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:32 serves as a timeless call to spiritual discernment and active watchfulness for believers across generations. It reminds us that while the exact timing of Christ's return remains unknown, God provides clear indicators—"signs of the times"—that point to its increasing proximity. For us today, this means cultivating a deep understanding of biblical prophecy, not for speculative date-setting, but to inform our daily living. Just as one prepares for summer when the fig tree buds, we are to prepare for Christ's return by living faithfully, pursuing holiness, and engaging in the Great Commission. This parable encourages us to view global events, societal shifts, and spiritual trends through a biblical lens, recognizing them as potential fulfillments of prophecy. Such discernment should not breed fear or anxiety, but rather a hopeful anticipation, a renewed sense of urgency for evangelism, and a commitment to living lives that honor God, knowing that our redemption draws near. It is an invitation to live with intentionality, always ready for the Master's return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, as believers, cultivate a greater sense of spiritual discernment to recognize the "signs of the times" in our contemporary world?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living in a state of "readiness" for Christ's return, as implied by this parable?**
* **How does the message of Matthew 24:32 inspire hope and purposeful living, rather than fear or complacency, regarding the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the "fig tree" in this parable, and does it symbolize Israel?**

Answer: In the context of Matthew 24:32, the "fig tree" primarily functions as a simple, natural analogy, a common tree whose predictable seasonal cycle (tender branches, new leaves signaling summer's approach) was easily understood by Jesus' audience. Its purpose here is to illustrate the principle of discerning the "signs" that precede a major event, not necessarily to symbolize the nation of Israel, though the fig tree does carry symbolic significance for Israel in other biblical passages (e.g., [Hosea 9:10](/hosea/9-10 "Hosea 9:10 - Israel as Figs"), [Jeremiah 24:1-10](/jeremiah/24-1-10 "Jeremiah 24:1-10 - Good and Bad Figs")). In this specific parable, the focus is on the tree's natural behavior as a clear indicator of a coming season, directly paralleling the signs that will indicate the nearness of the Son of Man's return.

**Does this parable set a timeline for Christ's return or enable us to predict its exact date?**

Answer: No, the Parable of the Fig Tree does not provide a timeline or enable the prediction of the exact date of Christ's return. Instead, it teaches discernment of the *season* or *proximity*. Just as observing the fig tree indicates that summer is "nigh" (near), not the specific day summer begins, so too the signs of the end indicate that Christ's coming is "at hand." Jesus explicitly states later in the same discourse that "concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). The parable's purpose is to encourage watchfulness and readiness based on observable signs, not to facilitate chronological speculation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 24:32 is a parable about discerning the signs of the end times, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus, the speaker of this parable, is the very one whose glorious return is being anticipated. He is the Son of Man who will come "on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). The signs described are not merely abstract events but harbingers of *His* personal, visible, and triumphant advent, when He will establish His eternal kingdom and bring all things to their appointed consummation ([Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Glorious Return")). Furthermore, Jesus' authoritative teaching in this parable underscores His divine wisdom and prophetic insight, demonstrating that He is the Lord of history, orchestrating events according to His Father's will. His command to "learn" and "know" implies that He has given His followers sufficient revelation to understand the broad sweep of His redemptive plan, culminating in His final coming. Thus, the parable not only prepares believers for future events but also solidifies their faith in the One who is "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")), whose promise, "Surely I am coming soon," is the ultimate hope ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Come Quickly")).

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

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:

Mark 13:29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.

Luke 21:29

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

Luke 21:30

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