Luke 21 29

Luke 21:29 kjv

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

Luke 21:29 nkjv

Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

Luke 21:29 niv

He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

Luke 21:29 esv

And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

Luke 21:29 nlt

Then he gave them this illustration: "Notice the fig tree, or any other tree.

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 29 Meaning

Luke 21:29 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a prophetic teaching delivered to His disciples concerning the signs of His coming and the end of the age. This verse introduces a parable, comparing the unfolding of prophetic events to the seasonal burgeoning of a fig tree and all other trees. It instructs His listeners to observe these natural signs as clear indicators of an approaching season, thus implying they should similarly recognize spiritual and historical signs as indicators of the imminence of the Kingdom of God and the return of the Son of Man. The core meaning is a call to discernment and spiritual alertness based on observable phenomena, both natural and divinely ordained.

Luke 21 29 Context

Luke 21:29 is part of the "Olivet Discourse," named for the Mount of Olives where Jesus delivered it (Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21). Prior to this verse, Jesus has detailed a series of significant and troubling events: false Christs, wars, commotions, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, and great signs from heaven, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and widespread persecution of believers. This parable of the fig tree serves as a direct explanation or illustration for the preceding signs, indicating how His followers are to interpret the tumultuous events. It shifts from predicting dire signs to providing a practical method for understanding their timing. The broader context points towards the twofold fulfillment of prophecy: first, the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and second, the ultimate return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. The parable emphasizes discerning the arrival of "summer" (the Kingdom) by observing clear natural indicators, thereby reassuring the disciples that while difficult times lie ahead, their observation of these signs will affirm the coming of God’s redemptive plan.

Luke 21 29 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): This conjunction functions as a seamless transition, linking the illustration to the preceding prophetic signs. It implies continuity, showing that what follows is directly related to and helps interpret the discourse about end-time events. It suggests that this teaching provides an accessible parallel to the otherwise complex prophetic words.
• He (Αὐτός - Autos): Refers definitively to Jesus, the authoritative teacher. This reinforces the divine source and truthfulness of the parable, positioning Him as the revealer of truth and the one with full understanding of the times.
• Told (Εἶπεν - Eipen): Simple past tense, indicating a direct act of communication. Jesus chose to actively impart this wisdom, using a familiar teaching method to ensure understanding.
• Them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers to the disciples present with Jesus (implied from Lk 21:7), those who had posed questions about the timing of these events. This shows the teaching is specifically addressed to His inner circle for their instruction and guidance.
• A parable (παραβολὴν - parabolēn): From the Greek parabolē, meaning a "setting alongside" or a "comparison." Jesus frequently used parables to illuminate spiritual truths through earthly examples, making profound concepts accessible. Parables often have multiple layers of meaning, inviting listeners to deeper reflection and personal application.
• Look (Ἴδετε - Idete): An imperative verb, translated as "Behold!" or "See!" It is a strong command to pay attention, to observe carefully, and to engage actively in discernment. It calls for keen awareness rather than passive reception.
• At the fig tree (τὴν συκῆν - tēn sykēn): The common fig tree (Ficus carica) in Palestine. Biblically, the fig tree carries various symbolic associations:
  • Symbol of Israel: Often seen in prophetic contexts as a symbol for the nation of Israel (e.g., Jer 24, Hos 9:10, Joel 1:7). Its condition often reflects Israel’s spiritual state or national destiny.
  • Seasonality: Known for its distinctive cycle of leaves and fruit. Unlike other fruit trees, fig leaves often appear before or with the fruit, signaling early summer. This cyclical aspect is crucial to the parable's lesson.
• And all the trees (καὶ πάντα τὰ δένδρα - kai panta ta dendrā): This phrase significantly broadens the scope of the parable beyond just the fig tree's specific symbolism.
  • Universality: It generalizes the principle to all observable natural phenomena. The teaching is not limited to one specific sign but suggests a widespread, natural progression of events that will clearly signal the coming season.
  • Confirmation: The consistent behavior of all trees confirms the seasonal shift, making the message unmistakable. This implies that the prophetic signs leading to Christ’s return will be evident and broadly observable, not isolated incidents.

Luke 21 29 Bonus section

The parable of the fig tree within the Olivet Discourse can be understood as a teaching on both imminent and ultimate fulfillment. For the immediate audience, it provided a framework for discerning the signs leading to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, a calamitous event that vividly illustrated the "coming" of the Son of Man in judgment. However, the inclusion of "and all the trees" and the broader eschatological context also extend its application to the ultimate return of Christ and the ushering in of the fullness of His Kingdom. The passage highlights the principle of pattern-fulfillment in biblical prophecy, where events in history can serve as foreshadowings or partial fulfillments of greater future realities. This underscores that God’s plan unfolds discernibly, providing clear signals for those who are watching with understanding.

Luke 21 29 Commentary

Luke 21:29 serves as Jesus' practical instruction for discerning the timing of momentous prophetic events. After outlining the catastrophic signs leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent end-times, Jesus provides a simple, agricultural illustration: just as the seasonal budding of trees signals the imminence of summer, so too will specific global and celestial occurrences unmistakably point to the approach of the Kingdom of God. The inclusion of "all the trees" alongside the "fig tree" emphasizes that the prophetic indicators will be widespread and undeniable, not isolated phenomena. This parable underscores a divine expectation for believers to be observant and spiritually astute, able to "read" the signs of their times just as a farmer reads the changing seasons. It’s a call to active watchfulness and intelligent discernment, reassuring His disciples that the unfolding of events is part of God's purposeful plan, predictable through observation, even amidst turmoil.