Mark 13 28

Mark 13:28 kjv

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 13:28 nkjv

"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

Mark 13:28 niv

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.

Mark 13:28 esv

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.

Mark 13:28 nlt

"Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 28 Meaning

Mark 13:28 presents a parable, a natural analogy drawn from the familiar observation of a fig tree, to illustrate the discernibility of impending events related to the return of the Son of Man and the end times. Just as the budding and leafing of a fig tree unequivocally signal the near arrival of summer, so too do the signs Jesus has just described indicate the close approach of His glorious second coming and the complete establishment of His kingdom. It is a command to observe and understand, assuring disciples that the signs leading to these events are as clear and predictable as seasonal changes.

Mark 13 28 Context

Mark 13:28 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered to four key disciples (Peter, James, John, Andrew) on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple, shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples had asked about the timing of the Temple's destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Mk 13:4). In the preceding verses (Mk 13:5-27), Jesus describes a series of future events: false Christs, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution of believers, the abomination of desolation, and cosmic disturbances leading up to the coming of the Son of Man. After describing these dramatic, escalating signs, Jesus shifts in verse 28 to provide a relatable, immediate analogy to help His disciples interpret the significance of these unfolding events. The parable is intended to give them a framework for understanding that the described tribulation is not endless but a prelude, signaling the near and certain advent of His glory, thereby transitioning from apocalyptic warnings to a call for discerning expectation. This particular teaching emphasizes readiness and observation.

Mark 13 28 Word analysis

• Now learn (μάθετε, mathete): An imperative verb, "learn" or "understand." This is a command, urging active and decisive discernment rather than passive observation. It implies the ability to perceive and draw a correct conclusion.
• parable (παραβολὴν, parabolēn): A comparative saying or illustration. Jesus frequently used parables to teach spiritual truths by drawing analogies from everyday life, making abstract concepts accessible and memorable.
• of the fig tree (ἀπὸ τῆς συκῆς, apo tēs sykēs): Refers to the common fruit tree, ubiquitous in Judea. It serves as a clear, observable, natural example. The fig tree in biblical texts sometimes symbolizes Israel (e.g., in barren fig tree parables), but here it functions primarily as a literal tree with predictable seasonal changes, serving as an agricultural object lesson.
• As soon as (ὅταν, hotan): A conjunction indicating temporal proximity or immediacy ("whensoever," "as often as," "as soon as"). It highlights that the stated condition triggers an immediate, recognizable consequence.
• her branch (ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς, ho klados autēs): "Branch" signifies a part of the tree, its physical extension. This detail points to specific, observable characteristics.
• becomes tender (γένηται ἁπαλὸς, genētai hapalos): "Tender" (ἁπαλός, hapalos) refers to softness, freshness, or pliancy, typical of new, burgeoning growth. It implies the sap beginning to flow, indicating life awakening after winter's dormancy.
• and puts forth (καὶ ἐκφύῃ, kai ekphuē): "Puts forth" or "sprouts." This verb describes the act of new growth emerging, a visible manifestation of the tree's internal changes.
• leaves (τὰ φύλλα, ta phylla): The visible foliage. The appearance of leaves is an undeniable sign of spring's full arrival and the active growing season. Leaves are generally seen before fruit.
• you know (γινώσκετε, ginōskete): "You know" or "you perceive." This is an undeniable, inherent knowledge based on common experience and observation. It is a present tense, continuous knowledge.
• that summer (ὅτι ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος, hoti engys to theros): "Summer" (θέρος, theros) refers to the warm, productive season for fruit bearing and harvest in Palestine.
• is near (ἐγγὺς τὸ, engys): "Near" or "at hand." It indicates proximity in time, not necessarily immediacy in the next moment, but within the current season.

Word groups/phrases analysis:

• "Now learn a parable of the fig tree": This imperative instruction introduces a practical, universally relatable lesson drawn from nature, emphasizing that spiritual truths about future events can be discerned just as natural signs are.
• "as soon as her branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves": This phrase details specific, easily observable physiological changes in the fig tree. "Becomes tender" signifies internal preparation and life stirring, while "puts forth leaves" is the visible, undeniable external manifestation of that process, marking the end of winter and the dawn of a new season. This precisely parallels the previously described signs, which signal the end of one era and the beginning of another.
• "you know that summer is near": This declares the universally understood conclusion drawn from these natural signs. It asserts the certainty and self-evidence of the deduction – no one doubts that summer follows these signs. Similarly, no one should doubt that the coming of the Son of Man follows the foretold signs. The implication of "summer" is harvest, fulfillment, and completion.

Mark 13 28 Bonus section

The parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28 stands in contrast to the earlier cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11:12-14, 20-21). While the cursing episode symbolizes judgment on unfruitful Israel for its lack of spiritual fruit at the time of Jesus' first coming, the parable in chapter 13 focuses on the natural, predictable life cycle of the tree. Here, the fig tree represents a clear, observable sign in nature that accurately predicts a major seasonal shift. It is a teaching about discernment, not judgment on the tree itself. The Jewish people of Jesus’ day were skilled at interpreting natural signs for agriculture but, as Jesus frequently pointed out (e.g., Mt 16:3), often failed to discern the spiritual signs of His kingdom. This parable served as a call to transfer their observational acumen from the natural realm to the spiritual and prophetic one, particularly regarding the very events Jesus had just detailed concerning the end times.

Mark 13 28 Commentary

Mark 13:28 is a critical bridge in the Olivet Discourse, shifting from a foretelling of severe tribulation to a message of discerning hope. Jesus uses the most common of natural occurrences, the budding of a fig tree, to impress upon His disciples the clarity and certainty of the signs leading up to His second coming. The message is simple yet profound: just as the appearance of soft branches and new leaves undeniably heralds the arrival of summer and its accompanying harvest, so too will the predicted events be unmistakable indicators of His imminent glorious return. This parable serves as a command for spiritual alertness and interpretive wisdom, empowering believers to understand the times not as arbitrary chaos, but as purposeful precursors to God's sovereign plan. It emphasizes that while the exact hour is unknown, the season can be discerned, providing both comfort and a call to readiness, encouraging steadfastness amidst escalating tribulation with the certainty of a glorious conclusion.