Mark 13:28
New International Version
“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.

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

English Standard Version
“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.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
And learn the parable of the fig tree: When its branch already has become tender, and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

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

New King James Version
“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.

New American Standard Bible
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near.

NASB 1995
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

NASB 1977
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

Amplified Bible
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branch becomes tender and it puts out its leaves, you recognize that summer is near.

Christian Standard Bible
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Learn this parable from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts 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;

Contemporary English Version
Learn a lesson from a fig tree. When its branches sprout and start putting out leaves, you know summer is near.

English Revised 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;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Learn from the story of the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and it sprouts leaves, you know summer is near.

Good News Translation
"Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near.

International Standard Version
"Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches become tender and it produces leaves, you know that summer is near.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
"Learn this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.

New Heart English Bible
"Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now learn a parable of the fig-tree: When its branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Weymouth New Testament
"Learn from the fig-tree the lesson it teaches. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near.

World English Bible
“Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And from the fig tree learn the allegory: when the branch may already become tender, and may put forth the leaves, you know that the summer is near;

Berean Literal Bible
And learn the parable of the fig tree: When its branch already has become tender, and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

Young's Literal Translation
'And from the fig-tree learn ye the simile: when the branch may already become tender, and may put forth the leaves, ye know that nigh is the summer;

Smith's Literal Translation
And from the fig tree learn ye a parable; When its young shoot be tender, and cause the leaves to grow, ye know that summer is near.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now of the fig tree learn ye a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now from the fig tree discern a parable. When its branch becomes tender and the foliage has been formed, you know that summer is very near.

New American Bible
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.

New Revised Standard Version
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
From the fig tree learn a parable. When its branches become tender and bring forth leaves, you know that summer is coming.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But learn an allegory from the fig tree: whenever its branches are tender and its leaves bud, you know that summer has arrived.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But learn a parable from the fig-tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

Godbey New Testament
But learn the parable from the fig-tree: when her branches may be now tender, and she may grow out leaves, know that the summer is nigh.

Haweis New Testament
Now learn from the fig-tree, a parable; When her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh;

Mace New Testament
Consider this similitude taken from a fig-tree: when its branch is yet tender, and pushes out its leaves, you know that summer is near:

Weymouth New Testament
"Learn from the fig-tree the lesson it teaches. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near.

Worrell New Testament
"Now from the fig tree learn the parable: when its branch already becomes tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is near;

Worsley New Testament
Now learn a parable from the fig-tree: when it's branch is tender and bringeth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
27And He will send out the angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:32-35
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. / So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door. / Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. ...

Luke 21:29-31
Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. / When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. / So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

Jeremiah 24:1-10
After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. / One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten. / “Jeremiah,” the LORD asked, “what do you see?” “Figs!” I replied. “The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten.” ...

Isaiah 34:4
All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.

Joel 1:7
It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white.

Hosea 9:10
I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved.

Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,

Song of Solomon 2:13
The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come away with me, my beautiful one.”

James 5:7-8
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Romans 13:11-12
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. / For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ...

2 Peter 3:10-13
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. ...

Revelation 6:13
and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind.

Revelation 22:10-12
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. / Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” / “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

Ezekiel 17:22-24
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. / I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. / Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”


Treasury of Scripture

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

Matthew 24:32,33
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: …

Luke 21:29-31
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; …

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Mark 13
1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
9. the persecutions for the gospel;
10. that the gospel must be preached to all nations;
14. that great calamities shall happen to the Jews;
24. and the manner of his coming to judgment;
32. the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray














Now learn this lesson
The phrase "Now learn this lesson" is an imperative, urging the listener to pay close attention and gain understanding. The Greek word for "learn" is "μανθάνω" (manthano), which implies acquiring knowledge through experience or instruction. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the signs He is about to describe. This call to learn is not just intellectual but spiritual, urging believers to discern the times with wisdom and insight.

from the fig tree
The fig tree is a significant symbol in biblical literature, often representing Israel (Hosea 9:10, Joel 1:7). In the context of Mark 13, the fig tree serves as a metaphor for understanding prophetic signs. Historically, the fig tree was common in the region and known for its seasonal changes, making it an apt illustration for Jesus' audience. The fig tree's cycles were well understood, and Jesus uses this familiarity to convey deeper spiritual truths about recognizing the signs of the times.

As soon as its branches become tender
The phrase "As soon as its branches become tender" refers to the initial signs of life and growth in the fig tree, indicating the change of seasons. The Greek word for "tender" is "ἁπαλός" (hapalos), suggesting softness and newness. This imagery highlights the early indicators of a coming change, paralleling the signs of the end times that Jesus describes. It serves as a reminder for believers to be vigilant and perceptive to the spiritual shifts occurring around them.

and sprout leaves
The action "and sprout leaves" signifies the visible evidence of new life and growth. In the Greek, "sprout" is "ἐκφύω" (ekphyo), meaning to produce or bring forth. This natural process is a clear and unmistakable sign that a new season is approaching. In the prophetic context, it underscores the importance of recognizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His divine plan. Believers are encouraged to be observant and responsive to these spiritual developments.

you know that summer is near
The conclusion "you know that summer is near" ties the observable changes in the fig tree to the certainty of the coming season. The Greek word for "know" is "γινώσκω" (ginosko), which implies a deep, experiential understanding. This certainty is meant to reassure believers that just as they can trust the natural order, they can also trust in the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. The mention of "summer" symbolizes a time of fruition and fulfillment, encouraging believers to remain hopeful and expectant for the culmination of God's promises.

(28) Ye know that summer is near.--Many of the best MSS. give "it is known," but it may fairly be assumed, from the parallel passages in St. Matthew and St. Luke, that this was the error of an early transcriber of the document which served as a basis for the reports of all the three Evangelists.

Verses 28, 29. - Now from the fig tree learn her parable; that is, her own particular teaching. Our Lord makes frequent mention and use of the fig tree, as we have seen already. It is probable that a fig tree may have been near to them. When her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh. The branch (κλάδος) would be the young shoot, now become tender under the quickening influences of the spring; and this was an evident sign that the summer was at hand. The Asiatic fig tree requires a considerable amount of warmth to enable it to put forth leaves and fruit. Its rich flavour requires a summer heat to mature it. Aristotle says that the fig is the choice food of bees, from which they make their richest honey. Then the fig tree does not flower after the ordinary manner; but produces flower and fruit at once from the tree, and rapidly matures the fruit. The lesson, therefore, from the fig tree is this - the speed with which she ripens her fruit when she feels the warmth of summer. In like manner, as soon as the disciples perceived the signs of Christ's coming, they were to learn that he was close at hand, as certainly as the ripening fruit of the fig tree showed that summer was at hand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

learn
μάθετε (mathete)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

this
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

lesson
παραβολήν (parabolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.

from
Ἀπὸ (Apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fig tree:
συκῆς (sykēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4808: A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree.

As soon as
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

its
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

branches
κλάδος (klados)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2798: A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough.

become
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

tender
ἁπαλὸς (hapalos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 527: Soft, tender, as a shoot of a tree. Of uncertain derivation; soft.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sprout
ἐκφύῃ (ekphyē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1631: To put forth, cause to sprout. From ek and phuo; to sprout up.

leaves,
φύλλα (phylla)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5444: A leaf. From the same as phule; a sprout, i.e. Leaf.

you know
γινώσκετε (ginōskete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

summer
θέρος (theros)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2330: Summer. From a primary thero; properly, heat, i.e. Summer.

is
ἐστίν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

near.
ἐγγὺς (engys)
Adverb
Strong's 1451: Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.


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NT Gospels: Mark 13:28 Now from the fig tree learn this (Mar Mk Mr)
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