Devine Scripture

Luke 21:29

What does Luke 21:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:29 means

Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree (and all other trees) to illustrate a spiritual principle. He invites His disciples to observe a common natural phenomenon: the budding of trees. This simple, relatable image sets the stage for a lesson about discerning the signs of His return. The analogy encourages them to be observant of spiritual indicators, just as they are observant of seasonal changes, showing them how to read the 'signs of the times.'

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made a story for them: See the fig-tree, and all the trees;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake a simile to them: `See the fig-tree, and all the trees,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he spoke to them a similitude. See the fig tree and all the trees:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he spoke a parable to them: Behold the fig-tree and all the trees;

Context

This verse introduces a parable, specifically the fig tree, following the intense prophetic discourse on the end times and the encouragement in verse 28. This parable serves as a teaching tool to help the disciples understand how to interpret the previously described signs. It sets up the analogy that will be explained in verse 30, connecting natural observations to spiritual discernment concerning the timing of the Kingdom of God.

v.28But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.

v.29This passage

v.30when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 13:28

    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;

  • Matthew 24:32

    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;

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