Luke 21:30
What does Luke 21:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 21:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 21:30 means
Jesus explains the obvious conclusion drawn from observing trees: "when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh." This natural observation is a self-evident truth, requiring no external explanation. The budding of trees is an undeniable sign of a changing season. This parable emphasizes that certain events clearly indicate what is to come, reinforcing the idea that God's plan unfolds in discernible stages, much like the seasons.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When they put out their young leaves, you take note of it, and it is clear to you that summer is coming.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862when they may now cast forth, having seen, of yourselves ye know that now is the summer nigh;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh;
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890when they already sprout, ye know of your own selves, [on] looking [at them], that already the summer is near.
Context
This verse elaborates on the parable introduced in verse 29, providing the commonplace observation that forms the basis of the analogy. It describes the natural process of trees budding as a clear indicator of summer's approach. This simple example directly leads to the spiritual application in verse 31, where Jesus connects these natural signs to the arrival of the Kingdom of God, making the abstract concept of end-time signs more understandable and concrete.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 12:57
And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
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