Matthew 24:32

What does Matthew 24:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:32 means

Jesus introduces the parable of the fig tree, instructing His disciples to learn from it: "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." This natural analogy teaches discernment from observable signs. Just as the budding of the fig tree clearly indicates the changing season, so too will specific prophetic signs indicate the imminent approach of a greater spiritual reality.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now take an example from the fig-tree: when her branch has become soft and puts out its leaves, you are certain that the summer is near;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And from the fig-tree learn ye the simile: When already its branch may have become tender, and the leaves it may put forth, ye know that summer <FI>is<Fi> nigh,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And from the fig tree learn a parable: When the branch thereof is now tender and the leaves come forth, you know that summer is nigh.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But learn the parable from the fig-tree: When already its branch becomes tender and produces leaves, ye know that the summer is near.

Context

This verse introduces the parable of the fig tree, which serves as an analogy to help the disciples understand the timing of the signs Jesus has just described. It shifts from detailing the events themselves to providing a principle for discerning their proximity, directly leading into the application of this parable for understanding the nearness of Christ's return.

v.31And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

v.32This passage

v.33even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.

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;

  • Luke 21:29

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

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