Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

LUKE 12:56KJV
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Luke 12:56 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:56 mean?

Luke 12:56 describes Jesus calling out people who can predict the weather by looking at the sky and the earth, but who fail to recognize the important spiritual moment happening in their own time. Jesus points out their ability to read natural signs but questions why they cannot see what is happening right in front of them.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the crowds, especially religious leaders, during His ministry. He uses the word "hypocrites" to highlight that they are missing the deeper meaning of the events unfolding around them—specifically, His coming and message. The verse shows Jesus challenging people to pay attention not just to everyday matters, but to the bigger spiritual reality at work in their generation.

The Greek behind Luke 12:56

  • ὑποκριταί (hypokritai, "hypocrites"): This Greek word refers to someone who pretends or acts, often used for stage actors. Here, Jesus uses it to accuse the crowd of pretending to be wise or discerning while missing what truly matters.
  • δοκιμάζειν (dokimazein, "discern"): This word means to test, examine, or judge something carefully. Jesus points out that the people are skilled at examining the weather but are not applying the same careful attention to spiritual matters.
  • καιρός (kairos, "time"): This Greek word often means a specific, significant moment or season, not just clock time. Jesus is urging them to recognize the unique, important time they are living in—the time of His ministry.

Why Luke 12:56 matters

  • Luke 12:56 clears up the idea that spiritual blindness can exist even among those who are otherwise observant or intelligent about everyday matters.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's work in the present, not just relying on tradition or outward signs.
  • This challenge from Jesus ties into the wider passage, where He urges people to be alert and ready for God's activity, rather than complacent or distracted by routine concerns.

Where else these words appear

“hypocrites” Greek G5273 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

“discern” Greek G1381 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

“this” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: