When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

LUKE 21:30KJV
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Luke 21:30 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:30 mean?

Luke 21:30 uses the example of trees beginning to sprout leaves as a sign that summer is near, showing how people can recognize certain signs and know what is coming. Jesus is teaching that just as people can read the signs of nature, they should also pay attention to signs of important events unfolding.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during a conversation about future events and the end times. He points to a familiar, everyday example—trees putting out new shoots—to illustrate how obvious some signs can be. The key idea is that just as the approach of summer is clear when trees bud, so certain signs will make it clear when significant changes are about to happen.

The Greek behind Luke 21:30

  • "shoot forth" (ἐκφυομένων, transliteration: ekphuomenōn): This word means to sprout or put out leaves. It emphasizes the visible, unmistakable change in the trees, making the sign easy to recognize.
  • "see" (βλέπω, transliteration: blepō): This is the common Greek word for seeing or noticing. Here, it stresses that the signs are meant to be observed, not hidden or secret.
  • "know" (γινώσκετε, transliteration: ginōskete): This word means to know or understand, often through experience. It shows that the recognition comes naturally, not through special knowledge.
  • "summer" (θέρος, transliteration: theros): This word refers to the warm season, summer. The arrival of summer is something everyone in that region would expect after seeing the trees bud, making the illustration relatable.

Why Luke 21:30 matters

  • Luke 21:30 helps clear up that Jesus is not speaking in riddles—he is using a simple, everyday example to make his point about recognizing important signs.
  • The verse shows that Jesus expects his listeners to use common sense and observation, not just wait for mysterious or hidden clues.
  • This example connects to the wider passage, where Jesus is encouraging his followers to stay alert and attentive to what is happening around them, especially regarding events he has described.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Greek G4261 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

“summer” Greek G2330 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

“hand” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.