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

MATTHEW 24:32KJV
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Matthew 24:32 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:32 mean?

Matthew 24:32 uses a fig tree to show how a visible change can tell people that something else is near. Jesus asks his listeners to learn from a familiar pattern in nature: the tree’s new growth points to the approaching season.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples during a private conversation on the Mount of Olives. A tender branch and emerging leaves picture the tree coming into new growth. Jesus chooses an ordinary sight that his listeners could recognize for themselves.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:32

  • “parable” — παραβολή (parabolē): The word can mean a comparison or an illustration. Here Jesus draws a lesson from the fig tree rather than telling a story with characters.
  • “nigh” — ἐγγύς (engys): The word means near. In this verse, the leaves show that summer is approaching, though the word does not give an exact date.

Why Matthew 24:32 matters

  • The fig tree supplies a comparison for what follows. In verse 33, Jesus tells the disciples that when they see “all these things,” they are to recognize that what he has described is near.
  • Jesus distinguishes recognizing nearness from knowing a precise time. The tree’s growth points toward summer, while verse 36 says that no one knows the day and hour.

Where else these words appear

“tender” Greek G527 · used in 2 verses

  • 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:

“forth” Greek G1631 · used in 2 verses

  • 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:

“summer” Greek G2330 · used in 3 verses

  • 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:
  • Luke 21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

“leaves” Greek G5444 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • 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: