Luke 21:29-31

The Parable of the Fig Tree

21:29 Then ¹  he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. ²  21:30 When they sprout leaves, you see ³  for yourselves and know that summer is now near. 21:31 So also you, when you see these things happening, know ⁴  that the kingdom of God ⁵  is near.

[21:29]  ¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

[21:29]  ² tn Grk “all the trees.”

[21:30]  ³ tn Grk “seeing for yourselves, you know.” The participle βλέποντες (bleponte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

[21:31]  ⁴ tn The verb γινώσκετε (ginwskete, “know”) can be parsed as either present indicative or present imperative. In this context the imperative fits better, since the movement is from analogy (trees and seasons) to the future (the signs of the coming of the kingdom) and since the emphasis is on preparation for this event.

[21:31]  ⁵ sn The kingdom of God refers here to the kingdom in all its power. See Luke 17:20-37.