Matthew 24:32-33

The Parable of the Fig Tree

24:32 “Learn ¹  this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 24:33 So also you, when you see all these things, know ²  that he is near, right at the door.

Matthew 24:43

24:43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief ³  was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into.

[24:32]  ¹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[24:33]  ² 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.

[24:43]  ³ sn On Jesus pictured as a returning thief, see 1 Thess 5:2, 4; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15.