King James Version
Luke 12:56 in the King James Version says “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?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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 12:56 · KJV
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
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?
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Ye hypocrites”
G5273an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
“the face”
G4383the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
“of the earth”
G1093soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“of the sky”
G3772the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
“ye can”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“how is it”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Luke 12:56 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Luke 12:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge