King James Version
What Does Luke 12:56 Mean?
“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?”
Context
54
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.
55
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
56
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?
57
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
58
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(56) **How is it that ye do not discern this time?**—What had been said before to Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:3) is here repeated with a wider application. It was true of the people, as of their teachers, that they did not discern the true import of the time, the season, the crisis in which they found themselves. It was “the time of their visitation” (see Note on Luke 19:44), and yet they knew it not.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
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.
Theological Significance
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.
Cross-References
Verses related to Luke 12:56
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge