King James Version

What Does Luke 21:30 Mean?

Luke 21:30 in the King James Version says “When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.”

Luke 21:30 · KJV

Context

28

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

29

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

30

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

31

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

32

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. Jesus elaborates the parable with agricultural detail—hotan probalosin ēdē (ὅταν προβάλωσιν ἤδη, "when they already put forth shoots/buds"). The verb proballō (προβάλλω) means to sprout, bud, push forward—the first visible sign of life after winter dormancy. The adverb ēdē (ἤδη, "already, now") emphasizes immediacy—the budding has begun, the process is underway.

The response is instinctive: blepontes aph' heautōn ginōskete (βλέποντες ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν γινώσκετε, "seeing, you know from yourselves"). The phrase aph' heautōn (ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν, "from yourselves") indicates intuitive knowledge—no expert is needed to interpret budding trees. The present participle blepontes (βλέποντες, "seeing") suggests simple observation; the verb ginōskete (γινώσκετε, "you know") indicates certain knowledge. The conclusion is obvious: hoti ēdē engys to theros estin (ὅτι ἤδη ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος ἐστίν, "that summer is now near").

The logic is straightforward: observable signs → certain knowledge → appropriate response. Just as budding trees require no complex interpretation, prophetic fulfillments should prompt obvious conclusions. The phrase "summer is now nigh" (engys, ἐγγύς, "near") indicates temporal proximity—not distant future but imminent arrival. This creates urgency—when you see the signs, recognize what follows immediately.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture operated on predictable seasonal cycles. Spring budding preceded summer harvest by mere weeks. Farmers who missed the signs faced economic loss—harvest preparations required advance planning. Jesus applies this practical wisdom to eschatology. When disciples saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies (v. 20), they should recognize imminent destruction and flee. When future generations see cosmic signs (vv. 25-26), they should recognize Christ's imminent return. Early church expected Christ's return within their lifetime based on this teaching, though Peter later explained that God's timing differs from human expectations (2 Peter 3:8-9). The principle remains: observable fulfillment of prophecy should prompt expectation of consummation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the intuitive nature of seasonal discernment teach about believers' responsibility to recognize prophetic fulfillment without requiring expert interpretation?
  2. How should the transition from budding to summer's arrival (measured in weeks, not centuries) inform understanding of prophetic imminence?
  3. What observable 'buds' in contemporary history might signal the approaching 'summer' of Christ's return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὅταν1 of 13

“When”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

προβάλωσιν2 of 13

“shoot forth”

G4261

to throw forward, i.e., push to the front, germinate

ἤδη3 of 13

“now”

G2235

even now

βλέποντες4 of 13

“ye see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἀφ'5 of 13

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτῶν6 of 13

“your own selves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

γινώσκετε7 of 13

“and know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι8 of 13

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤδη9 of 13

“now”

G2235

even now

ἐγγὺς10 of 13

“nigh at hand”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

τὸ11 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θέρος12 of 13

“summer”

G2330

properly, heat, i.e., summer

ἐστίν·13 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

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 21:30 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 21:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:57

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