King James Version

What Does Mark 13:28 Mean?

Mark 13:28 in the King James Version says “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nea...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:”

Mark 13:28 · KJV

Context

26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near—Jesus shifts from apocalyptic vision to agricultural illustration. The Greek mathete (μάθετε, 'learn') commands active observation. The fig tree (sykē, συκῆ) was common in Palestine, losing leaves in winter and budding in spring—a reliable natural sign.

The parabole (παραβολή, parable/comparison) functions as a prophetic wake-up call: just as seasonal signs are unmistakable, so the events Jesus described (vv. 5-23) will signal his coming. The tender branch (hapalos, ἁπαλός, soft/young) sprouting leaves inevitably leads to summer (theros, θέρος, harvest time). This creates tension with verse 32's 'no one knows the day or hour'—we can recognize the season without calculating the exact moment. The fig tree may also symbolize Israel (Jeremiah 24, Hosea 9:10), whose 'leafing' portends judgment-harvest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture shaped Jesus's teaching vocabulary. Fig harvest (August-September) was economically vital, and observing the tree's spring budding (April-May) allowed farmers to plan. Rabbinic literature similarly used agricultural parables to teach Torah. The fig tree imagery would evoke Jesus's cursing of the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21), symbolizing Israel's spiritual fruitlessness and impending judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the spiritual 'signs of the times' you observe that point toward Christ's purposes unfolding in history?
  2. How does this parable balance watchful awareness with the humility of not knowing exact timing?
  3. In what ways might you be producing 'leaves' (religious appearance) without the fruit of genuine discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ἀπὸ1 of 24

“of”

G575

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

δὲ2 of 24

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 24
G3588

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

συκῆς4 of 24

“the fig tree”

G4808

a fig-tree

μάθετε5 of 24

“learn”

G3129

to learn (in any way)

τὴν6 of 24
G3588

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

παραβολήν·7 of 24

“a parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

ὅταν8 of 24

“When”

G3752

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

αὐτῆς9 of 24

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἤδη10 of 24

“yet”

G2235

even now

ὁ11 of 24
G3588

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

κλάδος12 of 24

“branch”

G2798

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

ἁπαλὸς13 of 24

“tender”

G527

soft

γένηται14 of 24

“is”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ15 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκφύῃ16 of 24

“putteth forth”

G1631

to sprout up

τὰ17 of 24
G3588

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

φύλλα18 of 24

“leaves”

G5444

a sprout, i.e., leaf

γινώσκετε19 of 24

“ye know”

G1097

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

ὅτι20 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγὺς21 of 24

“near”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

τὸ22 of 24
G3588

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

θέρος23 of 24

“summer”

G2330

properly, heat, i.e., summer

ἐστίν·24 of 24

“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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:28 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 Mark 13:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:29-31Matthew 24:32-33

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