King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:32 Mean?

Matthew 24:32 in the King James Version says “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nig...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:32 · KJV

Context

30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other . with: or, with a trumpet, and a great voice

32

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

33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he

34

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now learn a parable of the fig tree—The Greek parabole (παραβολή) means comparison, and Jesus shifts from apocalyptic vision to agricultural observation. When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves (hapalos, ἁπαλός = tender/soft), you recognize the pattern of seasons. The fig tree (sykē, συκῆ) was a common Palestinian symbol, leafing out in late spring, signaling summer's approach.

This isn't identifying Israel as 'the fig tree' (though figs symbolize Israel in Jeremiah 24, Hosea 9:10), but teaching discernment of signs. Just as farmers read nature's signals, disciples must recognize prophetic fulfillment—temple destruction, tribulation, cosmic signs—as harbingers of the final harvest. Jesus moves from 'when' questions to 'watchfulness' imperatives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fig trees were ubiquitous in first-century Judea, making this an accessible illustration. The agricultural calendar governed Jewish feast days and daily life. Jesus spoke this parable on the Mount of Olives (24:3) in sight of the temple, perhaps with fig trees visible. Three days earlier, He had cursed a barren fig tree (21:18-22), symbolizing Israel's fruitlessness—now He uses figs to teach discernment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'signs of the times' in current events do you discern as evidence of prophetic fulfillment or spiritual seasons?
  2. How can you cultivate the spiritual discernment to read the times without falling into date-setting speculation?
  3. What is the difference between healthy watchfulness for Christ's return and unhealthy obsession with prophecy charts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἀπὸ1 of 23

“of”

G575

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

δὲ2 of 23

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 23
G3588

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

συκῆς4 of 23

“the fig tree”

G4808

a fig-tree

μάθετε5 of 23

“learn”

G3129

to learn (in any way)

τὴν6 of 23
G3588

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

παραβολήν·7 of 23

“a parable”

G3850

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

ὅταν8 of 23

“When”

G3752

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

ἤδη9 of 23

“yet”

G2235

even now

ὁ10 of 23
G3588

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

κλάδος11 of 23

“branch”

G2798

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

αὐτῆς12 of 23

“his”

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

γένηται13 of 23

“is”

G1096

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

ἁπαλὸς14 of 23

“tender”

G527

soft

καὶ15 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

τὰ16 of 23
G3588

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

φύλλα17 of 23

“leaves”

G5444

a sprout, i.e., leaf

ἐκφύῃ18 of 23

“putteth forth”

G1631

to sprout up

γινώσκετε19 of 23

“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 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγὺς21 of 23

“is nigh”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

τὸ22 of 23
G3588

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

θέρος·23 of 23

“summer”

G2330

properly, heat, i.e., summer

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:32 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 Matthew 24:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:29-30Mark 13:28-29

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