Matthew 24:32

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 24:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;
Matthew 24:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree, etc.] Take a similitude, or comparison from the fig tree, which was a tree well known in Judea; and the putting forth of its branches, leaves, and fruit, fell under the observation of everyone: when its branch is yet tender; through the influence of the sun, and the motion of the sap, which was bound up, and congealed in the winter season: and putteth forth leaves; from the tender branches, which swell, and open, and put forth buds, leaves, and fruit: ye know the summer is nigh; spring being already come: the fig tree putting forth her green figs, is a sign that the winter is past, the spring is come, and summer is at hand; (see <220211>Song of Solomon…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now learn a parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3. The word here means, rather, “an illustration” make a “comparison,” or judge of this as you do respecting a fig-tree. Fig-tree - This was spoken on the Mount of Olives, which produced not only olives, but figs. Possibly one was near when he spoke this. When his branch ... - When the juices return from the roots into the branches, and the buds swell and burst, “as if tender,” and too feeble to contain the pressing and expanding leaves when you see that, you judge that spring and summer are near. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Learn a parable - Our Lord having spoke of the signs preceding the two grand events, concerning which the apostles had inquired, begins here to speak of the time of them. And to the question proposed, Mat 24:3, concerning the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, he answers Mat 24:34. Concerning the time of the end of the world, he answers Mat 24:36. Mar 13:28; Luk 21:29. Matthew 24:34”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mar 13:28, Mar 13:29; Luk 21:29, Luk 21:30 Matthew 24:33”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification