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Luke 12:54
ESV He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens.
NIV He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.
NASB And He was also saying to the crowds, 'Whenever you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.
CSB He also said to the crowds: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and so it does.
NLT Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, 'When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right.
KJV 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.
NKJV Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.

What does Luke 12:54 mean?

Tens of thousands of people have followed Jesus during the events recorded in the gospel of Luke. Most wanted healing or the food He provided (John 6:26). Some were devoted enough to be considered disciples, but many left when Jesus' teaching got too hard to accept (John 6:66). They wanted the political freedom fighter, but they needed the Savior.

Jesus has been talking about the kingdom of God, how His followers need to faithfully continue their work until it arrives and what they will need to sacrifice when it does (Luke 12:1–53). Now, He speaks to a crowd of thousands who are not ready.

A "cloud rising in the west" means rain as storm clouds come from the Mediterranean Sea. Next, Jesus will mention the south wind that brings blistering heat from the desert (Luke 12:55). The people can predict the weather from a single cloud, but they can't see that Jesus' arrival has inaugurated the kingdom of God. They see Him heal, but they don't hear His call to repent. They would rather Jesus fill their bellies than save their souls. The time is urgent, not just because judgment is coming (Luke 12:49). In fact, judgment will be delayed so more will be saved (Luke 13:6–9; 2 Peter 3:9). But even their lives are not assured. They can't rely on good deeds or obedience to the Law to save them; they need to repent now. Another day is not guaranteed (Luke 13:1–5).
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