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Matthew 24:32
ESV "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
NIV "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
NASB Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near;
CSB "Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.
NLT Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.
KJV Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
NKJV “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

What does Matthew 24:32 mean?

The disciples have asked Jesus two questions (Matthew 24:3), and He has been answering them. They have asked when will "all these things" happen in direct reference to God's judgment in destroying the temple. They have also asked about signs of His second coming and the end of the age. Jesus has, perhaps surprisingly, described both at length. All the same, His words are not as clear as we might prefer. There is considerable debate over exactly how these signs will be accomplished. All that's clear is that when they are fulfilled, no one on earth will have the slightest doubt about what is happening (Matthew 24:23–31).

Here, Christ compares the signs He has described to the budding leaves of a fig tree in the spring. People in that region would have learned by experience that tender branches and new leaves mean summer is near. Jesus wants His followers to understand that when the things He has described as signs of His return begin to happen, His arrival will also be near.
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Context Summary
Matthew 24:32–35 begins with Jesus' instructions to learn from the example of a fig tree. When the leaves appear, people know summer is coming. In the same way, when mankind sees all these predicted signs, they should know Christ's return is near. The generation who sees those signs will not pass way until all the predicted signs have been completed. Nothing will change this since Jesus' words will not pass away even though heaven and earth may pass away.
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Chapter Summary
Jesus makes a dire prediction about the destruction of the temple. Immediately after this, while seated on the Mount of Olives, Jesus responds to a question from the disciples. They ask when judgment will come and what signs will signal His return. Christ describes a season of unimaginable world turmoil and persecution. He points to a specific moment of defilement of the temple, at which point people should run for their lives. Jesus speaks of world-threatening tribulation which will be cut short right before He returns as King and Judge. Since nobody can possibly know when He will return, His followers must live in readiness.
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What is the Gospel?
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