Learn a parable ( τη Ì ν παραβαλη ì ν ) of ( ἀπο Ì ) the fig tree; bettor, from the fig tree learns its parable. Learn ye the lesson which this tree can teach you; though, indeed, it might teach other lessons than the one which Christ would enforce. When his ( its ) , branch is yet tender ( ἠ ì δη . γε ì νηται ἁπαλο Ì ς , is now become tender ). This refers to the new shoots of unripened wood. Putteth forth leaves ( τε Ì φυ ì ... read more
The event and the time. Having unfolded to the disciples the manner and circumstances of the two great events respecting which they had inquired, our Lord now proceeds to speak more particularly of their certainty and of the time of their occurrence. I. THE EVENT OF THE JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN . 1 . This is asserted under a simile. ( Matthew 24:32-35 .) 2 . The assertion is repeated in the comment. II. THE TIME OF THAT EVENT IS NOT WHOLLY ... read more
So likewise ye ( οὑ ì τω και Ì ὑμεῖς , so also ye, emphatic). As surely as buds and leaves prove the coming of summer, so ye, who have been taught, may gather from the fulfilment of the signs mentioned ( Matthew 24:15-22 , etc.) the approach of the end. Know that it is near ( ὁ ì τι ἐγγυ ì ς ἐστιν ). The subject is not expressed, but it must be the Son of man ( Matthew 24:30 ), so that the rendering ought to be, he is near. Many, however, take the... read more
This generation. Our Lord's assertion has given rise to sceptical observations, as if his prophecy had failed. Alford has endeavoured to remove objections by taking γενεα Ì as equivalent to γε ì νος , a race or family of people, and referring it to the continued existence of the Jews. He cites Jeremiah 8:3 ; Matthew 12:45 ; Matthew 17:17 ; Matthew 23:36 , etc., in confirmation of this signification. His examples, however, are not unassailable, though such use is certainly... read more
A key to our Lord's meaning. "This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled." The position in which these words stand is significant. Many writers see references to the commonly called "end of the world" in Matthew 24:29-31 because the imagery is so large as to seem unsuitable for a mere national desolation. Our Lord meets that difficulty, and distinctly declares that the figures picture events which belong to that generation. What needs to be clearly seen is, that... read more
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... read more
So likewise ye ... - In the same manner, when you see what I have predicted the “signs” around Jerusalem - then know that its destruction is at hand,Is near - Luke says Luke 21:28, “your redemption draweth nigh, and Luke 21:31 the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Your deliverance from the dangers that threaten the city approaches, and the kingdom of God will be set up in the earth; or your everlasting redemption from sin and death will come at the day of judgment, and his eternal kingdom will... read more
This generation ... - This age; this race of people. A generation is about 30 or 40 years. The destruction of Jerusalem took place about forty years after this was spoken. See the notes at Matthew 16:28.Till all these things ... - Until these things shall be accomplished. Until events shall take place which shall be a fulfillment of these words, if there were nothing further intended. He does not mean to exclude the reference to the judgment, but to say that the destruction of Jerusalem would... read more
Matthew 24:32-35. Now learn a parable of the fig-tree Our Lord proceeds to declare that the signs which he had given would be as certain an indication of the time of his coming, as the fig-tree’s putting forth its leaves is of the approach of summer; and that the time of his coming was at no great distance. For he adds, This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled, Hereby evidently showing that he had been speaking all this while only of the calamities coming on the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 24:29-51
The end of the world. I. ITS CIRCUMSTANCES . 1 . The heavens. The Lord had been glancing onwards into the future. There would be wrath upon the chosen people; it would last long; they would be led away captive into all nations. Jerusalem would be trodden down of the Gentiles; it would lie desolate long—even "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" ( Luke 21:23 , Luke 21:24 ). The tribulation of those days is not yet ended; still Jerusalem is lying waste; still her... read more