Learn a parable ( τη Ìν παραβαλη ìν) 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 ìδη. γε ìνηται ἁπαλο Ìς, is now become tender). This refers to the new shoots of unripened wood. Putteth forth leaves ( τε Ì φυ ìλλα, its leaves). Copyists and editors vary between ἐκφυῇ, subj.
aor. passive, and ἐκφυ ìῃ, active. The Vulgate has the passive, et folia nata. Summer is nigh. The fruit of the fig tree appears before the leaves, as we learned in the story of the withered fig tree (Matthew 21:19), which the Lord may have had in mind when he gave this illustration.
Did he intend to symbolize the revival of the life of the withered Jewish race in the time of the end?