21:30a–b
When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near: In the Greek text it is not clear if for yourselves goes with see or with know. However, with either choice the statement has the same meaning. It indicates that when fig trees sprout leaves, people know that summer is near. No one has to tell them, because they see the new leaves for themselves. Other ways to translate the statement are:
When you see their leaves beginning to appear, you know that summer is near. (Good News Translation)
-or-
As soon as leaves grow on them, you know without being told that summer is near. (God’s Word)
-or-
As soon as it buds, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. (Revised English Bible)
When they sprout leaves: This clause means “when the leaves of the fig trees begin to grow/bud.” If you used a singular form of “fig tree” in 21:29b, you will probably need to use the singular form here also. For example:
When it sprouts leaves
you can see for yourselves and know that: The word you refers here to anyone and everyone. Everyone in Israel knew what new leaves on the trees meant. When people saw those new leaves, they understood that the summer season would soon arrive. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
we know that…
-or-
everyone sees it and knows that…
summer is near: The new leaves show that warm weather will come soon.
It is important that you translate this verse in a way that fits your culture. For example, in tropical areas the weather is warm or hot in every season. There is no winter, and new leaves may be replacing old ones all year. If this is true in your area, it may be more helpful to refer to something else that sprouting leaves show. For example, the leaves may show that the tree will soon bear fruit, or that the rainy season or growing season will soon begin.
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