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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 12:56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don't you know how to interpret the present time?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/12-56.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/42_Luk_12_56.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 12:56 - Interpreting the Present Time" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. 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You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don&#8217t know how to interpret this present time? <a href="/nlt/luke/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times. <a href="/esv/luke/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? <a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time? <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the earth and of the sky, but how do you not know to discern this time? <a href="/kjv/luke/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? <a href="/nkjv/luke/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? <a href="/nasb_/luke/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you do not know how to analyze this present time? <a href="/nasb/luke/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time? <a href="/nasb77/luke/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time? <a href="/lsb/luke/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You hypocrites! You know how to examine the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not examine this present time? <a href="/amp/luke/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You hypocrites (play-actors, pretenders)! You know how to analyze and intelligently interpret the appearance of the earth and sky [to forecast the weather], but why do you not intelligently interpret this present time? <a href="/csb/luke/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don’t you know how to interpret this present time? <a href="/hcsb/luke/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don&#8217t you know how to interpret this time? <a href="/asv/luke/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time? <a href="/cev/luke/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Are you trying to fool someone? You can predict the weather by looking at the earth and sky, but you don't really know what's going on right now. <a href="/erv/luke/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time? <a href="/gwt/luke/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You hypocrites! You can forecast the weather by judging the appearance of earth and sky. But for some reason you don't know how to judge the time in which you're living. <a href="/gnt/luke/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Hypocrites! You can look at the earth and the sky and predict the weather; why, then, don't you know the meaning of this present time? <a href="/isv/luke/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, yet you don't know how to interpret the present time?" <a href="/msb/luke/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why can?t you interpret the present time? <a href="/net/luke/12.htm">NET Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how can you not know how to interpret the present time? <a href="/nheb/luke/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Hypocrites. You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not know how to interpret this time? <a href="/wbt/luke/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, and of the earth; but how is it, that ye do not discern this time? <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Vain pretenders! You know how to read the aspect of earth and sky. How is it you cannot read this present time? <a href="/web/luke/12.htm">World English Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don’t interpret this time? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> hypocrites! You have known to discern the face of the earth and of the sky, but how do you not discern this time? <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the earth and of the sky, but how do you not know to discern this time? <a href="/ylt/luke/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> hypocrites! the face of the earth and of the heaven ye have known to make proof of, but this time -- how do ye not make proof of it? <a href="/slt/luke/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> O hypocrites, ye know to judge the face of the earth and of heaven; and how do ye not judge this time?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the heaven and of the earth: but how is it that you do not discern this time? <a href="/cpdv/luke/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You hypocrites! You discern the face of the heavens, and of the earth, yet how is it that you do not discern this time? <a href="/nabre/luke/12.htm">New American Bible</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? <a href="/nrsvce/luke/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> O you hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the earth and of the sky; how then is it that you do not discern this time? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Accepters of faces, you know to discern the face of the earth and sky, how do you not discern this time?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Hypocrites, you know how to judge of the face of the earth, and of the heavens; but how is it that you do not judge of this time?<CM> <a href="/godbey/luke/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the earth and the firmament; and how do you not discern this time?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye hypocrites! ye know how to discern by experience from the appearance of the earth and of the sky; but how is it that ye do not discern this particular time? <a href="/mace/luke/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Hypocrites, you can judge of the phoenomena of the earth, and of the sky, but why can't you discern the present times? <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Vain pretenders! You know how to read the aspect of earth and sky. How is it you cannot read this present time? <a href="/worrell/luke/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Hypocrites! Ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and of the heavens but how is it ye know not how to interpret this time?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye<FR> hypocrites, ye know <Fr>how<FR> to discern the face of the earth and of the heavens, and why do ye not discern the present time?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/12-56.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5459" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Interpreting the Present Time</a> …55And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it is. 56<a href="/greek/5273.htm" title="5273: hypokritai (N-VMP) -- From hupokrinomai; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. a dissembler">You hypocrites!</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">You know how</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazein (V-PNA) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">to interpret</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4383.htm" title="4383: prosōpon (N-ANS) -- From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.">appearance</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēs (N-GFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">sky.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">Why</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">don’t you know how</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazein (V-PNA) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">to interpret</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touton (DPro-AMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2540.htm" title="2540: kairon (N-AMS) -- Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.">present time? </a> 57And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/16-2.htm">Matthew 16:2-3</a> But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20-22</a> For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. / For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a> who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11-14</a> We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. / Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. ... <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Revelation 3:17-18</a> You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a> Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. <a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a> “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. <a href="/micah/3-6.htm">Micah 3:6-7</a> Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that you do not discern this time?ye can.<a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">1 Chronicles 12:32</a> And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.<a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.<a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Matthew 16:3</a> And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?that.<a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Luke 19:42-44</a> Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes… <a href="/daniel/9-24.htm">Daniel 9:24-26</a> Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy… <a href="/haggai/2-7.htm">Haggai 2:7</a> And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/9-29.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Aspect</a> <a href="/luke/12-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/luke/12-51.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/10-1.htm">Face</a> <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/11-44.htm">Hypocrites</a> <a href="/daniel/2-36.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/luke/12-18.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Present</a> <a href="/psalms/26-4.htm">Pretenders</a> <a href="/luke/5-14.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/luke/10-26.htm">Read</a> <a href="/luke/5-7.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/luke/12-52.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Times</a> <a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/5-37.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/numbers/11-7.htm">Aspect</a> <a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/17-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/luke/13-15.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/13-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/13-15.htm">Hypocrites</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-30.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/13-1.htm">Present</a> <a href="/psalms/26-4.htm">Pretenders</a> <a href="/john/2-18.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Read</a> <a href="/luke/17-20.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/luke/13-19.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/luke/13-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/15-31.htm">Times</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 12</div>1. <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy</a> 13. <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/12-22.htm">We must not worry about earthly things,</a> 31. <a href="/luke/12-31.htm">but seek the kingdom of God;</a> 33. <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">give alms;</a> 35. <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,</a> 49. <a href="/luke/12-49.htm">and look for persecution.</a> 54. <a href="/luke/12-54.htm">The people must take this time of grace;</a> 57. <a href="/luke/12-57.htm">because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You hypocrites! In this phrase, Jesus addresses the crowd, particularly the religious leaders, with a strong rebuke. The term "hypocrites" is used to describe those who pretend to have virtues or beliefs that they do not actually possess. In the context of the Gospels, it often refers to the Pharisees and scribes who were outwardly religious but lacked true understanding and sincerity. This accusation highlights the disconnect between their external religious observance and their internal spiritual reality. The use of "hypocrites" is consistent with Jesus' other teachings, such as in <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>, where He criticizes the Pharisees for their outward show of piety without genuine faith.You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Here, Jesus acknowledges the people's ability to predict weather patterns by observing natural signs. In the ancient world, especially in an agrarian society like first-century Judea, understanding the weather was crucial for survival. People would look at the sky to predict rain or fair weather, a practice that was common and necessary. This ability to interpret natural signs is contrasted with their inability to discern spiritual truths. The reference to the earth and sky may also allude to the broader creation, which, according to <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20</a>, reveals God's invisible qualities.Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time? This question challenges the audience to recognize the significance of the era they are living in. "The present time" refers to the period of Jesus' ministry, which was marked by the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of God's kingdom. Despite the clear signs of Jesus' messianic identity—His miracles, teachings, and fulfillment of prophecy—the people, particularly the religious leaders, failed to recognize Him as the Messiah. This inability to interpret the spiritual significance of Jesus' presence is a central theme in the Gospels. The "present time" is also a call to urgency, as it signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history, much like the "day of the Lord" mentioned in prophetic literature such as <a href="/joel/2-31.htm">Joel 2:31</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing the crowd and specifically the religious leaders of the time. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The general audience to whom Jesus is speaking, including His disciples and others gathered around Him. 3. <a href="/topical/r/religious_leaders.htm">Religious Leaders</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are often the target of Jesus' rebukes for their hypocrisy and lack of spiritual insight. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_earth_and_sky.htm">The Earth and Sky</a> Natural elements used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate the people's ability to interpret physical signs but not spiritual ones. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_present_time.htm">The Present Time</a> Refers to the era of Jesus' ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Just as we interpret weather patterns, we must develop the ability to discern spiritual truths and the signs of God's work in our lives. <a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy_warning.htm">Hypocrisy Warning</a> Jesus warns against the danger of outward religiosity without inward understanding and transformation. <a href="/topical/u/urgency_of_the_gospel.htm">Urgency of the Gospel</a> Recognizing the "present time" involves understanding the urgency of responding to the Gospel and living out our faith. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Regularly assess whether we are more focused on worldly matters than on spiritual growth and understanding. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a> Depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and insight into God's will and the times we live in.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 12</a> <a href="/q/what_embodies_the_essence_of_power.htm">Are they like God's angels in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_spirit's_firstfruits.htm">What does 'make you a great nation' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_acts_prayer_method.htm">What is the ACTS Prayer method?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_soul_sleep.htm">What does the Bible say about soul sleep?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(56) How is it that ye do not discern this time?--What had been said before to Pharisees and Sadducees (<a href="/matthew/16-3.htm" title="And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky; but can you not discern the signs of the times?">Matthew 16:3</a>) is here repeated with a wider application. It was true of the people, as of their teachers, that they did not discern the true import of the time, the season, the crisis in which they found themselves. It was "the time of their visitation" (see Note on <a href="/luke/19-44.htm" title="And shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you; and they shall not leave in you one stone on another; because you knew not the time of your visitation.">Luke 19:44</a>), and yet they knew it not.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 56. - Ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? These things had an interest for them. Heat and drought, wind and rain, affected materially the prospect of their wheat-harvest and vintage, the fruitfulness of their orchards and oliveyards, therefore they gave their whole mind to the watching of the weather; but to the awful signs of the time in which they were living they were blind and deaf. What were these signs? (1) The low state of morality among public men. Did none of them notice how utterly corrupt were priests and scribes and people, how hollow and meaningless their boasted religious rites, how far removed from them was the presence of the God of their fathers? (2) Political situation. Did none of them notice the terribly strained relations between the Roman or Herodian, and the great national party? Were they blind to the bitter, irreconcilable hatred to mighty Rome which was seething scarcely beneath the surface of Jewish society? Were they deaf to the rumbling noises which too surely heralded a fierce and bloody war between little Palestine, split up into parties and sects, and the mighty world of Rome which had seized them in its own grip? What could be the result of such a war? Were they devoid of reason as well as blind and deaf? (3) Heavenly warnings. What had they done with John the Baptist? Many in Israel knew that man was indeed a great prophet of the Lord. His burning words had penetrated far and wide; vast crowds had heard the awful sounds with breathless awe; but no one heeded, and the people watched him die. And now - they had listened to him who was speaking to them. He had told them all; no sign of power was wanting to his ministry, and it was just over, and the people had not repented. <a href="/commentaries/luke/12-56.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[You] hypocrites! ὑποκριταί (hypokritai) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5273.htm">Strong's 5273: </a> From hupokrinomai; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. a dissembler You know how οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. to interpret δοκιμάζειν (dokimazein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. appearance πρόσωπον (prosōpon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. earth γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. sky. οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. Why πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! don’t you know how οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. to interpret δοκιμάζειν (dokimazein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve. [the] τοῦτον (touton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. present time? καιρὸν (kairon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2540.htm">Strong's 2540: </a> Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/12-56.htm">Luke 12:56 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/12-56.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 12:56 You hypocrites! (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/12-55.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 12:55"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 12:55" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/12-57.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 12:57"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 12:57" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>