New Testament
Luke 12:56
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You hypocrites! You know how to read the weather by looking at the earth and sky, so why can't you read the signs of this present time?
Compare translations
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?
What Luke 12:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of the people who can easily interpret weather patterns but fail to recognize the spiritual significance of the events happening around them. He points out their ability to predict the weather by observing the sky and the earth, yet they are blind to the signs of the times, which indicate the arrival of God's kingdom and the need for repentance. This highlights a deeper issue of spiritual awareness and discernment. Jesus is challenging them to look beyond the physical world and understand the spiritual truths that are unfolding. The implication is that just as they can read the weather, they should also be able to read the signs that God is revealing through His works and messages. This call to discernment is crucial for understanding one's relationship with God and the urgency of responding to His call.
How to apply Luke 12:56 to your life
We should strive to be spiritually aware and discerning in our lives. Just as we observe the world around us, we must also pay attention to the signs of God's work and messages in our lives. This awareness can guide our actions and decisions, leading us closer to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 12:56
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 12:56
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 12:56 mean?
In Luke 12:56, Jesus criticizes people for being able to interpret weather signs but failing to recognize the spiritual significance of current events. He highlights their hypocrisy in understanding the physical world while being blind to the signs of God's kingdom.
What is the meaning of 'hypocrites' in Luke 12:56?
In this verse, 'hypocrites' refers to those who outwardly appear knowledgeable but lack true spiritual insight. Jesus uses this term to call out their inability to discern the deeper truths of God's message despite their ability to read natural signs.
How can we apply Luke 12:56 to our lives?
We can apply Luke 12:56 by being more spiritually aware and discerning in our daily lives. Just as we observe the world around us, we should also pay attention to the signs of God's work and messages, guiding our actions and decisions.
What are the signs of the times mentioned in Luke 12:56?
The signs of the times refer to the spiritual and prophetic events that indicate God's kingdom is at hand. In the context of Jesus' ministry, these signs include His teachings, miracles, and the call to repentance, which people are urged to recognize.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.