Luke 21:29 Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

KJV

Luke 21:29  Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

LISTENERS HEARD

See the fig tree also all the trees.

LOST IN TRANSLATION

This verse is a little odd because it seems to equate fig trees with all trees where the related verses seem to indicate that the figs is special. The use of "behold" here is a good example of using religious language unnecessarily. The Greek word is the most common form of the verb "to see".

The verb translated as "behold" means "to see" but it is used like we use the word "see" to mean "to know" or "to perceive."

"Fig tree" is the Greek word that means "fig tree."

The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").

The word translated as "all" is the Greek adjective meaning "all", "the whole", "every," and similar ideas.

The word for "tree" most commonly means fruit bearing trees. The tree was a symbol for the naturally productive assets of nature as opposed to fields which must be planted each year.

 

 

 

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV

Ἴδετε ( verb 2nd pl aor imperat act ) "Shall see" is eido which means "to see", "to examine", "to perceive", "to behold", "to know how to do", "to see with the mind's eye," and "to know."

τὴν συκῆν [uncommon] (noun sg fem acc) "Fig tree" is from syke, which means "fig tree."

καὶ (conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "but." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."

πάντα (adj pl neut acc/nom) "All" is pas, which means "all", "the whole", "every", "anyone", "all kinds," and "anything." In the adverbial form, it means "every way", "on every side", "in every way," and "altogether." --

τὰ δένδρα: ( noun pl neut acc/nom ) "Tree" is dendron (more commonly spelled dendreon), which means "tree", "fruit-tree", "tall plants (such as rattan)" "stick," and "timber."

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