Luke 12:54
New International Version
He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.

New Living Translation
Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right.

English Standard Version
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Jesus said to the crowds, “As soon as you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens.

Berean Literal Bible
And also He was saying to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising up from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.

King James Bible
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

New King James Version
Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.

New American Standard Bible
And He was also saying to the crowds, “Whenever you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.

NASB 1995
And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.

NASB 1977
And He was also saying to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.

Legacy Standard Bible
And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens.

Amplified Bible
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain,’ and that is how it turns out.

Christian Standard Bible
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and so it does.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, A storm is coming,’ and so it does.

American Standard Version
And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus said to all the people: As soon as you see a cloud coming up in the west, you say, "It's going to rain," and it does.

English Revised Version
And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud coming up in the west, you immediately say, 'There's going to be a rainstorm,' and it happens.

Good News Translation
Jesus said also to the people, "When you see a cloud coming up in the west, at once you say that it is going to rain--and it does.

International Standard Version
Then Jesus told the crowds, "When you see a cloud coming in from the west, you immediately say, 'There's going to be a storm,' and that's what happens.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jesus said to the crowds, ?As soon as you see a cloud rising from the west, you say, ?A shower is coming,? and that is what happens.

NET Bible
Jesus also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A rainstorm is coming,' and it does.

New Heart English Bible
He said to the crowds also, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, immediately ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

Weymouth New Testament
Then He said to the people also, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'There is to be a shower;' and it comes to pass.

World English Bible
He said to the multitudes also, “When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He also said to the multitudes, “When you may see the cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, A shower comes, and it is so;

Berean Literal Bible
And also He was saying to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising up from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.

Young's Literal Translation
And he said also to the multitudes, 'When ye may see the cloud rising from the west, immediately ye say, A shower doth come, and it is so;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to the crowds, When ye see a cloud rising from the descents, ye say quickly, A heavy shower of rain is coming; and it is so.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said also to the multitudes: When you see a cloud rising from the west, presently you say: A shower is coming: and so it happeneth:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he also said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising from the setting of the sun, immediately you say, ‘A rain cloud is coming.’ And so it does.

New American Bible
He also said to the crowds, “When you see [a] cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain—and so it does;

New Revised Standard Version
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to the people, When you see a cloud rise from the west, you immediately say, It will rain; and it is so.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He said to the crowds, “Whenever you see a cloud that rises from the West, and at once you say, 'Rain is coming', it is so.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said also to the multitudes: When you see the cloud rising from the west, you immediately say, There comes a shower: and so it is.

Godbey New Testament
And he also spoke to the multitudes, When you may see a cloud rising from the west, you immediately say, that the rain cometh; and it is so:

Haweis New Testament
Then said he to the multitudes, When ye see a cloud rising from the west, ye say immediately, There cometh a shower; and it is so.

Mace New Testament
Then he said to the people, when you see a cloud rise out of the west, you say, it is just going to rain; and so it happens.

Weymouth New Testament
Then He said to the people also, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'There is to be a shower;' and it comes to pass.

Worrell New Testament
And He said to the multitudes also, "When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say 'A shower is coming!' and so it happens.

Worsley New Testament
He said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rising from the west, ye presently say, there is a shower coming, and so it proves:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Interpreting the Present Time
53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” 54Then Jesus said to the crowds, “As soon as you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens. 55And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it is.…

Cross References
Matthew 16:2-3
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.

Matthew 11:20-24
Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...

Mark 8:11-13
Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” / And He left them, got back into the boat, and crossed to the other side.

John 4:48
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. / For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Hebrews 5:12-14
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. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

James 4:14
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

2 Peter 3:3-4
Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. / “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Isaiah 5:20-21
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Jeremiah 8:7
Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.

Ezekiel 12:1-2
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “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.

Hosea 4:6
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.

Amos 8:11-12
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. / People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.

Micah 3:6-7
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

And he said also to the people, When you see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway you say, There comes a shower; and so it is.

When.

1 Kings 18:44,45
And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not…

Matthew 16:2
He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

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Luke 12
1. Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13. and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.
22. We must not worry about earthly things,
31. but seek the kingdom of God;
33. give alms;
35. be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.
41. Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49. and look for persecution.
54. The people must take this time of grace;
57. because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.














Then Jesus said
This phrase marks a transition in the narrative, indicating that Jesus is about to impart wisdom or teaching. The Greek word for "said" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is often used in the Gospels to introduce significant teachings or parables. Jesus, as the divine teacher, uses everyday observations to convey deeper spiritual truths, demonstrating His mastery in connecting the physical and spiritual realms.

to the crowds
The term "crowds" refers to the large groups of people who followed Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. In the Greek, "ὄχλοις" (ochlois) suggests a diverse assembly, indicating that Jesus' message was accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status. This inclusivity reflects the universal nature of the Gospel, which is meant for every person.

When you see a cloud rising in the west
In the historical and geographical context of Israel, a cloud rising in the west would typically come from the Mediterranean Sea, bringing moisture and rain. The Greek word for "cloud" is "νεφέλη" (nephelē), which can symbolize divine presence or impending change. Jesus uses this natural phenomenon to illustrate the ability to interpret physical signs, setting the stage for a lesson on spiritual discernment.

immediately you say
The word "immediately" (εὐθέως, eutheōs) emphasizes the quick and confident response of the people to the sign of the cloud. This reflects human nature's tendency to rely on empirical evidence and past experiences to predict outcomes. Jesus highlights this to contrast with the spiritual insight that His audience often lacks.

‘A shower is coming,’
The phrase "A shower is coming" is a straightforward prediction based on observable signs. In Greek, "ὄμβρος" (ombros) refers to a heavy rain, which is a common and necessary occurrence in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. This prediction showcases the people's ability to interpret natural signs accurately, a skill that Jesus uses to challenge their spiritual perception.

and that is what happens
This concluding phrase underscores the reliability of natural signs and the people's trust in their interpretations. The certainty of the statement "that is what happens" (γίνεται, ginetai) serves as a foundation for Jesus' forthcoming rebuke about their inability to interpret the "signs of the times." It calls the audience to reflect on their spiritual awareness and responsiveness to God's work in the world.

(54-56) When ye see a cloud rise out of the west.--See Notes on Matthew 16:2. The differences in form are, however, noticeable enough to suggest the impression here also of like teaching at a different time. In St. Matthew the words come as an answer to the demand for a sign, here without any such demand; there the signs are the morning and the evening redness of the sky, here the cloud in the west and the south wind blowing. It is, however, probable enough that the like answer was called forth by a like occasion.

Verse 54. - And he said also. A note of the compilers, SS. Luke and Paul, which seems to say, "Besides all the important sayings we have just written down, which were spoken on this occasion, the Master added as a conclusion the following words." It is probable that the expressions used in the next seven verses were called out by the general apathy with which his announcement of the coming woes was received by the listening multitude. Possibly he had noticed a smile of incredulity on the faces of some of the nearer by-standers. The words had already been used on other occasions in a different connection. Here he used them as a last appeal, or rather as a remonstrance. He seems to say to the people, "O blind, blind to the awful sins of the times! You are weather-wise enough, and can tell from the appearance of the sky and the sighing of the wind whether a storm is brewing or no: why not use the same faculty of discernment in higher and more important matters? Ah! be wise; make your peace with God without delay; it will soon be too late; there is an awful judgment close at hand!" When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. To the west of Palestine lay the great Mediterranean Sea, from which, of course, came all the rains which fell on that country.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] said
Ἔλεγεν (Elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowds,
ὄχλοις (ochlois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

“As soon as
Ὅταν (Hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

you see
ἴδητε (idēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

a
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cloud
νεφέλην (nephelēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3507: A cloud. From nephos; properly, cloudiness, i.e. a cloud.

rising
ἀνατέλλουσαν (anatellousan)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 393: To make to rise, I rise, shine (generally of the sun, and hence met.). From ana and the base of telos; to arise.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] west,
δυσμῶν (dysmōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1424: A setting (of the sun), hence: the West. From duno; the sun-set, i.e. the western region.

you say,
λέγετε (legete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

‘A shower
Ὄμβρος (Ombros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3655: A violent rain, a shower. Of uncertain affinity; a thunder storm.

is coming,’
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

that is what
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

happens.
γίνεται (ginetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.


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