Luke 12:56 net — You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how can you not know how to inte…

NET Bible

"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?"

— Luke 12:56, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Luke 12:56 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Luke 12 — Context

53

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

54

Reading the Signs 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.

55

And when you see the south wind blowing, you say,‘There will be scorching heat,’ and there is.

56

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?

57

Clear the Debts“And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?

58

As you are going with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, so that he will not drag you before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

59

I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the very last cent!”

Luke 12:56 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Luke 12:56 say?
Luke 12:56 in the NET Bible reads: “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?”
Where is Luke 12:56 in the Bible?
Luke 12:56 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Luke, chapter 12, verse 56.
Who wrote Luke?
Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke the physician, companion of Paul. It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Luke about?
Luke writes "an orderly account" of Jesus' life from a careful historian's pen, with special attention to the poor, the outsider, women, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. From the angelic announcements at the beginning to the Emmaus road at the end, Luke shows Jesus as the Savior of the world.
What are the major themes of Luke?
Luke explores themes including Salvation for All, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Compassion, Joy. These themes shape the meaning and context of Luke 12:56.
What translation should I read Luke 12:56 in?
Luke 12:56 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Luke 12:56?
Luke 12:56 reads (NET): “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?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2