Luke 12:56 web — You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don't interpr…

World English Bible

"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?"

— Luke 12:56, World English Bible

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Luke 12:56 in Other Translations

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Luke 12 — Context

53

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

54

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.

55

When a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens.

56

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?

57

Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?

58

For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

59

I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."

Luke 12:56 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Luke 12:56 say?
Luke 12:56 in the World English Bible reads: “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?”
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 (WEB): “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?” 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.
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