Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 24:32

"Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;" — Matthew 24:32 (ASV)

Now learn a parable.

The word here means, rather, an illustration. Make a comparison, or judge this as you do concerning a fig tree.

Fig tree. This was spoken on the Mount of Olives, which produced not only olives, but figs. Possibly one was near when he spoke this.

When his branch, etc. When the juices return from the roots into the branches, and the buds swell and burst, as if tender, and too feeble to contain the pressing and expanding leaves. When you see that, you judge that spring and summer are near.