ἁπαλός (hapalos)
hapalos
tender
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hapalos describes something soft, tender, or delicate, often referring to living tissue that is full of sap. In the New Testament, it appears in a specific botanical context to describe the fresh, tender shoots of a fig tree. This usage highlights the fragility and vitality of new growth.
Its occurrence is limited to just two verses, both found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 24:32 and Mark 13:28. In these passages, Jesus uses the image of a branch becoming tender and putting forth leaves as a sign that summer is near. The word captures the visible transformation of the tree, signaling a change in season through delicate, emerging life.
The term likely derives from an uncertain root, but its meaning is clear in context. It conveys more than just softness; it implies a state of readiness and imminent fruitfulness. Translators typically render it as "tender" or "soft," preserving the sense of gentle, newly formed texture that marks the approach of warmth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hapalos describes something soft, delicate, or full of life, like a fresh plant shoot. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this image to help us notice the signs around us. When a fig branch becomes tender and leaves appear, it is not just a botanical detail; it is a clear signal that summer is near.
For your faith, this reminds you to be attentive to the seasons of life. Just as the tree shows its readiness through gentle new growth, God often gives us subtle cues about what is coming next. You do not need to force understanding or worry about the unknown. Instead, look for the tender signs of His timing and trust that He is bringing warmth and fruitfulness in due time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tender2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁπαλὸς2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:32
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near.
Jesus uses this specific term to illustrate how visible, delicate changes in nature serve as reliable indicators of a greater seasonal shift.
-
Mark 13:28
“Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near;
This parallel account reinforces the idea that recognizing tender growth is a simple lesson in spiritual discernment for all followers.