θέρος (theros)
theros
summer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thērōs refers simply to summer, the season characterized by heat and dryness. Derived from a root meaning "to heat," it appears only three times in the New Testament, all within the Synoptic Gospels. In each instance, Jesus uses the word as part of a botanical analogy to illustrate how to recognize the arrival of a significant time.
He points to the fig tree: when its branches become tender and put forth leaves, readers know that summer is near (Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 21:30). The imagery relies on the visible signs of nature to signal an impending reality. Just as the green shoots indicate the heat of summer is approaching, these passages suggest that observable events can reveal the proximity of a greater fulfillment.
Translators consistently render thērōs as "summer," capturing its straightforward semantic range without adding metaphorical weight beyond the seasonal context. The word serves as a concrete marker in Jesus’ teaching, grounding spiritual observation in the familiar rhythm of agricultural life and the changing seasons.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word theros, meaning summer, appears in the Gospels as part of Jesus’ teaching on watching for signs. He points to a fig tree: when its branches grow tender and leaves appear, people know summer is close. This simple observation from nature becomes a picture for spiritual awareness.
In our own lives, we often look for clues that something important is happening. Just as the changing season brings warmth and growth, these verses invite us to notice the signs around us with hope rather than fear. It is a reminder that God’s promises unfold in time, and we can learn to recognize them.
This imagery grounds faith in everyday experience. You do not need special insight to see the seasons change; you only need to pay attention. In the same way, the Christian life involves learning to trust what God has already shown us, finding peace in His timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- summer2×
- summer.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θέρος2×
- θέρος.1×
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 verse to teach that visible natural signs, like a fig tree budding, signal an impending reality, encouraging believers to be spiritually attentive.
-
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 lesson that observing the clear signs of nature helps disciples understand when significant events are drawing near.
-
Luke 21:30
When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near.
Luke emphasizes personal discernment, showing how individuals can recognize the approach of summer through their own observation of budding branches.