Good morning,
There was a time when I questioned how "the experts" interpreted verse 32 as prophetic words that indicated the rebirth of Israel. I knew the prophecy in Ezekiel 36: 24-38 stated that the LORD would gather the Jews from among the nations and return them to the land HE had promised to their ancestors. Also, Ezekiel prophesying to the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 was about the return of the Jews to their ancestral lands and be a country again. However, I could not relate this to a fig tree. I decided that if I could find any other scriptures relating Israel to figs in the Bible, I could accept this as a true translation. I did find some scriptures relating them to the fig tree or as figs. Also, the fig tree is native to Israel and the Middle East, and the fig tree’s huge leaves fall away with winter and slowly begin budding forth in spring time. Jesus taught that when the fig tree buds, one knows that summer is approaching, and its fruit will be ripe for picking. The fig is a seasonal reminder that God’s judgment does not tarry. Now, I was at peace with the interpretation of verse 32 of Matthew and Luke 21: 29-31. Notice in both scripture references it says that the generation that sees this prophecy come to pass will not pass away until all things prophesied will be fulfilled.
Matthew 24:32-36 (KJV)
(also found in Luke 21: 29-32)
32. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh;
(the fig tree is symbolic of Israel)
33. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my FATHER only.
Generation has several meanings. It is the Greek word genea (ghen eh ah'). It can mean age, nation, time. In Matthew 24: 34, it means a multitude of people living at the same time.
Parable is the Greek word parabole (par ab ol ay') and the meaning in this verse is a comparing; comparing one thing with another in order to illustrate; a thing serving as a figure for something else. The fig tree is Israel.
Joel 1: 6-7 (KJV)
(Other times in the Bible that Israel is compared to a fig tree or figs.)
6. For a nation is come up upon MY land (Israel), strong and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
7. He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
Jeremiah 29: 16-17 (KJV)
16. Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;
17.Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.