Matthew24
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1And Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.
2But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.
7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.
8But all these things are the beginning of travail.
9Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.
10And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.
12And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.
13But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.
15When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),
16then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains:
17let him that is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house:
18and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.
19But woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days!
20And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:
21for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
25Behold, I have told you beforehand.
26If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not.
27For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
28Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32Now 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;
33even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished.
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.
37And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
40Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:
41two women shall be grinding at the mill; one is taken, and one is left.
42Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.
43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through.
44Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47Verily I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath.
48But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth;
49and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;
50the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not,
51and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 24.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Christ foretells the destruction of the temple. (1–3). The troubles before the destruction of Jerusalem. (4–28). Christ foretells other signs and miseries, to the end of the world. (29–41). Exhortations to watchfulness. (42–51).
vv1-3
Christ foretells the utter ruin and destruction coming upon the temple. A believing foresight of the defacing of all worldly glory, will help to keep us from admiring it, and overvaluing it. The most beautiful body soon will be food for worms, and the most magnificent building a ruinous heap. See ye not all these things? It will do us good so to see them as to see through them, and see to the end of them. Our Lord having gone with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, he set before them the order of the times concerning the Jews, till the destruction of Jerusalem; and as to men in general till the end of the world.
vv4-28
The disciples had asked concerning the times, When these things should be? Christ gave them no answer to that; but they had also asked, What shall be the sign? This question he answers fully. The prophecy first respects events near at hand, the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the Jewish church and state, the calling of the Gentiles, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom in the world; but it also looks to the general judgment; and toward the close, points more particularly to the latter. What Christ here said to his disciples, tended more to promote caution than to satisfy their curiosity; more to prepare them for the events that should happen, than to give a distinct idea of the events. This is that good understanding of the times which all should covet, thence to infer what Israel ought to do. Our Saviour cautions his disciples to stand on their guard against false teachers. And he foretells wars and great commotions among nations. From the time that the Jews rejected Christ, and he left their house desolate, the sword never departed from them. See what comes of refusing the gospel. Those who will not hear the messengers of peace, shall be made to hear the messengers of war. But where the heart is fixed, trusting in God, it is kept in peace, and is not afraid. It is against the mind of Christ, that his people should have troubled hearts, even in troublous times. When we looked forward to the eternity of misery that is before the obstinate refusers of Christ and his gospel, we may truly say, The greatest earthly judgments are but the beginning of sorrows. It is comforting that some shall endure even to the end. Our Lord foretells the preaching of the gospel in all the world. The end of the world shall not be till the gospel has done its work. Christ foretells the ruin coming upon the people of the Jews; and what he said here, would be of use to his disciples, for their conduct and for their comfort. If God opens a door of escape, we ought to make our escape, otherwise we do not trust God, but tempt him. It becomes Christ's disciples, in times of public trouble, to be much in prayer: that is never out of season, but in a special manner seasonable when we are distressed on every side. Though we must take what God sends, yet we may pray against sufferings; and it is very trying to a good man, to be taken by any work of necessity from the solemn service and worship of God on the sabbath day. But here is one word of comfort, that for the elect's sake these days shall be made shorter than their enemies designed, who would have cut all off, if God, who used these foes to serve his own purpose, had not set bounds to their wrath. Christ foretells the rapid spreading of the gospel in the world. It is plainly seen as the lightning. Christ preached his gospel openly. The Romans were like an eagle, and the ensign of their armies was an eagle. When a people, by their sin, make themselves as loathsome carcasses, nothing can be expected but that God should send enemies to destroy them. It is very applicable to the day of judgment, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in that day, 2Th 2:1. Let us give diligence to make our calling and election sure; then may we know that no enemy or deceiver shall ever prevail against us.
vv29-41
Christ foretells his second coming. It is usual for prophets to speak of things as near and just at hand, to express the greatness and certainty of them. Concerning Christ's second coming, it is foretold that there shall be a great change, in order to the making all things new. Then they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds. At his first coming, he was set for a sign that should be spoken against, but at his second coming, a sign that should be admired. Sooner or later, all sinners will be mourners; but repenting sinners look to Christ, and mourn after a godly sort; and those who sow in those tears shall shortly reap in joy. Impenitent sinners shall see Him whom they have pierced, and, though they laugh now, shall mourn and weep in endless horror and despair. The elect of God are scattered abroad; there are some in all places, and all nations; but when that great gathering day comes, there shall not one of them be missing. Distance of place shall keep none out of heaven. Our Lord declares that the Jews should never cease to be a distinct people, until all things he had been predicting were fulfilled. His prophecy reaches to the day of final judgment; therefore he here, verse 34, foretells that Judah shall never cease to exist as a distinct people, so long as this world shall endure. Men of the world scheme and plan for generation upon generation here, but they plan not with reference to the overwhelming, approaching, and most certain event of Christ's second coming, which shall do away every human scheme, and set aside for ever all that God forbids. That will be as surprising a day, as the deluge to the old world. Apply this, first, to temporal judgments, particularly that which was then hastening upon the nation and people of the Jews. Secondly, to the eternal judgment. Christ here shows the state of the old world when the deluge came. They were secure and careless; they knew not, until the flood came; and they believed not. Did we know aright that all earthly things must shortly pass away, we should not set our eyes and hearts so much upon them as we do. The evil day is not the further off for men's putting it far from them. What words can more strongly describe the suddenness of our Saviour's coming! Men will be at their respective businesses, and suddenly the Lord of glory will appear. Women will be in their house employments, but in that moment every other work will be laid aside, and every heart will turn inward and say, It is the Lord! Am I prepared to meet him? Can I stand before him? And what, in fact, is the day of judgment to the whole world, but the day of death to every one?
Key Words
ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai): to issue (literally or figuratively)
ἀπό (apó): "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἱερόν (hierón): a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere)
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύομαι (poreúomai): to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.);
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μαθητής (mathētḗs): a learner, i.e. pupil
προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai): to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
ἐπιδείκνυμι (epideíknymi): to exhibit (physically or mentally)
οἰκοδομή (oikodomḗ): architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
Cross References
Matthew 24Directly referenced by Jesus as the 'abomination of desolation' predicting the temple's destruction.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel account of the great tribulation unequaled from the beginning of creation.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel description of those days being shortened for the sake of the elect.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel account of the query regarding the faithful and wise steward and his timely service.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel wording of the evil servant saying in his heart that his lord delays his coming.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct parallel for the severe judgment of being cut asunder and assigned a portion with unbelievers.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Prophetic fulfillment of Jerusalem/Zion being plowed like a field, literalizing the complete demolition.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel account in Mark regarding the abomination of desolation and warnings to flee.
Supported by JFB
Parallel account in Luke, clarifying the abomination as Jerusalem being compassed with armies.
Supported by JFB
Parallel warning against following reports of the Messiah's secret return here or there.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel comparison of the Son of Man's coming to lightning flashing across the sky.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel of the proverb concerning gathering eagles where the carcass is.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel description of cosmic signs following the tribulation of those days.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel parable of the fig tree signaling the approach of summer.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel affirmation of the eternal durability of Christ's words.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel noting that only the Father knows the day and the hour.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel drawing the comparison between the days of Noah and the Son of Man.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel exhortation to take heed, watch, and pray, because the master of the house is coming.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Explicit apostolic development of Christ's 'thief in the night' metaphor for the Day of the Lord.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Verbal echo of the day of the Lord coming unexpectedly as a thief in the night.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Jeremiah records Micah's prophecy that Zion would be plowed, matching Jesus' destruction warning.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretelling that enemies will not leave one stone upon another.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Daniel's prophecy concerning the taking away of daily sacrifice and setting up the abomination.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Old Testament prophetic source for a time of trouble unparalleled in history.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Torah warning against false prophets who perform signs to lead people astray.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Old Testament background for the Son of Man coming on the clouds.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Prophetic link to the mourning of all the tribes of the earth.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Eschatological echo of every eye seeing Him on the clouds and mourning.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel teaching on sudden eschatological separation where one is taken and another is left.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Repeats the solemn warning to watch because 'ye know neither the day nor the hour'.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Apocalyptic warning to watch, repeating the threat of Christ coming like an unexpected thief.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Blessing pronounced upon the one who watches and keeps garments, using the thief metaphor.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exact parallel of the warning concerning the goodman of the house watching for the thief.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Theological parallel of the faithful servant being made ruler over many things at his lord's return.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Daniel's prophecy of the Messiah being cut off and the temple/city being destroyed.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies the specific disciples asking privately on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple.
Supported by Matthew Poole