Matthew24
King James Version · Public Domain
1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2And Jesus 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 upon 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 deceive you.
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must 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 pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25Behold, I have told you before.
26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun 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 in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31And he shall send 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 learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and 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