Luke 17:24

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one [part] under heaven, shineth unto the other [part] under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

For {G1063} as {G5618} the lightning {G796}, that lighteneth {G797} out of {G1537} the one part under {G5259} heaven {G3772}, shineth {G2989} unto {G1519} the other part under {G5259} heaven {G3772}; so {G3779} shall also {G2532} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be {G2071} in {G1722} his {G846} day {G2250}.

because the Son of Man in his day will be like lightning that flashes and lights up the sky from one horizon to the other.

For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day.

for as the lightning, when it lighteneth out of the one part under the heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in his day.

Luke 17:24 KJV Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse to His disciples concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God and the day of the Son of Man. The preceding verses (Luke 17:20-23) address questions about when the Kingdom would appear and warn against those who might claim Christ is in a secret or hidden place. Jesus emphasizes that His true arrival will not be a localized or whispered event, setting the stage for the vivid comparison in verse 24.

Key Themes

  • Universal Visibility: The primary message is that the return of the Son of Man will be unmistakably clear and visible to everyone, just as lightning illuminates the entire sky from horizon to horizon. There will be no need for anyone to announce it or point it out.
  • Suddenness and Unexpectedness: Lightning strikes suddenly and without prolonged warning, highlighting the unexpected and swift nature of Christ's return. While it will be visible, its onset will be immediate.
  • The Son of Man: Jesus frequently uses this title for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13, where it refers to a divine, authoritative, and judicial figure. In this context, it emphasizes His glorious and authoritative return to judge and reign.
  • "His Day": This phrase points to a specific, appointed time for this grand event, often referred to in biblical prophecy as the "Day of the Lord" or the "Day of Christ," signifying a time of divine intervention and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "lightning" is astrapē (ἀστραπή), which conveys the idea of a flash, a brilliant light, or a sudden, intense glow. This word choice powerfully illustrates the instantaneous and undeniable nature of the event being described. The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: huios tou anthrōpou) is a profound messianic title that Jesus used to identify Himself, connecting His earthly humanity with His divine authority and future glory.

Practical Application

Luke 17:24 provides crucial guidance for believers awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ:

  • Be Prepared, Not Deceived: Since His return will be universally visible and sudden, believers should not be misled by false prophets or rumors claiming Christ is in a secret location. Our focus should be on spiritual readiness, not on seeking hidden signs.
  • Live Expectantly: The certainty and visibility of His return call believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, reflecting His character and spreading His message.
  • A Global Event: This verse confirms that Christ's return will be a global, undeniable phenomenon, visible to all inhabitants of the earth, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 24:27

    For 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.

  • Malachi 4:1

    ¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

  • Matthew 24:30

    And 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.

  • Zechariah 9:14

    And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

  • Malachi 3:1

    ¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

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