Luke 17:26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

And {G2532} as {G2531} it was {G1096} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of Noe {G3575}, so {G3779} shall it be {G2071} also {G2532} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444}.

“Also, at the time of the Son of Man, it will be just as it was at the time of Noach.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man:

And as it came to pass in the days of Noah, even so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luke 17:26 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' discourse on the end times, drawing a direct parallel between the conditions preceding the great flood in Noah's day and the circumstances that will characterize the period just before His second coming, referred to as "the days of the Son of man." This comparison serves as a solemn warning about the unexpected nature of divine judgment and the prevailing complacency of humanity.

Context

This verse is part of a larger teaching by Jesus found in Luke 17:20-37, where He addresses questions about the coming of the Kingdom of God and the signs of His return. Jesus emphasizes that His coming will not be heralded by observable signs as some might expect, but will be sudden and unmistakable, like lightning flashing across the sky (Luke 17:24). The comparison to Noah's day, and subsequently to Lot's day in Luke 17:28, highlights the normalcy of life and the general unawareness of impending judgment among the populace.

Key Themes

  • Suddenness of Christ's Return: The primary message is that the return of the Son of Man will catch many off guard, just as the flood surprised those in Noah's time. Life will continue as usual—eating, drinking, marrying—without any widespread recognition of the imminent divine intervention.
  • Complacency and Unawareness: The world in Noah's day was engrossed in daily activities, oblivious to the coming destruction. This serves as a prophetic picture of the end times, where people will be preoccupied with worldly affairs rather than spiritual preparedness.
  • Divine Judgment: The reference to Noah's flood implicitly points to a period of global judgment. As God judged the wickedness of humanity in the past (Genesis 6:11-13), so too will there be a final judgment at the return of the Son of Man.
  • Call to Vigilance: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the underlying implication of the entire discourse is a call for believers to be watchful and spiritually prepared, living in anticipation of Christ's return.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Noe" is the KJV spelling for Noah, the patriarch who built the ark and was saved from the flood (as detailed in the book of Genesis). The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique role as the Messiah with divine authority, especially in judgment and future glory, as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14. This title underscores the majesty and authority with which He will return.

Practical Application

Luke 17:26 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to live with an awareness of Christ's potential return. It encourages a life of spiritual readiness and discernment, rather than being solely consumed by the temporal affairs of this world. Just as Noah faithfully obeyed God's command to build the ark despite the world's indifference, believers are called to live righteously and be prepared for the Lord's coming. This verse challenges us to consider our priorities: Are we living in a way that reflects our expectation of Christ's return, or are we, like those in Noah's day, so engrossed in daily life that we might be caught unaware?

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 24:37

    But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  • Matthew 24:39

    And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  • Genesis 7:7

    And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

  • Genesis 7:23

    And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [alive], and they that [were] with him in the ark.

  • 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.

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

  • 1 Peter 3:19

    By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
← Back