Luke 17:30

KJV

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even {G2596} thus {G5024} shall it be {G2071} in the day {G3739}{G2250} when the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is revealed {G601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That is how it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

Berean Standard Bible

It will be just like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

American Standard Version

after the same manner shall it be in the day that the Son of man is revealed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:30 serves as a climactic declaration within Jesus's discourse on the coming of the Kingdom of God and His own return, emphasizing the sudden, decisive, and universally manifest nature of the Son of Man's revelation. Drawing parallels to the unexpected judgments in the days of Noah and Lot, this verse underscores that Christ's second advent will be an unmistakable, world-altering event, demanding constant spiritual vigilance and readiness from all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 17:30 concludes a significant section (Luke 17:20-37) where Jesus addresses the timing and nature of the Kingdom of God's arrival and His own future advent. Beginning with a correction to the Pharisees' misconception about the Kingdom's visible manifestation (Luke 17:20-21), Jesus then turns to His disciples, warning them against false messiahs and emphasizing the sudden, unmistakable nature of His return (Luke 17:22-25). The immediate verses leading up to Luke 17:30 (Luke 17:26-29) provide vivid **Analogies** to the days of Noah and Lot, where people were engrossed in ordinary life—eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, building—until sudden, overwhelming judgment arrived. Luke 17:30 acts as the summary statement for these parallels, directly linking the unexpectedness and decisiveness of those past events to the future "day when the Son of man is revealed." The subsequent verses (Luke 17:31-37) further elaborate on the urgency and separation that will characterize that day, urging disciples not to cling to worldly possessions but to be prepared for immediate departure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "day" of divine intervention, often referred to as "the Day of the Lord," was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 13:9](/isaiah/13-9 "Isaiah 13:9 - The Day of the Lord"), [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - Day of the Lord is Near")). This "day" was understood as a time of both judgment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous. The title "Son of Man" (Aramaic: _bar 'enash_, Greek: _ho huios tou anthrōpou_) was Jesus's most frequent self-designation, carrying profound significance. While it highlighted His humanity and solidarity with mankind, it also evoked the powerful, divine, and judging figure described in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). First-century Jewish thought was steeped in apocalyptic expectations concerning the Messiah's coming and the end of the age, often envisioning a dramatic, cataclysmic event. Jesus's teaching here both affirms the expectation of a definitive divine intervention and refines it, emphasizing its unexpected timing and the need for personal readiness, contrasting with common messianic expectations of a purely political or earthly kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader passage, contributes to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, the **Sovereignty of God and Inevitable Judgment** is paramount; just as God acted decisively in the days of Noah and Lot, so too will He intervene in history through the Son of Man. Secondly, the **Suddenness and Unexpectedness of Christ's Return** is a central warning, underscoring that the timing will be unknown to humanity, preventing last-minute repentance for the unprepared. This theme is echoed in Jesus's teaching in [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour"). Thirdly, the passage highlights the **Call to Vigilance and Readiness**, urging believers to live in constant spiritual preparedness, prioritizing eternal values over temporal concerns. This is a consistent message throughout Jesus's eschatological teachings, as seen in His exhortation to "be ready" in [Luke 12:40](/luke/12-40 "Luke 12:40 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming"). Finally, the **Revelation of the Son of Man** itself is a crucial theme, pointing to Jesus's ultimate glorification, authority, and role as the appointed judge of all humanity, a truth profoundly rooted in the prophetic vision of [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **be (Greek, _ésomai'_):** Future form of "to be," indicating the absolute certainty and inevitability of the event described. It underscores that the revelation of the Son of Man is not a possibility or a mere prediction, but a definite future reality that will undoubtedly come to pass. This certainty provides a foundational truth for the subsequent warnings and exhortations.
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** Refers to a specific, appointed period, not merely a 24-hour cycle. In eschatological contexts, such as "the Day of the Lord" or "that day," it consistently denotes a divinely appointed time of decisive intervention, judgment, and revelation. It signifies a unique and climactic moment in salvation history, distinct from ordinary time, when God's purposes will be fully unveiled and executed.
* **revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** From which we get "apocalypse," this word means "to unveil," "to uncover," or "to make manifest." It implies a dramatic, undeniable, and public disclosure. Unlike His first coming in humility and often unrecognized, the Son of Man's return will be a visible, unmistakable event, removing all doubt about His identity, authority, and purpose. It signifies a full and glorious unveiling of His true nature and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even thus shall it be":** This opening phrase serves as a direct and emphatic conclusion to the preceding analogies of Noah's flood and Lot's destruction. The Greek phrase _tautá ésomai_ ("these things shall be") powerfully asserts that the future advent of the Son of Man will mirror the suddenness, unexpectedness, and decisive finality of those historical judgments. It establishes a pattern of divine intervention that is both certain and surprising to those unprepared.
* **"in the day when the Son of man is revealed":** This clause specifies the precise nature and timing of the event. "The day" points to a divinely appointed, unique period of time, not merely a chronological marker. The "Son of Man" refers to Jesus Himself, utilizing His preferred self-designation that encapsulates both His human identity and His transcendent, divine authority as the apocalyptic judge. "Is revealed" (from _apokalýptō_) emphasizes the public, undeniable, and glorious manifestation of His person and power, contrasting sharply with His humble first advent. This revelation will leave no room for doubt or denial, marking the culmination of history and the initiation of final judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise declaration. The primary device is **Analogy**, as the verse directly concludes the **Analogies** of Noah's flood and Lot's destruction (Luke 17:26-29). By stating "Even thus shall it be," Jesus draws a direct parallel between the sudden, overwhelming, and unexpected nature of those historical judgments and the manner of His own future revelation. This serves to underscore the certainty and the surprising timing of His return. Furthermore, the phrase "Son of man" carries profound **Symbolism**, referring to Jesus's unique identity as both fully human and divinely appointed, drawing on the prophetic imagery of Daniel 7. This title encapsulates His authority as judge and king. The use of "the day" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing a specific, climactic period of divine judgment and revelation, often referred to as "the Day of the Lord" in prophetic literature. Finally, the entire discourse, culminating in this verse, serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the eschatological events to come, preparing the disciples for the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan and the final separation of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:30 stands as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, profoundly shaping our understanding of the Second Coming of Christ. Theologically, it underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to bringing His redemptive and judicial plans to their appointed climax. The "revelation of the Son of Man" signifies the full and glorious manifestation of Jesus Christ, not as the humble servant of His first advent, but as the triumphant Lord and righteous Judge. This event will be a universal, undeniable display of divine power and authority, confirming His identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning His return. It highlights the twin themes of judgment for the unrepentant and vindication for the faithful, emphasizing that human history is moving towards a definitive, divine conclusion where all will be held accountable. The verse thus serves as a powerful call to live in light of eternity, recognizing the certainty of Christ's return and the need for ongoing spiritual preparedness.

* [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - The Unknown Day and Hour")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:30 serves as a profound and urgent call to introspection for every believer. The startling comparison to the days of Noah and Lot forces us to confront the reality that life's ordinary routines can blind us to impending spiritual realities. Are we so engrossed in "eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building" that we neglect the eternal? This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our lives are not merely consumed by temporal pursuits but are lived with a conscious awareness of Christ's certain return. It's a reminder that genuine faith isn't just intellectual assent but a transformative way of living that prioritizes spiritual readiness. Our preparedness isn't about knowing the exact timing, which Jesus explicitly states is unknown, but about cultivating a deep, abiding relationship with Him, living obediently, and faithfully stewarding the time and resources He has given us. This verse urges us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the certainty of Christ's glorious revelation to shape our daily choices, our values, and our ultimate hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my daily routines and worldly pursuits be distracting me from spiritual vigilance?**
* **How does the "suddenness" of the Son of Man's revelation impact my sense of urgency regarding my faith and witness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual readiness and eternal perspective in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "Son of Man" mean in the context of Luke 17:30?**

Answer: In Luke 17:30, "Son of Man" is Jesus's primary self-designation, carrying profound significance. It refers to Himself, emphasizing both His true humanity and His ultimate divine authority. This title connects Jesus directly to the prophetic figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), who comes with the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. Therefore, when Jesus speaks of the "day when the Son of Man is revealed," He is speaking of His glorious, public, and undeniable return as the sovereign King and righteous Judge, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and bringing about the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It signifies His full manifestation in power and glory, in stark contrast to His first, humble advent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:30, with its declaration of the "day when the Son of man is revealed," points directly to the glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan centered on Jesus Christ. While His first coming was in humility, as the suffering servant who came to [seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"), His second coming, the "revelation" spoken of here, will be a majestic unveiling of His full divine glory and authority. This future event fulfills countless Old Testament prophecies that speak of a coming King and Judge, such as the vision in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"). The Son of Man, who [humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation"), will be the same one who is [exalted to the highest place and given the name that is above every name](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). His revelation will be the ultimate demonstration of His victory over sin and death, a moment when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Confession of Christ's Lordship"). This future revelation is not merely a historical event but the very hope of the church, confirming that the Jesus who [ascended into heaven will come back in the same way](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Ascension and Return"). It is the day when His reign will be fully established, justice will be perfectly administered, and His redeemed people will be gathered to Him forever, realizing the promise of [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Luke 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.