Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

When {G3752} ye therefore {G3767} shall see {G1492} the abomination {G946} of desolation {G2050}, spoken of {G4483} by {G1223} Daniel {G1158} the prophet {G4396}, stand {G2476}{G2476} in {G1722} the holy {G40} place {G5117},(whoso readeth {G314}, let him understand {G3539}:)

"So when you see the abomination that causes devastation spoken about through the prophet Dani'el standing in the Holy Place" (let the reader understand the allusion),

So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

When 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),

Commentary

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus delivers a crucial prophetic warning as part of His extensive discourse on the signs of His coming and the end of the age. This verse specifically points to a future event that will signify the onset of intense tribulation.

Context

This verse is embedded within the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), where Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs preceding His return. After predicting the Temple's downfall (Matthew 24:2), Jesus transitions to discussing broader eschatological events. Verse 15 serves as a pivotal marker, indicating a specific, unmistakable sign that observant believers should recognize.

Historical and Prophetic Significance

The phrase "abomination of desolation" is a direct reference to the prophecies found in the Old Testament book of Daniel. Specifically, it echoes passages like Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, and Daniel 12:11. Historically, a partial fulfillment or type of this event occurred in 167 BC when Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king, desecrated the Jewish Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and erecting an idol of Zeus. However, Jesus's use of this phrase, particularly in the context of His future return, indicates a more profound and ultimate fulfillment yet to come.

The "holy place" most likely refers to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, or perhaps a rebuilt Temple, where this detestable act will occur. The parenthetical remark, "(whoso readeth, let him understand:)", emphasizes the importance of discernment and careful attention to Daniel's prophecies for those living in the end times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prophetic Warning: Jesus provides a clear, unmistakable sign for His followers to recognize the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The fulfillment of ancient prophecies demonstrates God's control over history and future events.
  • Call to Discernment: The phrase "whoso readeth, let him understand" underscores the need for spiritual insight and careful study of Scripture to interpret end-time events correctly.
  • Antichrist's Role: Many commentators believe this "abomination" will be an act committed by the "man of sin" or Antichrist, who will desecrate a future Temple and demand worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "abomination of desolation" is bdelygma eremoseos (βδέλυγμα ἐρημώσεως). Bdelygma means "an abomination," referring to something detestable, disgusting, or idolatrous, particularly in a religious sense. Eremoseos means "of desolation" or "of ruin," indicating that this act will lead to devastation or spiritual abandonment. Together, it signifies a detestable act that causes utter ruin, likely spiritual and perhaps physical, within a holy context.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 24:15 serves as a call to spiritual preparedness and alertness. It encourages us to:

  • Study Prophecy: Understand biblical prophecy not out of fear, but to be informed and discerning about world events through a biblical lens.
  • Live Watchfully: While we do not know the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36), Jesus urges His followers to be ready and watchful for the signs He foretold.
  • Stand Firm in Faith: Knowing that such intense events are prophesied should strengthen our resolve to remain faithful amidst growing spiritual deception and challenges.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

  • Daniel 12:11

    And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

  • Luke 21:20

    And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

  • Daniel 11:31

    And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

  • Revelation 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

  • Luke 19:43

    For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
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