Matthew 24:16

KJV

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} let them which be in {G1722} Judaea {G2449} flee {G5343} into {G1909} the mountains {G3735}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"that will be the time for those in Y'hudah to escape to the hills.

Berean Standard Bible

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

American Standard Version

then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:16, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivers a direct and urgent command to those in Judaea: upon witnessing specific prophetic signs, they must immediately flee to the mountains. This instruction underscores the critical necessity of swift, decisive action in the face of impending, severe tribulation, highlighting God's provision of a clear warning and a path to physical refuge for His people during a time of unparalleled danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:16 is an integral part of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24-25). This discourse is a direct response to the disciples' questions concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs of Jesus' coming and the end of the age. Specifically, verse 16 follows immediately after Jesus' solemn warning about the "abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet," standing in the holy place ([Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")). The command to "flee" is therefore a direct, practical instruction for immediate response once this profound desecration or sign is observed, emphasizing the extreme urgency and danger of the situation. It transitions from prophetic warning to practical imperative, setting the stage for further descriptions of the great tribulation that will follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Many scholars and early Christian traditions interpret Matthew 24:16 as having a primary fulfillment in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Jewish historian Josephus records that Christians in Jerusalem, recalling Jesus' words, fled to Pella, a city in the Decapolis region east of the Jordan River, before the final, devastating siege by Roman armies under Titus. This act of obedience saved them from the horrific famine, slaughter, and destruction that ensued. In this context, the "abomination of desolation" is often understood as the Roman armies, with their idolatrous standards and ensigns, surrounding and ultimately desecrating the holy city and Temple. Culturally, "the mountains" served as traditional places of refuge and safety throughout biblical history, offering natural barriers and hiding places from invading armies or societal collapse, as seen in numerous Old Testament narratives. The parallel account in [Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Luke 21:20-21 - Warning to Flee Jerusalem") explicitly states, "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:16 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Urgency and Preparedness**, emphasizing that when divine warnings are given, immediate and decisive action is required without hesitation. The nature of the impending judgment demands swift response. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Warning and Providence**, demonstrating that God, in His mercy, provides clear signs and instructions to His people, enabling them to discern the times and escape impending catastrophe. This reflects His protective care even amidst severe tribulation. Thirdly, the command to flee to the "mountains" symbolizes **Refuge and Safety**, pointing to God's provision of a physical sanctuary for His faithful during times of overwhelming danger. This theme resonates with the broader biblical concept of God as a [refuge and strength for His people](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), even when that refuge is found in natural, earthly means directed by divine instruction. The passage also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Discernment**, as followers must accurately identify the "abomination" to know when to act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Then (Greek, _tóte'_):** This adverb denotes a specific point in time, indicating a consequential and immediate temporal relationship to the preceding event. It signifies "at that time" or "at the moment that," emphasizing that the action of fleeing is to commence *immediately* after the "abomination of desolation" is observed, not before or with delay. It establishes the critical timing for the command.
* **Judaea (Greek, _Ioudaía'_):** Referring to the specific geographical region of Palestine, this word precisely identifies the target audience and location of Jesus' warning. It is the land of the Jews, centered around Jerusalem, indicating that the immediate impact of the impending tribulation would be felt most acutely by those residing within this particular territory. This specificity highlights the localized nature of the initial fulfillment.
* **flee (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This verb signifies a rapid escape, flight, or taking refuge. It conveys a sense of urgency and the necessity of a hurried departure, implying that there should be no hesitation, no stopping to gather possessions, and no looking back. The action is one of immediate self-preservation, shunning the impending danger.
* **mountains (Greek, _óros'_):** This noun refers to elevated landforms, specifically mountains or hills. In this context, they represent natural sanctuaries and traditional places of refuge. Historically and culturally, mountains provided strategic hiding places and defensive positions during times of invasion or conflict. Jesus' instruction directs His followers to these natural strongholds as a means of physical escape and safety from the coming desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then let them which be in Judaea":** This clause establishes the specific timing and target audience for the command. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) links this action directly to the preceding sign of the "abomination of desolation," indicating that the command becomes operative *at that precise moment*. The phrase "them which be in Judaea" (G1722, _en_ G2449, _Ioudaía_) specifies the geographical location, making the instruction highly localized and urgent for those residing within this particular region, particularly Jerusalem and its environs. It is a direct address to those who will witness the initial stages of the impending catastrophe.
* **"flee into the mountains":** This is the imperative command, detailing the necessary action and destination. "Flee" (G5343, _pheúgō_) conveys the extreme urgency and necessity of rapid, unhesitating departure, implying that any delay would be fatal. The destination, "into the mountains" (G1909, _epí_ G3735, _óros_), specifies the direction of escape and the type of refuge to be sought. The mountains, by their very nature, offered natural protection, concealment, and distance from the besieged city, serving as a practical sanctuary from the coming destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood** ("let them... flee"), which functions as a direct, authoritative command from Jesus, demanding immediate and unquestioning obedience. This grammatical mood underscores the critical nature of the instruction and the dire consequences of inaction. **Symbolism** is also present in the "mountains," which serve as a symbolic representation of refuge and safety. Throughout biblical narrative, mountains are often depicted as places of divine encounter, protection, and escape from danger, reinforcing their role as a sanctuary. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this specific historical warning for Jerusalem in 70 AD also serves as a prophetic type, foreshadowing future periods of tribulation and the necessity for believers to seek spiritual refuge and discernment in the end times. The stark contrast between the impending destruction and the prescribed flight creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples, who initially marveled at the Temple's grandeur, are now instructed to abandon the city it defines.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:16 is rich with theological implications, extending beyond its immediate historical fulfillment. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign knowledge of future events and His merciful provision for His people. The command to flee highlights the principle of divine warning, where God, through His prophets and ultimately His Son, alerts humanity to impending judgment, offering a pathway to escape for those who heed His voice. This passage underscores human responsibility to discern the signs of the times and to respond with immediate obedience, trusting in God's guidance for preservation. It also speaks to the nature of tribulation, affirming that while God allows periods of intense suffering, He often provides a means of physical or spiritual refuge for His faithful, demonstrating His unwavering care even amidst chaos. The flight to the mountains, while a physical act, also points to a deeper spiritual truth: finding ultimate refuge in God Himself.

* [Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Luke 21:20-21 - Warning to Flee Jerusalem")
* [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - The Abomination of Desolation Prophecy")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Matthew 24:16 had a specific historical context in the destruction of Jerusalem, its enduring message resonates deeply with believers today, calling us to a posture of spiritual vigilance and responsive obedience. The command to "flee" reminds us that there are times when God's guidance requires decisive, even radical, action for our spiritual and sometimes physical preservation. This involves cultivating a spirit of discernment, being attuned to the "signs of the times" not merely in geopolitical events, but primarily in the spiritual climate and the clear teachings of Scripture. It challenges us to prioritize God's warnings over worldly comforts or attachments, recognizing that true safety is found in obedience to His voice. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to view God as our ultimate refuge, a secure haven in every storm, prompting us to "flee" to Him for protection, wisdom, and peace amidst the uncertainties and tribulations of life, both personal and global.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the urgency of Jesus' command to "flee" challenge my own tendency to delay or rationalize obedience to God's clear instructions?**
* **In what ways might I be called to "flee" from spiritual dangers or worldly entanglements in my life today, and what "mountains" (spiritual refuges) does God provide?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of discernment to recognize God's warnings and signs, both in Scripture and in the world around me?**
* **What does it mean to make God my ultimate "refuge" when facing personal crises or broader societal anxieties, drawing strength from passages like [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")?**

### FAQ
**Was Matthew 24:16 fulfilled in 70 AD, or does it point to a future event?**

Answer: Matthew 24:16 is widely understood by scholars to have a dual fulfillment. Its primary and immediate fulfillment occurred with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Historical accounts, such as those by Josephus, confirm that many early Christians in Jerusalem, heeding Jesus' warning, fled to the city of Pella before the Roman siege, thus escaping the horrific devastation. In this context, the "abomination of desolation" (mentioned in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")) is often interpreted as the Roman armies with their idolatrous standards surrounding and eventually desecrating the holy city. However, the Olivet Discourse, as a whole, also contains elements that point to a future, eschatological fulfillment related to the end times and the second coming of Christ. Therefore, while the historical event in 70 AD serves as a significant precedent and partial fulfillment, many believe the prophecy also foreshadows a future, global "great tribulation" (as described in [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")) that will necessitate a spiritual "fleeing" or seeking refuge in Christ.

**What is the "abomination of desolation" that precedes the command to flee in Matthew 24:15?**

Answer: The "abomination of desolation" is a phrase rooted in the Old Testament, specifically the book of Daniel ([Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - Daniel's Prophecy of the Abomination"), [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination That Causes Desolation"), [Daniel 12:11](/daniel/12-11 "Daniel 12:11 - The Abomination of Desolation")). In its historical context, it referred to Antiochus IV Epiphanes' desecration of the Jewish Temple in 167 BC, when he sacrificed a pig on the altar and erected an idol to Zeus. In Matthew 24:15, Jesus recontextualizes this prophecy. For the 70 AD fulfillment, it is commonly understood to refer to the Roman armies, with their pagan standards and idolatrous practices, surrounding and eventually entering the holy precincts of Jerusalem and the Temple, thus desecrating the holy place. The phrase signifies an act of extreme sacrilege and desecration that signals the onset of severe judgment. Theologically, it also points to a future, ultimate "abomination" that will occur in the end times, often associated with the Antichrist, as described in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 24:16 provides a specific, practical command for physical flight during a historical tribulation, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus Himself being the ultimate refuge and deliverer for His people from the greater tribulation of sin and divine wrath. The physical act of fleeing to the mountains foreshadows the spiritual imperative to "flee" to Christ for salvation. Just as the mountains offered a temporary physical sanctuary, Jesus offers an eternal spiritual sanctuary, a secure dwelling place for all who believe. He is the one who delivers us from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers Us from Wrath")), the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing an escape not merely from physical destruction but from eternal condemnation. Our lives are now [hidden with Christ in God](/colossians/3-3-4 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Our Life Hidden with Christ"), making Him our unshakeable fortress and our ever-present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")). The call to flee to the mountains, therefore, serves as a powerful type and shadow, pointing to the essential truth that our ultimate safety and salvation are found only in running to Jesus, the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith"), who promises that [no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life").

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

Genesis 19:15

¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Genesis 19:17

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Luke 21:21

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Exodus 9:20

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Exodus 9:21

And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.