Matthew 24:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} as {G5618} the lightning {G796} cometh {G1831} out of {G575} the east {G395}, and {G2532} shineth {G5316} even unto {G2193} the west {G1424}; so {G3779} shall {G2071} also {G2532} the coming {G3952} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be {G2071}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when the Son of Man does come, it will be like lightning that flashes out of the east and fills the sky to the western horizon.

Berean Standard Bible

For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

American Standard Version

For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:27, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, vividly portrays the unmistakable and universally visible nature of His Second Coming. Through the striking analogy of lightning, Jesus counters prevailing deceptions regarding a secret or localized return, assuring His disciples that His advent will be a sudden, glorious, and undeniable global event, manifest to all. This verse serves as both a warning against false messianic claims and a profound assurance of the authentic, sovereign return of the Son of Man.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives, recorded in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - Jesus' Prophecy on the Mount of Olives"), and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End"). The disciples had initiated this discussion by asking about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of Jesus' "coming" (parousia) and the "end of the age" ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). Immediately preceding [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man"), Jesus issues stern warnings against false Christs and false prophets who will attempt to deceive people by claiming His presence in remote or hidden places ([Matthew 24:23-26](/matthew/24-23-26 "Matthew 24:23-26 - Warnings Against False Christs")). Verse 27 directly refutes these deceptions by emphasizing the sheer, undeniable visibility and suddenness of His true return, making it impossible to miss or misinterpret.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a hotbed of messianic expectation, often fueled by political oppression and a longing for liberation. Many false messiahs had emerged, and more were anticipated, promising deliverance or claiming secret divine revelations. The Jewish people were familiar with prophetic imagery, including divine manifestations often accompanied by natural phenomena like lightning or thunder, signifying God's power and presence (e.g., [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Appearance at Sinai")). The geographical reference to "east" and "west" would have been readily understood as encompassing the entire known world, emphasizing universality. The concept of a sudden, decisive divine intervention was also deeply ingrained in their eschatological hopes, often associated with a day of judgment or the establishment of God's kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Olivet Discourse and Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty** as the Son of Man, whose return will be a cosmic, undeniable event, not a clandestine one. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **discernment and vigilance**, warning against the pervasive nature of deception in the last days and urging believers to not be led astray by sensational claims. Thirdly, it highlights the **universal scope of God's redemptive plan and judgment**, as Christ's return will be witnessed by "every eye" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")). Finally, the analogy of lightning emphasizes the **suddenness and unexpectedness** of the parousia, calling for continuous spiritual preparedness rather than attempts to predict or pinpoint the exact timing, a point Jesus reiterates in [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lightning (Greek, _astrapḗ'_):** From G796, denoting a flash of light, brightness, or brilliance. In this context, it perfectly captures the sudden, intense, and widespread illumination that accompanies a lightning strike. It signifies an event that is instantaneous, powerful, and impossible to ignore, illuminating the entire sky from one horizon to the other.
* **coming (Greek, _parousía'_):** From G3952, meaning "a being near," "advent," or "presence." In the New Testament, _parousía_ frequently refers to the official arrival or presence of a dignitary, king, or general. It implies not merely a sudden appearance but a definitive, authoritative, and public manifestation of Christ's regal presence, often associated with His return to punish Jerusalem or, more broadly, to establish His final kingdom and judge the wicked.
* **Son of man (Greek, _huiós ánthrōpos'_):** From G5207 (_huiós_, "son") and G444 (_ánthrōpos_, "human being" or "man"). This is Jesus' preferred self-designation, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where a "son of man" figure comes with the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. It combines both His humanity and His divine, authoritative role as the eschatological judge and ruler, emphasizing His unique identity as the one who will return in power and great glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west;":** This clause sets up the profound simile, drawing on a common, undeniable natural phenomenon. Lightning, by its very nature, is a sudden, brilliant flash that originates from one point (often perceived as "out of the east" where storms frequently gather and move) and illuminates the entire expanse of the sky, "shining even unto the west." It is universally visible across a vast region, requiring no announcement or pointer. The imagery conveys instantaneousness, immense power, and undeniable visibility.
* **"so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.":** This clause directly applies the lightning analogy to the Second Coming of Jesus. Just as lightning is globally visible and sudden, so too will be the _parousía_ of the Son of Man. This refutes any notion of a secret, localized, or gradual return. It emphasizes that Christ's return will be a public, cosmic event, witnessed by all humanity, leaving no room for doubt or deception. His arrival will be a definitive, authoritative manifestation of His glorious presence, marking the culmination of history and the establishment of His eternal reign.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:27 primarily employs a powerful **Simile** (or **Analogy**), comparing the coming of the Son of Man to the visible and sudden nature of lightning. This simile is highly effective because lightning is a universally understood phenomenon, immediately conveying the qualities of speed, brilliance, and widespread visibility. The use of **Hyperbole** is also present in the implied scope of "east... unto the west," suggesting a global, all-encompassing visibility that transcends geographical limitations. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** in the lightning itself, which often symbolizes divine power, judgment, and the sudden manifestation of God's presence in biblical literature (e.g., [Psalm 77:18](/psalm/77-18 "Psalm 77:18 - God's Thunder and Lightning")). The phrase "Son of Man" is also a significant **Title** with rich theological implications, connecting Jesus to the eschatological figure in Daniel's prophecy, emphasizing His authority and future reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:27 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of Christ's Second Coming, emphasizing its universal visibility and suddenness as a direct counter to any deceptive claims of a secret or hidden return. Theologically, it underscores the sovereign power and majesty of Jesus, who will return not as a humble servant, but as the glorious Son of Man, the rightful King and Judge. This public and undeniable advent will mark the climax of redemptive history, bringing about the final judgment and the full establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The verse also highlights the importance of vigilance and spiritual readiness, as the timing of this glorious event will be unexpected, much like a flash of lightning.

* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")
* [Luke 17:24](/luke/17-24 "Luke 17:24 - The Son of Man's Day Like Lightning")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Rapture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:27 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world often filled with sensational prophecies, conspiracy theories, and various claims about the end times, Jesus' words provide a firm anchor. We are reassured that His return will not be a secret event that we might miss, nor will it require special discernment or a journey to a specific location. Instead, it will be a globally witnessed, unmistakable, and glorious manifestation of His power and authority. This truth liberates us from anxiety about being deceived by false messiahs or secret rapture teachings. Practically, this verse calls us to live lives of constant spiritual readiness and faithfulness, rather than obsessing over signs or dates. Our focus should be on living out the Great Commission, loving God and neighbor, and growing in Christlikeness, knowing that when He comes, it will be undeniably clear to all. We are to be found faithfully serving, watching, and waiting with eager anticipation for the glorious appearing of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of lightning challenge modern misconceptions about the Second Coming of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live in a state of spiritual readiness, rather than anxiety or speculation, in light of this verse?**
* **How does Jesus' emphasis on the universal visibility of His return impact my understanding of His sovereignty and ultimate triumph?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse contradict the idea of a "secret rapture" where believers are taken away before the world sees Christ?**

Answer: Yes, Matthew 24:27, along with other New Testament passages, strongly contradicts the notion of a secret rapture. Jesus explicitly states that His coming will be as universally visible and unmistakable as lightning flashing across the sky from east to west. This imagery leaves no room for a hidden or secretive event witnessed only by a select few. Other passages like [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him") state, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him." Similarly, [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Rapture") describes the Lord's descent with a "shout," "voice of the archangel," and "trump of God," indicating a public and audible event, not a silent, unseen one. The "rapture" (the catching up of believers) described in 1 Thessalonians is part of this glorious, visible return, not a separate, secret event preceding it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:27 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the promised Son of Man, the Messiah whose first coming inaugurated God's kingdom and whose second coming will bring it to glorious consummation. The "coming of the Son of Man" is not merely an event but the very manifestation of Christ's kingly reign and judicial authority. His first advent, though humble and often unrecognized by the world, laid the foundation for salvation through His atoning death and resurrection ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His second advent, described here with cosmic grandeur, will be the public vindication of His claims and the glorious unveiling of His full power as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Just as lightning reveals the vastness of the sky, so Christ's return will reveal His universal dominion, bringing judgment to His enemies and eternal redemption to His elect ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). This visible and sudden return assures believers that the one who died for them will return to gather them to Himself forever, completing the work of salvation and establishing His eternal kingdom in unparalleled glory ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return")).

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

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.

Luke 17:37

And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body [is], thither will the eagles be gathered together.

James 5:8

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

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:

2 Peter 3:4

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.

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.

Job 37:3

He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.