Matthew 24:29

KJV

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

KJV (with Strong's)

Immediately {G1161}{G2112} after {G3326} the tribulation {G2347} of those {G1565} days {G2250} shall the sun {G2246} be darkened {G4654}, and {G2532} the moon {G4582} shall {G1325} not {G3756} give {G1325} her {G846} light {G5338}, and {G2532} the stars {G792} shall fall {G4098} from {G575} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} the powers {G1411} of the heavens {G3772} shall be shaken {G4531}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"But immediately following the trouble of those times, the sun will grow dark, the moon will stop shining, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in heaven will be shaken.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’

American Standard Version

But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:29 describes the cataclysmic cosmic disturbances that will immediately follow the Great Tribulation, serving as unmistakable signs of the impending return of Jesus Christ. These dramatic celestial events—the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of stars, and the shaking of the powers of the heavens—herald the culmination of human history and the dawn of God's new age, emphasizing the suddenness and supernatural nature of Christ's second coming.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:29 is a pivotal statement within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often called the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). This prophecy, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, directly addresses their questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (cf. [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). The preceding verses ([Matthew 24:4-28](/matthew/24-4-28 "Matthew 24:4-28 - Signs of the End")) detail a period of escalating global distress, false messiahs, wars, famines, and severe persecution, culminating in the unparalleled suffering of the [Great Tribulation](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation"). Verse 29 explicitly states that the cosmic disturbances will occur "immediately after" this period of intense affliction, providing a clear chronological marker that directly precedes the glorious appearance of the [Son of Man](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, steeped in Old Testament prophetic tradition, would have recognized the imagery of cosmic disturbances as a common motif for divine judgment and the "Day of the Lord." Prophets like Isaiah ([Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Judgment")) and Joel ([Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun Darkened")) frequently employed such language to describe the collapse of earthly powers and the intervention of God in history. The "heavens" (οὐρανός, _ouranós_) in Jewish cosmology encompassed not only the physical sky but also the spiritual realm where celestial bodies and angelic hosts resided. The shaking of the "powers of the heavens" (δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν, _dynameis tōn ouranōn_) would therefore imply a profound disruption of both the natural order and the spiritual forces influencing the world, signifying an event of universal and supernatural magnitude.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:29 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and broader biblical eschatology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Eschatological Certainty and Chronology**, providing a definitive sequence of events: tribulation followed immediately by cosmic signs, leading to Christ's return. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Creation**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the cosmos, which He can disrupt at will to signal His climactic intervention. Thirdly, the imagery underscores the **Universality and Unmistakability of Christ's Return**, as these celestial phenomena will be visible to all, leaving no doubt about the imminent arrival of the [Son of Man in power and great glory](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Judgment and Redemption**, as these signs precede the final judgment of the wicked and the redemption of God's elect, a truth echoed in parallel passages like [Mark 13:24-27](/mark/13-24-27 "Mark 13:24-27 - Cosmic Signs and Gathering the Elect") and [Luke 21:25-28](/luke/21-25-28 "Luke 21:25-28 - Signs and Redemption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively); afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." In this context, it refers to a period of intense, unprecedented suffering and distress, a time of severe pressure upon humanity. The use of "the tribulation of those days" points to a specific, climactic period of affliction that precedes the cosmic signs.
* **Powers (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." When applied to "the powers of the heavens," it can refer to the celestial bodies themselves (their inherent forces or influences) or, more profoundly, to the angelic or spiritual authorities that govern or operate within the heavenly realm. The shaking of these powers signifies a disruption not merely of physical order but of the very spiritual fabric of the cosmos.
* **Shaken (Greek, _saleúō'_):** From G4531, meaning "to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite." This word conveys a sense of violent agitation, instability, and profound disturbance. When applied to the "powers of the heavens," it suggests a complete destabilization and dismantling of existing cosmic and spiritual structures, signaling a radical shift in the divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Immediately after the tribulation of those days":** This crucial phrase establishes a clear chronological marker. The cosmic disturbances are not concurrent with, but directly subsequent to, the period of intense suffering and persecution that Jesus has just described as the "great tribulation." The Greek adverb _euthéōs_ (G2112) emphasizes the swiftness and directness of this sequence, indicating no significant temporal gap between the tribulation's end and the onset of these celestial signs.
* **"shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light":** This describes a profound and unnatural cessation of light from the two primary celestial luminaries. The sun's darkening and the moon's failure to reflect light signify a universal loss of natural order and a descent into a symbolic, perhaps literal, cosmic gloom. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature, consistently associated with days of divine judgment and the collapse of established systems.
* **"and the stars shall fall from heaven":** This further intensifies the cosmic chaos. The "falling" of stars (G4098, _píptō_) implies a catastrophic dislodgment from their fixed positions, suggesting a complete breakdown of the celestial architecture. This is likely symbolic of the collapse of all earthly and heavenly powers that oppose God, or a literal astronomical event of unprecedented scale.
* **"and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken":** This climactic statement encapsulates the ultimate cosmic upheaval. As explored in the Key Word Analysis, "powers" (_dýnamis_) can refer to the inherent forces of the cosmos or to spiritual/angelic authorities. The "shaking" (_saleúō_) indicates a violent agitation and destabilization. This suggests a profound disturbance that affects not only the physical heavens but also the spiritual forces and hierarchies within them, signaling a complete reordering of all creation under God's sovereign hand.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:29 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, a genre characterized by symbolic language, visions, and dramatic descriptions of cosmic events to convey profound theological truths about the end times. The darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of stars, are not necessarily literal astronomical predictions but serve as powerful **Symbolism** for the collapse of the old world order and the ushering in of God's new kingdom. The sun and moon often symbolize established authorities or the stability of creation, while stars can represent leaders or heavenly hosts. Their disturbance signifies a universal, undeniable disruption of all that is known and stable. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the magnitude and terror of these events, portraying a cosmic catastrophe that transcends normal human experience. Furthermore, the repetitive use of "and" creates a sense of **Accumulation** or **Climax**, building a sequence of increasingly severe and unsettling signs that culminate in the shaking of the very "powers of the heavens," underscoring the ultimate, divine control over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:29 stands as a profound theological statement on the certainty and nature of God's final intervention in history. The cosmic signs described are not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated events, signaling the imminent conclusion of the present age and the glorious return of Jesus Christ. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, demonstrating that even the most stable elements of the cosmos are subject to His will and can be disrupted to serve His redemptive and judgmental purposes. It connects the Old Testament prophetic tradition of the "Day of the Lord" with the New Testament revelation of Christ's second coming, portraying a universal upheaval that will leave no doubt about the dawning of God's eternal kingdom. This dramatic imagery serves to awaken believers to vigilance and to remind the world of the ultimate accountability before a sovereign God.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Day of the Lord and Cosmic Wonders")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Upheaval")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:29 calls believers to a profound spiritual readiness and a robust eschatological hope. While the description of cosmic chaos might evoke fear, for those who are in Christ, these signs are not a cause for despair but a promise of His soon return and the ultimate redemption. The "immediately after" clause should instill a sense of urgency, prompting us to live lives of faithful obedience, evangelistic fervor, and unwavering perseverance in the face of tribulation. It reminds us that even in the darkest hours of human history, God remains on the throne, orchestrating all events according to His sovereign plan. Our response should be one of watchful anticipation, living as lights in a darkening world, and holding fast to the blessed hope of Christ's glorious appearing, knowing that these dramatic signs will be the undeniable prelude to His triumphant reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "immediately after" phrase in Matthew 24:29 shape your understanding of the timing of Christ's return relative to the Great Tribulation?**
* **What spiritual implications does the "shaking of the powers of the heavens" have for our understanding of God's ultimate authority over all realms, both physical and spiritual?**
* **In what ways should the certainty of these future cosmic signs motivate us to live more faithfully and purposefully in the present moment?**

### FAQ
**What does "the tribulation of those days" refer to?**

Answer: "The tribulation of those days" refers to the period of unprecedented suffering and distress that Jesus describes earlier in the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), specifically in [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation"). This period is often understood as the "Great Tribulation," a time of intense global persecution and affliction that will precede the cosmic signs and the return of Christ. It is characterized by severe trials, false prophets, and widespread deception, unlike any other time in history.

**Are the cosmic disturbances described in Matthew 24:29 to be understood literally or symbolically?**

Answer: Biblical scholars hold varying interpretations, but most agree that while the language is highly symbolic and apocalyptic, it points to real, discernible events. The darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of stars, are classic Old Testament prophetic images (e.g., [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Judgment") and [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Day of the Lord and Cosmic Wonders")) that signify divine judgment, the collapse of earthly powers, and a radical shift in the cosmic order. While they may not describe literal astronomical phenomena as we understand them today, they convey a profound, unmistakable, and universally visible disruption that signals the end of the age and the immediate advent of Christ. The "shaking of the powers of the heavens" further suggests a spiritual and physical upheaval of immense proportions.

**How does Matthew 24:29 relate to other New Testament passages about the end times?**

Answer: Matthew 24:29 is part of a consistent prophetic theme found throughout the New Testament. Parallel accounts are found in [Mark 13:24-25](/mark/13-24-25 "Mark 13:24-25 - Cosmic Signs in Mark") and [Luke 21:25-26](/luke/21-25-26 "Luke 21:25-26 - Cosmic Signs in Luke"), which describe similar celestial signs preceding Christ's return. The imagery also strongly resonates with the book of [Revelation](/revelation/6 "Revelation 6 - The Sixth Seal"), particularly the sixth seal ([Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal")), where similar cosmic disturbances (sun becoming black, moon like blood, stars falling) accompany the great day of God's wrath. These connections highlight a unified biblical testimony regarding the dramatic signs that will herald the end of the age and the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:29, while describing terrifying cosmic signs, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the terror itself, but in what these signs herald: the glorious return of Jesus Christ. These dramatic celestial disturbances are the unmistakable prelude to the [coming of the Son of Man on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Return of the Son of Man"). Just as the Old Testament prophets foretold a "Day of the Lord" marked by cosmic upheaval, Jesus here reveals Himself as the sovereign Lord who orchestrates these final events. His return, preceded by such cataclysmic signs, culminates His redemptive work, bringing salvation to His elect ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering the Elect")) and judgment upon those who reject Him. The shaking of the heavens signifies the dismantling of all earthly and spiritual opposition, making way for Christ's eternal kingdom, where He will reign supreme, fulfilling the promise of [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ"). Thus, Matthew 24:29 is not merely a prophecy of destruction, but a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate victory and the dawning of His righteous reign, offering profound hope to those who eagerly await their [blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope").

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

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Acts 2:19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Mark 13:24

¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,