Matthew 24:29

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:

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}:

"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.

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.’

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

Matthew 24:29 KJV is a pivotal verse within Jesus' prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This verse describes dramatic cosmic disturbances that will immediately follow a period of intense global distress, signaling the imminent return of the Son of Man.

Context

This verse comes after Jesus has warned His disciples about false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, and the abomination of desolation, culminating in a time of unprecedented suffering known as the "great tribulation" (Matthew 24:21). Matthew 24:29 specifically states that these celestial phenomena will occur "immediately after" that tribulation, serving as clear, unmistakable signs preceding Christ's glorious return.

Key Themes

  • Eschatological Signs: The verse outlines definitive signs in the cosmos that mark the end of the age and the transition to a new era. These aren't gradual changes but sudden, cataclysmic events.
  • Cosmic Disorder: The darkening of the sun and moon, falling stars, and the shaking of the heavens signify a complete disruption of the natural order. This emphasizes the magnitude and divine nature of the events unfolding.
  • Immediacy: The phrase "Immediately after the tribulation" underscores the rapid sequence of events, ensuring that the period of intense suffering directly precedes these cosmic signs and the subsequent coming of the Son of Man.
  • Divine Sovereignty: These events are not random but are orchestrated by God, demonstrating His ultimate control over creation and history, bringing His plans to a climactic conclusion.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tribulation" is thlipsis (θλῖψις), which conveys a sense of intense pressure, affliction, or distress. The phrase "powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Greek: dynameis tōn ouranōn saleuthēsontai) is particularly impactful. Dynameis can refer to celestial bodies themselves or to angelic hosts associated with the heavens, implying a profound and universal upheaval that affects both the physical and spiritual realms.

Related Scriptures

The imagery of the sun and moon being darkened and stars falling is common in Old Testament prophetic literature, foreshadowing days of divine judgment. For instance, Isaiah 13:10 and Joel 2:31 describe similar celestial disturbances in connection with the "day of the Lord." Jesus' words here resonate with these ancient prophecies, indicating their ultimate prophetic fulfillment. Parallel accounts can be found in Mark 13:24-25 and Luke 21:25-26, and similar imagery is used in the book of Revelation 6:12-14.

Practical Application

For believers, Matthew 24:29 serves as a profound reminder of the certainty of Christ's return and the reality of biblical prophecy. It encourages vigilance and perseverance during times of trial, knowing that even the most terrifying signs are part of God's sovereign plan leading to His glorious appearance. It underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared and living in anticipation of the Lord's coming, as these signs will be unmistakable and universally visible, leaving no doubt about the imminent change of ages.

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Cross-References

  • Amos 8:9 (23 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 13:10 (19 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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

  • Acts 2:20 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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