Matthew 24:3

KJV

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as he {G846} sat {G2521} upon {G1909} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}, the disciples {G3101} came {G4334} unto him {G846} privately {G2596}{G2398}, saying {G3004}, Tell {G2036} us {G2254}, when {G4219} shall {G2071} these things {G5023} be {G2071}? and {G2532} what {G5101} shall be the sign {G4592} of thy {G4674} coming {G3952}, and {G2532} of the end {G4930} of the world {G165}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the talmidim came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that you are coming, and that the `olam hazeh is ending?"

Berean Standard Bible

While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

American Standard Version

And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:3 serves as the pivotal opening to the Olivet Discourse, capturing the disciples' profound curiosity about the future. As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the very Temple He had just prophesied would be destroyed, His closest followers approached Him privately. Their threefold inquiry—concerning the timing of the Temple's destruction, the sign of His return, and the culmination of the present age—lays the foundational questions that prompt Jesus' extensive and detailed prophetic teachings in Matthew 24 and 25, setting the stage for one of the New Testament's most significant eschatological passages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' pronouncement of judgment upon the Temple in [Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1-2 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction"), where He declares that "not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." The disciples' questions in [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions about the End Times") are a direct response to this startling prophecy, linking the destruction of the Temple to their broader understanding of the "end of the age" and Jesus' "coming." This private conversation on the Mount of Olives thus initiates the Olivet Discourse, a major block of teaching that spans [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom's Consummation"), making it a crucial transition point from Jesus' public ministry and pronouncements to His intimate, detailed eschatological instruction for His disciples.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mount of Olives, situated directly east of Jerusalem, offered a panoramic view of the Temple complex. This location was highly symbolic, associated with prophetic events in the Old Testament, such as [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Feet on the Mount of Olives"), which speaks of the Lord's return to this very spot. For the disciples, the Temple was not merely a building but the very center of Jewish religious and national identity, a symbol of God's presence among His people. Its predicted destruction would have been an unimaginable catastrophe, deeply intertwined with their understanding of messianic expectation and the culmination of history. Their questions reflect common Jewish apocalyptic expectations of the time, anticipating a dramatic end to the current age and the glorious establishment of God's kingdom, often accompanied by the Messiah's visible advent.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:3 introduces several key themes central to the Olivet Discourse and biblical prophecy as a whole. Firstly, it highlights the **Disciples' Eschatological Curiosity**, demonstrating their earnest desire to understand God's plan for the future, particularly concerning the timing and nature of significant prophetic events. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Imminence of Judgment and Transition**, linking the specific, near-term destruction of the Temple to the broader, cosmic "end of the age." This dual focus on immediate historical events and ultimate eschatological fulfillment is crucial. Thirdly, it establishes the **Anticipation of Christ's Second Coming**, as the disciples inquire about the "sign of thy coming," using the Greek term _parousia_, which denotes a royal advent and presence. This theme of Christ's glorious return is central to Christian hope and eschatology, as seen later in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return and the Rapture"). Finally, the verse introduces the concept of the **Consummation of the Age**, referring to the culmination of the present historical and spiritual epoch, leading to the full establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This is not merely the end of the physical world but the conclusion of a specific era of human history under particular spiritual conditions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **coming (Greek, _parousía'_):** (G3952) From the present participle of _páreimi_ (to be near), _parousía_ literally means "a being near," "advent," or "presence." In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the glorious return of Christ, implying not just His arrival but also a subsequent period of His presence. It denotes a royal or official visit, emphasizing the authority and majesty of the one who arrives.
* **end (Greek, _syntéleia'_):** (G4930) Derived from _sunteleó_ (to complete or finish), _syntéleia_ signifies "entire completion," "consummation," or "close." It refers to the final act or conclusion of a specific period or dispensation, rather than a mere cessation. It implies the bringing to fruition or full realization of something, often with a sense of finality and purpose.
* **world (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** (G165) From the same root as _aeí_ (always), _aiṓn_ properly means "an age" or "a period of time." By extension, it can refer to perpetuity or, by implication, the "world" as a system or epoch. In Jewish thought, it often denoted a Messianic period, either present or future. Therefore, "end of the world" (as in KJV) is more accurately understood as "end of the age," referring to the consummation of the current era of human history and redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives,"**: This clause establishes the setting for the discourse. Jesus' posture of sitting indicates a teaching moment, while the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and the Temple, provides a poignant backdrop for the prophetic pronouncements that follow, connecting the physical location to the spiritual and eschatological themes.
* **"the disciples came unto him privately, saying,"**: This highlights the intimate and exclusive nature of the conversation. The disciples' private approach suggests their earnestness and the sensitive nature of their questions, which Jesus then addresses in detail, revealing truths not yet fully understood by the broader public.
* **"Tell us, when shall these things be?"**: This is the disciples' first question, directly referencing Jesus' preceding prophecy about the destruction of the Temple. They are seeking a timeline for this momentous event, which was deeply significant for Jewish identity and worship.
* **"and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming,"**: The second question shifts focus from the Temple's destruction to Jesus' own return, or _parousia_. The disciples are asking for visible indicators or phenomena that would herald His glorious advent, demonstrating their expectation of His future reign.
* **"and of the end of the world?"**: The final question, more accurately translated "and of the end of the age," reveals the disciples' understanding that the Temple's destruction and Jesus' coming were intrinsically linked to the culmination of the current historical epoch. They sought to understand the signs that would mark the transition from the present age to the Messianic age or the new heavens and new earth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Interrogation**, as the entire clause is structured around the disciples' three distinct questions to Jesus. This device immediately establishes the central tension and purpose of the ensuing discourse: to provide answers to these profound eschatological inquiries. The **Setting** on the Mount of Olives is also a significant literary element, providing a symbolic and panoramic backdrop that lends gravity and perspective to the prophetic pronouncements. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful act of **Foreshadowing**, as the disciples' questions directly anticipate and necessitate the extensive prophetic teachings that Jesus delivers in the remainder of Matthew 24 and 25, preparing the reader for the detailed exposition of end-times events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:3 is foundational for Christian eschatology, linking the historical destruction of the Temple to the broader cosmic events of Christ's Second Coming and the consummation of the age. It underscores the biblical emphasis on God's sovereign control over history and His ultimate plan for redemption and judgment. The disciples' questions reveal a natural human desire to understand the future, a desire that Jesus does not rebuke but rather addresses with profound truth. The verse implicitly teaches that God reveals His purposes in His timing and that believers are called to be discerning of the "signs of the times" while living faithfully in the present. It sets the stage for understanding that the "end of the age" is not merely an abrupt termination but a purposeful completion and transition into God's eternal kingdom.

* [Acts 1:6-7](/acts/1-6-7 "Acts 1:6-7 - Disciples' Question about the Kingdom's Restoration")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Rapture")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven, New Earth, and God's Dwelling with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:3 invites us to consider our own posture toward the future and God's prophetic word. Like the disciples, we often desire clear answers about "when" and "what sign." While Jesus' subsequent discourse provides significant detail, it also emphasizes the importance of readiness and faithfulness over precise chronological prediction. This verse reminds us that the study of prophecy is not merely for intellectual curiosity but for spiritual transformation and practical living. It should cultivate in us a sober awareness of the brevity of the current age, an eager anticipation of Christ's return, and a diligent commitment to living for His glory until that day. Our focus should be on being found faithful, watching for the signs, and actively participating in God's mission, rather than becoming consumed by speculative timelines. The questions posed by the disciples serve as a timeless prompt for believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our present actions have eternal significance in light of Christ's ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' curiosity about the future in this verse resonate with your own questions about God's plan for history and the end times?**
* **What is the practical difference between understanding "the end of the world" as a literal destruction versus "the end of the age" as a consummation or transition? How does this impact your worldview?**
* **In what ways does living with an expectation of Christ's _parousia_ (coming/presence) influence your daily decisions, priorities, and spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Olivet Discourse" and why is Matthew 24:3 so important for it?**

Answer: The Olivet Discourse refers to Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives, primarily recorded in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Jesus' Prophecy of the End Times"), [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of Preparation"), [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Little Apocalypse"), and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - Signs of the End"). Matthew 24:3 is crucial because it contains the disciples' direct questions that prompt this entire discourse. Without their specific inquiries about the timing of the Temple's destruction, the sign of Jesus' coming, and the end of the age, Jesus' detailed prophecies would not have been given in this context. It serves as the narrative and thematic gateway to one of the most significant prophetic sections in the New Testament.

**Did the disciples understand the "end of the world" as we might today?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "end of the world" for the Greek phrase _syntéleia tou aiṓnos_ (G4930 G165) can be misleading. A more accurate translation is "consummation of the age" or "end of the age." The disciples, steeped in Jewish apocalyptic thought, likely understood this as the culmination of the present evil age and the ushering in of the Messianic age or the age to come, rather than the literal destruction of the physical planet. Their worldview anticipated a radical transformation of the existing order rather than its annihilation, leading to the full establishment of God's kingdom. Jesus' teaching clarifies and expands upon this understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:3, though a question posed by the disciples, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is the ultimate subject of their inquiry: the one whose "coming" (Greek _parousía_) is anticipated, and the one who sovereignly orchestrates the "end of the age" and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Jesus' first advent inaugurated the "last days" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")), and His crucifixion and resurrection secured the victory over sin and death, setting in motion the consummation of all things. The questions about His future _parousía_ point to His role as the returning King, who will come in power and glory to judge the living and the dead, and to fully establish His righteous reign ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus Promises His Return")). Thus, the disciples' questions, born of curiosity, ultimately underscore the centrality of Christ in all of redemptive history—He is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who initiates and completes God's grand plan, and the one whose promised return is the blessed hope of all believers ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")). Their questions are answered not just with a discourse, but with the very person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Mark 13:3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

Mark 13:4

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Matthew 13:49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 24:37

But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.