Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And {G2532} then {G5119} shall appear {G5316} the sign {G4592} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: and {G2532} then {G5119} shall {G2875} all {G3956} the tribes {G5443} of the earth {G1093} mourn {G2875}, and {G2532} they shall see {G3700} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} coming {G2064} in {G1909} the clouds {G3507} of heaven {G3772} with {G3326} power {G1411} and {G2532} great {G4183} glory {G1391}.

"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, all the tribes of the Land will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with tremendous power and glory.

At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Context of Matthew 24:30

Matthew 24:30 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a significant prophetic teaching delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In this discourse, Jesus answers questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. This verse immediately follows a description of cosmic disturbances—the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of stars (Matthew 24:29)—setting the stage for His dramatic and undeniable return.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Visible and Glorious Second Coming: The verse powerfully describes the return of Jesus Christ in a manner that is universal and unmistakable. Unlike His humble first advent, His second coming will be accompanied by "power and great glory," signifying His ultimate triumph and reign as King. This event will be seen by "all the tribes of the earth," emphasizing its global visibility and impact.
  • The Sign of the Son of Man: The phrase "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" refers to an unmistakable indicator of Christ's identity and purpose. While not explicitly defined, this "sign" (Greek: sēmeion) likely refers to Christ Himself in His glorified state, or a powerful, divine manifestation that precedes or accompanies His visible arrival. It serves as an undeniable herald of His presence.
  • Global Mourning and Realization: The prophecy that "all the tribes of the earth mourn" (Greek: kopsontai, meaning to beat one's breast in lamentation) suggests a profound sense of regret, despair, or judgment among those who have rejected Christ or are unprepared for His coming. This contrasts sharply with the joy and anticipation of believers who eagerly await His return (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It highlights a moment of ultimate reckoning.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation. It carries deep significance, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like the Son of man" is given everlasting dominion and glory. This title emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority as the appointed judge, ruler, and Messiah, whose coming is accompanied by celestial power and universal recognition.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:30 serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of Christ's second coming. For believers, it offers immense hope and assurance that God's plan for ultimate justice and the establishment of His kingdom will be fulfilled. It calls for a life of watchfulness, readiness, and faithful obedience, living in anticipation of meeting Him. For all people, the verse underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's salvation offered through Jesus Christ, as the global mourning signifies a moment of final realization and accountability. It compels a consideration of one's standing before a holy God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 1:7

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

  • Daniel 7:13

    I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

  • Matthew 26:64

    Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

  • Luke 21:27

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

  • Acts 1:11

    Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Matthew 16:28

    Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
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