Matthew 24:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:30 presents a dramatic and pivotal moment in Jesus' Olivet Discourse, vividly describing His glorious Second Coming. Following cosmic disturbances, an unmistakable "sign of the Son of Man" will appear in heaven, prompting global mourning among all earthly inhabitants, as they witness Jesus' visible return on the clouds with immense power and resplendent glory, signaling the culmination of human history and the establishment of His eternal reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central component of the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. It directly follows Jesus' description of the preceding cosmic signs—the darkening of the sun and moon and the falling of stars—as outlined in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Cosmic Disturbances"). These cataclysmic events serve as the immediate prelude, intensifying the anticipation for the appearance of the "sign of the Son of Man" and His subsequent glorious arrival. The discourse as a whole addresses the disciples' questions regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of Jesus' return and the end of the age, with [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") marking the undeniable, visible, and universal manifestation of Christ's advent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, first-century Jews, would have been deeply familiar with Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the apocalyptic imagery found in books like Daniel and Zechariah. The title "Son of Man" immediately evokes [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), where a figure "like a son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. This background would have shaped their understanding of a messianic figure with divine authority and cosmic power. The "mourning" of "all the tribes of the earth" also resonates with Old Testament prophecies of lamentation during divine judgment, such as [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One"), which speaks of a future mourning for "him whom they have pierced," linking the lament to a recognition of the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Visible Return of Christ") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of the **Visible and Glorious Second Coming** of Jesus Christ. Unlike His humble first advent, this return will be unmistakable and universally witnessed, accompanied by "power and great glory," signifying His ultimate triumph and reign as King. Another crucial theme is **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, as the global mourning suggests a profound sense of regret or despair among those who have rejected Christ or are unprepared for His coming, contrasting sharply with the joy of believers ([1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Caught Up to Meet the Lord")). The verse also underscores **Christ's Sovereignty and Authority**, as the "Son of Man" returns not as a suffering servant, but as the cosmic judge and ruler, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of His dominion. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Cosmic Disclosure**, where the heavens themselves declare the arrival of God's appointed King, making His presence undeniable to all.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sign (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** An indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally; a miracle, token, or wonder. In this context, it refers to an unmistakable, divine manifestation that heralds the Son of Man's arrival, serving as an undeniable proof of His identity and the impending climax of history. It is a supernatural signal that cannot be misinterpreted.
* **mourn (Greek, _kóptō'_):** To "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief, to lament, or wail. This word vividly describes a deep, visceral expression of sorrow, anguish, or despair. The global nature of this mourning suggests a profound realization of past rejection or unpreparedness for Christ's return, leading to a lamentation of regret or judgment.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** Force, especially miraculous power; ability, might, or a mighty deed. Here, it denotes the inherent divine authority and omnipotence with which Jesus will return, not merely as a human figure, but as the sovereign Lord, capable of executing judgment and establishing His kingdom. This power is both inherent to His being and manifested in His actions.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Glory as very apparent; dignity, honor, praise, or worship. This term signifies the resplendent, majestic radiance that accompanies Christ's return, reflecting His divine nature and supreme majesty. It is the visible manifestation of His inherent honor and worthiness of worship, contrasting sharply with His humble first advent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:"** This clause introduces the immediate, unmistakable prelude to Christ's return. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) emphasizes the temporal sequence following the cosmic disturbances of [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Cosmic Signs"). The "sign" (G4592, _sēmeîon_) is a supernatural indicator, likely Christ Himself in His glorified state or a visible manifestation of His divine presence, appearing "in heaven" (G1722, _en_ G3772, _ouranós_), signifying its celestial origin and universal visibility. The "Son of man" (G5207, _huiós_ G444, _ánthrōpos_) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority as prophesied in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds").
* **"and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn,"** This phrase describes the universal response to the appearance of the sign and the impending return. "All the tribes of the earth" (G3956, _pâs_ G5443, _phylḗ_ G1093, _gē_) signifies a global, comprehensive reaction, encompassing all peoples and nations. The word "mourn" (G2875, _kóptō_) implies a deep, visceral lamentation, often expressed by beating one's breast. This mourning is likely a realization of judgment, regret for rejecting Christ, or despair for being unprepared, echoing prophetic laments in [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One").
* **"and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."** This final clause depicts the actual, visible return of Christ. "They shall see" (G3700, _optánomai_) emphasizes the undeniable, direct observation by all. The "Son of man coming" (G2064, _érchomai_) reiterates His identity and the active nature of His arrival. His coming "in the clouds of heaven" (G1909, _epí_ G3507, _nephélē_ G3772, _ouranós_) is a clear allusion to [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds") and signifies divine presence, majesty, and often judgment. The accompanying "power" (G1411, _dýnamis_) and "great glory" (G4183, _polýs_ G1391, _dóxa_) underscore the authoritative, majestic, and divine nature of His return, contrasting sharply with His humble first advent and establishing His ultimate reign.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:30 is rich with **Apocalyptic Imagery**, drawing heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly Daniel's vision of the Son of Man. The phrase "sign of the Son of man in heaven" employs **Symbolism**, where the "sign" itself is likely Christ in His glorified state, or a powerful divine manifestation, rather than a literal object. The "clouds of heaven" also serve as powerful **Symbols** of divine presence, majesty, and often judgment, echoing the Shekinah glory of God in the Old Testament. The description of "all the tribes of the earth mourn" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the universal and undeniable impact of Christ's return, ensuring no one misses this pivotal event, while also conveying the profound, widespread lamentation. The entire verse is a vivid example of **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event with specific, dramatic details, designed to evoke both awe and a sense of urgency. The powerful sensory details of seeing and mourning contribute to the verse's striking **Imagery**, making the future event palpable to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:30 serves as a profound theological statement on the certainty and nature of Christ's Second Coming, emphasizing its visible, glorious, and universal impact. It underscores the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where the once-humble Son of Man returns as the sovereign King and Judge. The global mourning highlights the theme of ultimate accountability and the profound regret of those who have rejected His grace, while for believers, it signifies the glorious realization of their hope and the final establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This passage firmly grounds the eschatological hope of the Church in the undeniable return of Christ, who will bring both salvation to His people and judgment upon the world.

* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")
* [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus Will Return in the Same Way")
* [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
The vivid imagery of Matthew 24:30 compels us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that human history is moving towards a divinely appointed climax. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance that our Lord will indeed return, fulfilling all His promises and establishing His righteous kingdom. This hope should fuel our perseverance, inspire our evangelism, and motivate us to live lives of holiness and faithful stewardship, eagerly anticipating His glorious appearing. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, the verse serves as a solemn warning, underscoring the gravity of rejecting God's gracious offer of salvation. The global mourning depicted is a stark reminder that a day of reckoning is coming, when every person will be confronted with the undeniable truth of Christ's identity and authority. Therefore, it calls all people to humble repentance and faith in Jesus, ensuring that on that day, their response will be one of joyful welcome rather than despairing lamentation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Christ's glorious return in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of His first coming?**
* **What does the "mourning" of "all the tribes of the earth" reveal about the nature of humanity's relationship with God and the consequences of rejecting Christ?**
* **How should the certainty of Christ's visible and powerful return impact your daily priorities, decisions, and spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**What is "the sign of the Son of man in heaven"?**

Answer: The "sign of the Son of man in heaven" (G4592, _sēmeîon_) is not explicitly defined, but given the context of Christ's visible return, it is widely understood to be an unmistakable, supernatural manifestation that heralds His glorious arrival. Many scholars believe it refers to Christ Himself in His glorified state, or a brilliant, divine light or phenomenon that precedes or accompanies His descent. It serves as an undeniable, universal indicator of His identity and the commencement of His final judgment and reign. This sign will be so clear that no one will be able to deny or misunderstand its significance, setting the stage for the global mourning and the visible appearance of the Son of Man.

**Why will "all the tribes of the earth mourn"?**

Answer: The mourning of "all the tribes of the earth" (G2875, _kóptō_) signifies a profound, universal lamentation. This sorrow is generally interpreted in two primary ways: for unbelievers, it represents a deep despair, regret, and terror as they realize the truth of Christ's identity and their rejection of Him, facing impending judgment. This aligns with prophetic passages like [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him"), which also speak of universal mourning at Christ's appearing. For some, it may also encompass a sorrow for the suffering endured by humanity, or even a recognition of the majesty of God. However, the dominant interpretation points to a lament of judgment and final reckoning for those who are unprepared for His return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:30 is a powerful declaration of Christ-centered fulfillment, bringing to culmination numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's ultimate reign and judgment. The title "Son of Man" directly echoes [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion"), where "one like a son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. This passage in Matthew reveals Jesus as the very fulfillment of Daniel's vision, returning not as a humble servant, but as the cosmic King, vested with all authority, "power and great glory." His visible return on the clouds, a symbol of divine presence and majesty throughout Scripture, confirms His identity as the ascended Lord who will indeed come back "in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promised Return")). The global mourning underscores the universal recognition of His sovereignty and the finality of His judgment, fulfilling prophecies that "every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")) and that He will separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Matthew 24:30 is not merely a prediction but a profound theological statement affirming Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose return will bring about the full and glorious consummation of God's redemptive plan for all creation.

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

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.