Matthew 24:36

But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

But {G1161} of {G4012} that {G1565} day {G2250} and {G2532} hour {G5610} knoweth {G1492} no {G3762} man, no, not {G3761} the angels {G32} of heaven {G3772}, but {G1508} my {G3450} Father {G3962} only {G3441}.

"But when that day and hour will come, no one knows -- not the angels in heaven, not the Son, only the Father.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.

Commentary

Matthew 24:36 is a pivotal statement by Jesus within His prophetic discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This verse directly addresses the timing of His Second Coming and the culmination of the present age.

Context

This verse is found within Matthew chapter 24, where Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the world. After describing various signs, tribulations, and cosmic disturbances that will precede His return, Jesus delivers this definitive statement regarding the precise moment of His advent. It serves as a stark contrast to the preceding detailed prophecies, emphasizing that while signs will be evident, the exact "day and hour" remain a divine secret.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God the Father's absolute and exclusive knowledge over the timing of these ultimate events. It highlights His supreme authority and control over history and prophecy.
  • Human and Angelic Ignorance: Jesus explicitly states that neither humans nor even the highest-ranking "angels of heaven" possess this specific knowledge. This underscores the profound mystery surrounding the timing and serves to humble any who might claim special insight.
  • Call to Preparedness: Because the exact timing is unknown, the verse implicitly, and other verses in this discourse explicitly, call for continuous watchfulness and spiritual readiness. Believers are not to speculate on dates but to live in constant expectation and obedience, as highlighted in Matthew 24:42: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." The element of surprise is a recurring theme, similar to 1 Thessalonians 5:2, where "the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "knoweth" used here is oida (ฮฟแผถฮดฮฑ), which denotes an intuitive, complete, and settled knowledge, rather than merely having information. When Jesus states that only the Father "knoweth," He is emphasizing a unique, inherent understanding that is not shared with anyone else, including Himself in His incarnate, human state, though He possesses all divine knowledge. This distinction is a point of theological discussion, highlighting the mystery of Christ's dual nature.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:36 has profound implications for believers today:

  • It strongly discourages date-setting and speculative predictions about the end times, as such attempts contradict Jesus' own words.
  • It shifts focus from chronological curiosity to spiritual readiness and faithful living. Since the "day and hour" are unknown, the emphasis is on living each day as if it could be the one.
  • It encourages humility and trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan. Our duty is to be found faithful, actively engaged in the Great Commission, and living according to His will, rather than being preoccupied with unrevealed details.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 13:32 (50 votes)

    But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

  • Acts 1:7 (31 votes)

    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 24:44 (29 votes)

    Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  • 2 Peter 3:10 (27 votes)

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (23 votes)

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

  • Matthew 24:42 (22 votes)

    Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

  • Revelation 16:15 (22 votes)

    Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.