But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
But {G1161} as {G5618} the days {G2250} of Noe {G3575} were, so {G3779} shall {G2071} also {G2532} the coming {G3952} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be {G2071}.
For the Son of Man's coming will be just as it was in the days of Noach.
As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
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Luke 17:26
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. -
Luke 17:27
They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. -
Genesis 6:1
¶ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, -
Genesis 6:7
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. -
2 Peter 2:5
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; -
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. -
2 Peter 3:6
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
Context of Matthew 24:37
Matthew 24:37 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' extensive discourse on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). In this discourse, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. After describing various signs like wars, famines, and persecutions, and emphasizing that the exact day and hour of His return are unknown even to Him (Matthew 24:36), Jesus draws a striking comparison to the time of Noah.
This verse, along with its parallels in Luke 17:26-30, serves to illustrate the *manner* of His second coming, emphasizing its unexpectedness and the state of humanity immediately prior to it, rather than providing specific chronological signs.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation throughout the Gospels. It is a significant messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, where a figure "like the Son of man" approaches the Ancient of Days and is given everlasting dominion. In Matthew 24, Jesus uses this title to refer to His glorious, authoritative return in judgment and power.
The name "Noe" is the King James Version's transliteration of Noah, the patriarch who built the ark and was saved with his family from the global flood described in Genesis.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and readiness for all who believe in Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to:
Matthew 24:37 reminds us that while we do not know the day or hour, the manner of Christ's return will be decisive and will expose the spiritual state of humanity, calling all to urgent repentance and faith.