Matthew 24:39

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

And {G2532} knew {G1097} not {G3756} until {G2193} the flood {G2627} came {G2064}, and {G2532} took {G142} them all {G537} away {G142}; so {G3779} shall {G2071} also {G2532} the coming {G3952} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be {G2071}.

and they didn't know what was happening until the Flood came and swept them all away. It will be just like that when the Son of Man comes.

And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Matthew 24:39 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He answers His disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. In this verse, Jesus draws a stark comparison between the unexpectedness of the Great Flood in Noah's day and the future coming of the Son of man.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' description in Matthew 24:37-38, likening His return to the "days of Noe (Noah)." During that time, people were engaged in normal daily activities—eating, drinking, marrying—completely oblivious to the impending divine judgment. The narrative of the Flood is found in Genesis chapters 6-8, highlighting humanity's pervasive wickedness and God's righteous response. Jesus uses this historical event as a powerful parable for the future, emphasizing that His return will be equally sudden and catching many unprepared.

Key Themes

  • Suddenness of Christ's Return: The primary message is that the Second Coming of Jesus will occur without warning for the majority of the world. Just as the Flood took people by surprise, so too will the arrival of the Son of man.
  • Lack of Awareness and Preparedness: The phrase "knew not" underscores the spiritual blindness and complacency of those living before the Flood. They failed to discern the times or heed Noah's warnings. This serves as a critical caution against spiritual apathy regarding the signs of the end times.
  • Divine Judgment: The Flood was an act of divine judgment upon a sinful world. By drawing this parallel, Jesus implicitly warns that His return will also bring a time of accountability and judgment for those who are not ready.
  • Urgency of Vigilance: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the implication is a strong call to be watchful and prepared, contrasting with the carelessness of those in Noah's day.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a significant self-designation used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It connects Him to the prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13-14, who receives everlasting dominion and glory. Its use here emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority as judge and king upon His return.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound reminder for believers to live in constant spiritual readiness. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Spiritual State: Are we living in a way that demonstrates awareness of Christ's potential imminent return, or are we complacent like those in Noah's day?
  • Live with Purpose: Understanding the suddenness of the end times should motivate us to prioritize spiritual matters, share the Gospel, and live lives that honor God.
  • Cultivate Discernment: While we cannot know the exact time, Jesus encourages us to understand the signs of the times (though Matthew 24:36 confirms no one knows the precise day or hour) and not be caught off guard by spiritual indifference.

The message of Matthew 24:39 is a powerful call to vigilance, reminding us that the return of Jesus will be a transformative event for which all humanity must be prepared.

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.

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

  • Matthew 24:37

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

  • Acts 13:41

    Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

  • Isaiah 44:18

    They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

  • Isaiah 44:19

    And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

  • 2 Peter 3:5

    For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

  • Proverbs 29:7

    ¶ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].

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