New Testament
Luke 17:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because just as lightning flashes and lights up the entire sky from one horizon to the other, that's how it will be when the Son of Man comes.
Compare translations
For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
What Luke 17:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the imagery of lightning to describe the sudden and visible nature of His return. Just as lightning can be seen across the sky in an instant, His coming will be unmistakable and powerful. This comparison emphasizes that His arrival will not be subtle or hidden; it will be a dramatic event that everyone will notice. The reference to the sky suggests that His return will encompass the entire world, leaving no one unaware. This statement serves to remind believers of the certainty and immediacy of His return, encouraging them to remain vigilant and prepared. The phrase 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus Himself, highlighting His authority and divine role in the end times. Overall, this verse reassures followers that the return of Christ will be a clear and significant event in history, contrasting with the mundane aspects of daily life.
How to apply Luke 17:24 to your life
This verse encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return. We should reflect on our lives and ensure we are aligned with His teachings. Staying spiritually alert helps us to be prepared for His coming at any moment.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 17:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 17:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 17:24 mean?
Luke 17:24 uses the imagery of lightning to illustrate that the return of the Son of Man, or Jesus, will be sudden and unmistakable. Just as lightning lights up the entire sky, His coming will be a dramatic event visible to everyone.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Son of Man' in Luke 17:24?
The phrase 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus Himself, emphasizing His authority and divine role in the context of His return. It highlights His identity as the one who will come to judge and fulfill God's promises.
How does Luke 17:24 relate to the Second Coming?
Luke 17:24 directly relates to the Second Coming by describing how Jesus will return in a powerful and visible manner. This verse reassures believers that His return will be a clear event that everyone will witness.
What should we learn from Luke 17:24?
From Luke 17:24, we learn the importance of being spiritually prepared and alert for Christ's return. The verse encourages believers to live with urgency and align their lives with Jesus' teachings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.