New Testament

Luke 17:26

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

When the Son of Man returns, it will be just like it was in the days of Noah.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

What Luke 17:26 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus compares His future return to the time of Noah. During Noah's days, people were living their everyday lives, eating, drinking, marrying, and ignoring the warnings of impending judgment. They were unaware of the flood that was about to come until it was too late. This comparison serves as a warning that when Jesus returns, many will be caught off guard, just as the people in Noah's time were. The emphasis is on the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return. It highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared and aware of the signs of the times. Just as Noah was faithful and prepared, believers are encouraged to live righteously and remain vigilant, as the return of the Son of Man will come unexpectedly, and readiness is crucial for salvation.

How to apply Luke 17:26 to your life

This verse encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and awareness of Christ's return. We should not be complacent in our daily lives but instead remain vigilant and faithful, just as Noah did. Engaging in spiritual practices and sharing the message of hope can help us and others be prepared for His coming.

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.

A painting of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary

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

Excavated stone ruins below the high ancient walls at the south end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Luke 17:26

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 17:26

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 17:26 mean?

Luke 17:26 means that the return of Jesus will be similar to the days of Noah, where people were unaware of the impending judgment. It highlights the suddenness of His return and the need for people to be spiritually prepared.

What is the significance of the days of Noah in Luke 17:26?

The days of Noah signify a time when people were living normally and ignoring warnings of disaster. This serves as a warning that many will be caught off guard at the return of Christ, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and readiness.

How does Luke 17:26 relate to being prepared for Christ's return?

Luke 17:26 relates to being prepared by illustrating that just as people in Noah's time were unprepared for judgment, many today may also be unready for Christ's return. It stresses the importance of living righteously and staying vigilant.

What lessons can we learn from Luke 17:26?

From Luke 17:26, we learn the importance of spiritual preparedness and the urgency of living a faithful life. It reminds us that we should not be complacent but actively engage in our faith as we await Christ's return.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.