New Testament
Matthew 24:30
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Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Every tribe on earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
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And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
What Matthew 24:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about a future event when He will return in glory. The 'sign of the Son of Man' refers to a visible indication of His presence, which will be unmistakable. When this happens, people from every tribe and nation will recognize His coming and respond with mourning, likely due to their realization of their past rejection of Him. The imagery of coming 'on the clouds of heaven' signifies His divine authority and power. This moment is not just a return but a display of His majesty and glory, emphasizing that He is the rightful ruler. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for His return, as it will be a time of reckoning for all humanity.
How to apply Matthew 24:30 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus and to be prepared for His return. It reminds us that His coming will be a significant event, prompting us to live in a way that honors Him and to share this hope with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:30 mean?
Matthew 24:30 describes the return of Jesus, known as the 'Son of Man,' who will come in glory and power. It signifies a future event where all nations will recognize His presence and respond with mourning, reflecting on their past actions.
What is the significance of the 'sign of the Son of Man' in Matthew 24:30?
The 'sign of the Son of Man' indicates a clear and unmistakable sign of Jesus' return. It serves as a reminder of His divine authority and the importance of being prepared for His coming.
What imagery is used in Matthew 24:30 to describe Jesus' return?
Matthew 24:30 uses the imagery of Jesus coming 'on the clouds of heaven' to emphasize His divine power and glory. This imagery signifies His authority as the rightful ruler at His return.
How does Matthew 24:30 relate to the theme of judgment?
Matthew 24:30 relates to the theme of judgment as it depicts a time when all nations will recognize Jesus' authority and face the consequences of their actions. It serves as a call to be prepared for this significant moment.
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