New Testament
Matthew 24:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the timing of His return.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels of heaven, but only my Father.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the timing of His return. He points out that no one, not even the angels in heaven, knows when this will happen; only God the Father has this knowledge. This statement serves to remind believers that they should not be preoccupied with trying to predict the exact moment of Christ's return. Instead, they should focus on living faithfully and being prepared at all times. The emphasis on the Father's exclusive knowledge highlights His authority and the mystery of divine timing. This verse encourages humility and vigilance, as it underscores the importance of being ready for the unexpected return of Christ, rather than getting caught up in speculation about dates and times.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 24:36 to your life
This verse teaches us to live in a state of readiness and faithfulness, rather than trying to predict the future. We should focus on our daily actions and spiritual growth, ensuring we are prepared for Christ's return at any moment. Trust in God's timing is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:36 mean?
Matthew 24:36 means that no one knows the exact time of Jesus' return, not even the angels, emphasizing that only God the Father has this knowledge. It highlights the importance of being prepared and living faithfully rather than trying to predict when it will happen.
What is the significance of the phrase 'no one knows the day or the hour' in Matthew 24:36?
The phrase 'no one knows the day or the hour' signifies the uncertainty of Christ's return and serves as a reminder that believers should not focus on predicting dates. Instead, it encourages them to live in readiness and faithfulness.
How does Matthew 24:36 relate to being prepared for Christ's return?
Matthew 24:36 relates to being prepared for Christ's return by urging believers to focus on their daily spiritual lives rather than trying to guess when He will come. It emphasizes the need for constant readiness and faithfulness.
What themes are present in Matthew 24:36?
The themes present in Matthew 24:36 include the uncertainty of time, divine authority, the importance of readiness, faithfulness, and the mystery of God's plan regarding the timing of Christ's return.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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