New Testament
Matthew 24:39
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They had no idea what was coming until the flood swept them all away. That's exactly how the coming of the Son of Man will be.
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And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
What Matthew 24:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus compares the suddenness of His return to the unexpected flood in Noah's time. People were living their normal lives, unaware of the impending disaster. When the flood came, it swept them away without warning. This serves as a warning that the return of the Son of Man will also be sudden and unexpected. Just as the people in Noah's day were caught off guard, many will be unprepared for Christ's return. The emphasis is on the importance of being vigilant and ready, as the exact timing of His coming is unknown. This verse highlights the need for spiritual awareness and preparedness, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their faith and readiness for Christ's return. It reminds us that life can change in an instant, and we must be spiritually alert and engaged in our relationship with God.
How to apply Matthew 24:39 to your life
To apply this verse, we should regularly evaluate our spiritual lives and ensure we are living in a way that reflects our faith. This means being active in our relationship with God, serving others, and sharing the Gospel. Staying alert and prepared for Christ's return is essential.
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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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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 24:39 mean?
Matthew 24:39 means that just as people in Noah's time were unaware of the flood until it was too late, many will be caught off guard by the sudden return of Jesus. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness for His coming.
What is the significance of the flood in Matthew 24:39?
The flood in Matthew 24:39 serves as a historical analogy illustrating the unexpected nature of judgment. It highlights how people were living normally without realizing the impending disaster, paralleling how many will be unprepared for Christ's return.
How does Matthew 24:39 relate to being spiritually prepared?
Matthew 24:39 relates to spiritual preparedness by urging believers to stay alert and ready for Jesus' return. It reminds us that life can change suddenly, and we should actively engage in our faith and relationship with God.
What warning does Matthew 24:39 give about Christ's return?
Matthew 24:39 warns that Christ's return will be sudden and unexpected, similar to the flood that took people by surprise. This serves as a reminder to be spiritually vigilant and prepared at all times.
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