Matthew 24 16

Matthew 24:16 kjv

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Matthew 24:16 nkjv

"then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Matthew 24:16 niv

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Matthew 24:16 esv

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Matthew 24:16 nlt

"Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 16 Meaning

Matthew 24:16 is a prophetic instruction from Jesus to His disciples concerning the signs of the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem. It commands the people living in Judea, specifically around Jerusalem, to take immediate and urgent flight to the safety of the mountains when they witness the prophesied "abomination of desolation" (mentioned in the preceding verse). This call to flee emphasizes a critical moment of decision, where quick, obedient action is vital for survival, warning against remaining in a place marked for judgment.

Matthew 24 16 Context

Matthew 24 is part of the Olivet Discourse, delivered by Jesus to His disciples on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. The disciples had asked Him about the timing of the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Mt 24:3). Verses 4-14 speak of general signs, tribulation, and the preaching of the gospel. Verse 15 introduces a specific catalyst: the "abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel," understood as a great desecration of the holy place. Verse 16 then gives a direct, immediate, and urgent instruction for survival for those living in Judea once that sign is witnessed, advising them to abandon all possessions and flee to the surrounding mountainous regions, which would offer natural refuge from an invading army. Historically, many early Christians interpreted this warning as fulfilled by the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which saw the destruction of the Temple and the city. Christian historian Eusebius records that believers fled Jerusalem to Pella in Transjordan before the siege, thus escaping the devastation.

Matthew 24 16 Word analysis

• Then (Tote, τότε): This temporal adverb indicates a specific moment, marking a direct consequence and urgent response to the preceding event – the manifestation of the "abomination of desolation." It signifies an immediate trigger for action.
• let those (hoi): Refers to the specific group of people, plural, who would be physically present in Judea. It is a general term indicating anyone present, implicitly suggesting believers who would understand the sign.
• who are in Judea (en tē Ioudaia, ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ): This specifies the geographical region, the Roman province that encompassed Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. This particularity indicates that the warning was relevant to a specific population group at a particular location.
• flee (pheugetōsan, φευγέτωσαν): This is a strong imperative verb, emphasizing urgency and a definitive, decisive action of escape. It means to run away quickly from danger or persecution. It implies leaving behind everything to secure safety.
• to the mountains (eis ta orē, εἰς τὰ ὄρη): Mountains served as traditional places of refuge in the ancient world, offering natural defenses and remoteness from urban centers often targeted by invaders. They are steep, difficult to access, and thus ideal for hiding and seeking safety during conflict. This destination suggests a physical removal from the immediate danger zone.
• Words-group: "Then let those who are in Judea": This phrase pinpoints the precise moment and audience for the critical instruction. It is a call to immediate discernment for a specific demographic upon observing the prophetic sign.
• Words-group: "flee to the mountains": This is a direct, imperative command specifying the crucial action and destination for safety. It signifies urgent evacuation from impending peril to a place of natural shelter, indicating that salvation lay not in staying but in leaving.

Matthew 24 16 Bonus section

The command to flee from Judea to the mountains highlights a divinely ordained exit strategy for those who are spiritually awake. This instruction suggests a complete break from the comfort and familiarity of home, emphasizing that physical escape is paramount for survival. The "abomination of desolation" is the pivotal event requiring immediate discernment and action; not just any destruction but one specifically prophesied. The prompt flight, without even returning for belongings, underscores the severity of the coming judgment and the preciousness of life over material possessions. This warning transcends mere historical context, providing a principle of separating from apostasy and impending judgment for God's people in all ages when specific prophetic signs are made clear.

Matthew 24 16 Commentary

Matthew 24:16 is a clear, concise, and critical directive given by Jesus within His Olivet Discourse, serving as a vital warning sign for the future destruction of Jerusalem and its broader eschatological implications. The immediacy conveyed by "Then" underscores the urgency and finality of the moment described in verse 15. The instruction to "flee" is not an option but an imperative for survival, demanding prompt obedience without hesitation or thought for worldly possessions, as further emphasized in subsequent verses (Mt 24:17-18). The designated refuge, "the mountains," represents a historical and natural sanctuary, a place of safety away from urban siege. This specific prophecy found a significant fulfillment in the 70 AD Roman-Jewish War when Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem. Historical accounts suggest that Christians, heeding this word, fled to Pella across the Jordan, thereby escaping the devastating destruction. Beyond its historical fulfillment, this verse also embodies principles for believers facing tribulation: discernment of God's timing, radical obedience to His warnings, and seeking refuge and separation from systems under judgment. It teaches that safety during divine judgment is found not in physical structures or places thought impregnable, but in heeding the Word of God.