Matthew 24:27 kjv
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:27 nkjv
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:27 niv
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:27 esv
For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:27 nlt
For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.
Matthew 24 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Visibility of Christ's Return | ||
| Lk 17:24 | For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven, and shines to the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. | Near identical parallel to Mt 24:27. |
| Rev 1:7 | Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him... | Emphasizes global visibility. |
| Acts 1:11 | This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. | Visible ascent implies visible return. |
| Col 3:4 | When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. | His appearing is glorious and public. |
| Titus 2:13 | Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. | "Appearing" (epiphaneia) signifies public display. |
| Refutation of False Claims/Deception | ||
| Mt 24:23-26 | Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not... For as the lightning cometh... | Immediate context warning against secret comings. |
| 2 Thes 2:9-10 | Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness... | Contrast between genuine and deceptive "comings." |
| Jer 23:25-27 | I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name... think to make my people forget my name by their dreams... | OT parallel for God's warnings against false prophets. |
| The Nature of "Parousia" / Second Coming | ||
| 1 Cor 1:7 | So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. | Paul's expectation of Christ's "parousia." |
| 1 Thes 2:19 | For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? | Use of "parousia" for the Lord's return. |
| 2 Pet 3:4 | And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. | Addresses skepticism regarding the "parousia." |
| Jude 1:14 | And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints. | Prophetic witness of the Lord's coming with multitude. |
| Zech 14:4-5 | And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives... and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. | Specific OT prophecy of visible, public return. |
| Suddenness/Speed/Brightness | ||
| 1 Thes 5:2-3 | For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night... then sudden destruction cometh upon them... | Emphasizes suddenness, though this refers to timing, not secrecy of revelation. |
| 2 Pet 3:10 | But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt... | Reinforces suddenness and destructive aspect. |
| Isa 30:26 | Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days... | Divine presence linked with immense light. |
| Zech 9:14 | And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning... | God's divine action compared to lightning. |
| Job 37:3 | He directs it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. | Divine control over lightning spanning the heavens. |
| Old Testament Echoes/Prophecies of Divine Manifestation | ||
| Ps 50:3 | Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. | God's coming is not silent but accompanied by signs. |
| Isa 2:10 | Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. | Reaction to the terrifying glory of the Lord's coming. |
| Dan 7:13-14 | I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days... and there was given him dominion... | Source of "Son of Man" coming on clouds, signifying universal reign. |
| Rev 6:14-17 | And the heaven departed as a scroll... and every mountain and island were moved out of their places... for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? | Response to the manifest glory of God/Lamb, undeniable presence. |
Matthew 24 verses
Matthew 24 27 Meaning
Matthew 24:27 declares that the second coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakably public and globally visible, not a hidden or localized event. It compares His arrival to a flash of lightning that spans the entire sky from east to west, signifying that it will be instantaneous, brilliant, and seen by everyone across the whole earth, leaving no doubt about His majestic appearance. This verse strongly refutes any claims of a secret or confined return of Christ.
Matthew 24 27 Context
Matthew 24:27 is part of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), a pivotal teaching where Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the signs of His coming (παρουσία, parousia) and the end of the age. The discourse warns against false christs and false prophets, urging vigilance. Verses 23-26 directly precede verse 27, describing deceptive claims that Christ is in the wilderness or hidden chambers. Therefore, verse 27 serves as a crucial clarification, emphasizing that His true advent will be a universally apparent event, instantly recognizable by all, distinguishing it sharply from any localized or secretive movements initiated by deceivers. This refutation was critical for the original audience, who might have been susceptible to charismatic figures or political messiahs claiming private revelations.
Matthew 24 27 Word analysis
For as the lightning (ἀστραπή, astrapē): This word signifies a brilliant flash of light, an instantaneous, highly visible discharge. Its significance here is multi-faceted: it emphasizes the speed, the brightness, and the visibility of Christ's return. It is an unstoppable natural phenomenon.
cometh out of the east (ἀνατολῶν, anatolon): Refers to the rising of the sun. The "east" was the traditional direction from which glory and divine appearance often manifested (e.g., Ezekiel 43:2). This signifies a beginning point for universal revelation.
and shineth even unto the west (δυσμῶν, dysmōn): Refers to the setting of the sun. This phrase indicates the fullest possible span of the sky, from sunrise to sunset, covering the entire visible horizon. It powerfully conveys the universality and global reach of the event, encompassing the whole world.
so shall also the coming (παρουσία, parousia): The Greek word
παρουσία(parousia) means "presence," "arrival," or "advent." It refers not just to the act of coming, but also to the state of being present. In New Testament eschatology, it refers specifically to the definitive and physical return of Christ to reign. This term underscores a discernibly manifest and observable arrival.of the Son of man (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthrōpou): This is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, deeply rooted in Daniel 7:13-14. It highlights His humanity, while also emphasizing His divine authority, eschatological judgment role, and royal dominion given by the Father. His coming is thus a demonstration of ultimate power and righteous rule.
"as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west": This entire phrase serves as a vivid simile. It describes an event that is immediate, utterly unmissable, all-encompassing in its visibility, and undeniable. It powerfully contrasts with any hidden, secret, or localized claims about His return, rendering them unequivocally false. The direction "east to west" is a common biblical idiom for comprehensiveness and universality (e.g., Psalm 103:12).
"so shall also the coming of the Son of man be": This draws the direct analogy, asserting that Christ's parousia will be similarly swift, sudden, visible to all, and universally undeniable. There will be no need for anyone to announce it or direct others to it, for its nature will be self-evident.
Matthew 24 27 Bonus section
The contrast presented in Matthew 24:27 directly challenges not only future false messiahs but also historical or contemporary spiritual movements that propose a non-physical, metaphorical, or entirely inward "coming" of Christ. The tangible, globally visible nature of lightning rejects such abstract interpretations, pointing instead to a concrete, physical manifestation of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this imagery also provides comfort to believers, assuring them that they will not miss His return due to a lack of awareness, as its nature will be undeniable and witnessed by everyone on Earth, whether they anticipate it or not.
Matthew 24 27 Commentary
Matthew 24:27 serves as a vital safeguard against deception regarding Christ's Second Coming. Jesus' analogy of lightning is perfect: no one needs to announce a lightning strike across the sky; it is self-evident, immediate, and visible to all in its vast scope. Therefore, any claim that Christ has returned secretly, in a private location, or to only a select few is to be immediately rejected as false. The "parousia" will be a universally perceived, grand manifestation of Christ in power and glory, discernible by every individual, globally. It is an event that necessitates no search party or special revelation, as its brilliance will fill the spiritual and physical horizons of all humanity. This stresses the definitive, physical, and inescapable reality of His ultimate return.