Matthew 24 30

Matthew 24:30 kjv

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.

Matthew 24:30 nkjv

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30 niv

"Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30 esv

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30 nlt

And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 30 Meaning

Matthew 24:30 describes the grand and undeniable visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the age. It prophesies that a clear, unmistakable manifestation associated with the Son of Man will appear in the sky, prompting a universal lament from all peoples on earth. Following this sign, the Son of Man Himself will be seen physically descending from heaven on the clouds, accompanied by immense power and resplendent glory.

Matthew 24 30 Context

Matthew chapter 24 is part of Jesus' "Olivet Discourse," delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. This discourse addresses their questions about the destruction of the Temple (foretold in Matt 24:2) and the signs of His coming (parousia) and the end of the age (Matt 24:3). Verses 4-14 speak of the beginning of birth pains (false christs, wars, famines, persecutions). Verses 15-28 warn of the Great Tribulation and caution against false messiahs and secret comings, emphasizing the visible nature of His return. Verse 29 describes cosmic disturbances immediately after the tribulation. Therefore, verse 30 presents the climactic event following these cataclysms—the actual, undeniable revelation of the Son of Man. The historical and cultural context includes a Jewish audience steeped in Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the Day of the Lord, particularly those found in Daniel and Zechariah. The discourse corrects common misconceptions about the Messiah's coming, clarifying that it would be neither a political conquest nor a secret arrival, but a visible, cosmic, and glorious event.

Matthew 24 30 Word analysis

• And then (καὶ τότε, kai tote): Signifies a specific sequential timing, "immediately after" the cosmic disturbances described in Matt 24:29. It marks a decisive shift in the timeline of end-time events.
• shall appear (φανήσεται, phanēsetai): From phainō, meaning "to appear," "to shine forth," "to become visible." This denotes a clear, undeniable, and universally evident manifestation, not a subtle or hidden one.
• the sign (τὸ σημεῖον, to sēmeion): This Greek term can mean a distinguishing mark, a banner, an omen, a miraculous sign. In this context, it is not merely a signal, but widely understood by many scholars as the appearance of the Son of Man Himself, or a magnificent celestial phenomenon unmistakably connected to His advent. Its appearance announces and precedes His arrival. It's an unmistakable harbinger.
• of the Son of man (τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, tou Huiou tou anthrōpou): Jesus' favorite self-designation, linking directly to the divine figure in Daniel 7:13-14. This title emphasizes both His humanity and His supreme divine authority and universal dominion. It portrays Him as the pre-existent, heavenly judge and ruler, distinct from any mere human figure.
• in heaven (ἐν οὐρανῷ, en ouranō): Locates the manifestation within the celestial realm, indicating a cosmic display, observable by all on earth.
• and then shall all (καὶ τότε κόψονται πᾶσαι, kai tote kopsontai pasai): Reiteration of the specific timing. The Greek kopsontai is from koptō, which literally means "to strike" or "to beat," specifically beating one's breast in lamentation.
• the tribes (αἱ φυλαὶ, hai phylai): In an Old Testament context, this often refers to the twelve tribes of Israel. However, the accompanying "of the earth" (τῆς γῆς, tēs gēs) broadens the scope to include "all peoples," "all nations," or "all clans of the world," indicating a universal mourning. This universality is echoed in Rev 1:7.
• of the earth (τῆς γῆς, tēs gēs): Denotes a global, rather than merely local or national, phenomenon.
• mourn (κόψονται, kopsontai): The lamentation (beating breasts, wailing) can be interpreted in two primary ways: either profound repentance (as suggested by Zech 12:10-14 for Israel) or despair and terror by those who have rejected Him (as suggested by Rev 1:7 for unbelievers). Given the immediate preceding tribulation, both elements may be present.
• and they shall see (καὶ ὄψονται, kai opsontai): From horao, "to see" or "to perceive." This is a physical, universal seeing. No one will miss this event or deny its reality. It highlights the undeniable and public nature of the Second Coming.
• the Son of man coming (τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον, ton Huion tou anthrōpou erchomenon): A direct reference to His return, signifying movement from heaven to earth. It confirms His physical presence and active descent.
• in the clouds (ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν, epi tōn nephelōn): "Clouds" (nephelōn) are rich Old Testament symbolism, often associated with divine presence (Exo 19:9, Shekinah glory, God's chariots, the pillar of cloud leading Israel), judgment, and majesty (Psa 97:2). It also echoes His ascension (Acts 1:9). This implies a heavenly, glorious, and transcendent arrival, not earthly means of transport.
• of heaven (τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, tou ouranou): Reinforces the divine origin and cosmic scale of His return.
• with power (μετὰ δυνάμεως, meta dynameōs): Power (dynamis) refers to His inherent strength, might, and ability, demonstrating His divine authority and irresistible force as sovereign Judge and King. It signifies a display of absolute control over all creation.
• and great glory (καὶ δόξης πολλῆς, kai doxēs pollēs): Glory (doxa) means splendor, majesty, radiance, honor. It speaks of the full manifestation of His divine essence and dignity, radiating His supreme majesty and overwhelming splendor. "Great" (pollēs) emphasizes the immeasurable magnitude of this divine effulgence.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: This phrase marks the initiation of Christ's return. The "sign" is distinct from His personal appearance but is the clear, unequivocal announcement. It suggests a powerful celestial manifestation, directly connected to Christ's identity as the Son of Man, that signals His immediate arrival. It's not a puzzle to be solved, but a clear beacon from heaven.
• and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn: This mourning is a universal reaction. Whether it signifies repentance, as foretold for Israel in Zech 12:10, or lamentation born of terror and regret by those who rejected Christ, it indicates a profound and collective emotional response to His undeniable advent. It contrasts sharply with the joy of those who are awaiting Him.
• and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory: This climactic statement confirms the actual physical return of Christ. It emphasizes a public, visible, and globally witnessed event. The imagery of "clouds of heaven" draws heavily on Daniel 7:13, indicating a divinely authoritative arrival, consistent with His ascension. "Power and great glory" signifies the absolute sovereignty, majestic might, and divine radiance with which Christ will return as King and Judge. It is not a subtle event but one of overwhelming majesty and undisputed authority, revealing Him as the long-awaited God-Man.

Matthew 24 30 Bonus section

The "sign of the Son of man" has been a point of diverse interpretation among theologians. While some suggest it is a specific visible object, like a cross appearing in the sky, many scholars argue that the "sign" is intrinsically tied to and manifested by the presence of the Son of Man Himself. The unmistakable appearance and the resultant universal mourning confirm this is not a hidden or secret event but a clear divine self-disclosure. This public display directly refutes any claims of a "secret rapture" or invisible coming; His return will be observed by "every eye" (Rev 1:7). This event represents the ultimate victory and triumph of Christ over all opposing forces, fulfilling His redemptive plan and establishing His eternal kingdom. It serves as both a comfort to believers eagerly awaiting His return and a stark warning to the unprepared world.

Matthew 24 30 Commentary

Matthew 24:30 describes the central event of the eschatological timeline—the Parousia, or visible return of Christ. After a period of intense tribulation and cosmic upheaval, "the sign of the Son of Man" will become evident in the heavens. This sign, often understood as Christ Himself revealed in splendor, will be universally unmistakable. It immediately precedes His physical descent. The global "mourning" signals a moment of profound revelation, either leading to repentance for those who persecuted or rejected Him, or fear and despair for those unprepared. Christ's actual arrival, "in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory," fulfilling Daniel's ancient prophecy, emphasizes its divine majesty, universal visibility, and unstoppable authority. It will be the climactic revelation of the one true Sovereign over all creation, ushering in His glorious reign.