Matthew 24 33

Matthew 24:33 kjv

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Matthew 24:33 nkjv

So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near?at the doors!

Matthew 24:33 niv

Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

Matthew 24:33 esv

So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

Matthew 24:33 nlt

In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 33 Meaning

Matthew 24:33 teaches believers that by observing the convergence of the prophetic signs previously detailed by Jesus, they are to recognize with certainty the immediate proximity of His coming and the climax of His Kingdom. Just as one discerns the approaching summer from the leaves of a fig tree, disciples are called to discern the eschatological "season" based on the observable "signs of the times," indicating that the fulfillment is not merely on its way but is virtually at the very threshold.

Matthew 24 33 Context

Matthew 24:33 is part of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), Jesus' most extensive prophetic teaching, delivered privately to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. It directly follows the disciples' threefold question in Matthew 24:3: "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus then describes a series of signs, including false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, apostasy, the gospel preached to all nations, the abomination of desolation, and cosmic disturbances. The verse directly links the parable of the fig tree (Mt 24:32), which uses a natural, easily observable phenomenon to illustrate spiritual discernment, to the necessity of recognizing the prophetic signs. Thus, the verse functions as an imperative to discern the season of the Lord's return, rather than providing a specific date.

Matthew 24 33 Word analysis

• So you also (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς – houtōs kai hymeis):

  • Houtōs: "Thus, in this manner," refers back to the immediate preceding verse (Mt 24:32), linking the ease of discerning natural signs (the fig tree) to the spiritual imperative. It establishes a direct parallel between the natural and spiritual realms of discernment.
  • Kai hymeis: "And you," highlights that this instruction applies to the disciples listening to Jesus, and by extension, to all who would follow Him through the ages. It places the responsibility of discernment squarely on the believer.

• when you see (ὅταν ἴδητε – hotan idēte):

  • Hotan: "Whenever, when," implies that the occurrence of "all these things" is a definite, observable event in time, marking a significant threshold.
  • Idēte: From the verb horao, "to see, perceive, understand." This seeing is not just passive physical observation but also active, Spirit-led recognition and comprehension. It demands attentiveness and an enlightened understanding of events in relation to prophecy.

• all these things (πάντα ταῦτα – panta tauta):

  • Panta tauta: "All these." This crucial phrase refers comprehensively to the entire array of signs Jesus just described in Matthew 24:4-31. This includes tribulation, false prophets, persecution, cosmic disturbances, and the worldwide preaching of the gospel. The significance lies in the cumulative, overarching pattern of these signs, rather than individual, isolated occurrences. It implies a prophetic epoch characterized by their concurrent or sequential presence.

• know (γινώσκετε – ginōskete):

  • This is an imperative verb, a command.
  • Ginōskete: From ginosko, which signifies not merely intellectual knowledge but an experiential, profound, and certain recognition or understanding. It implies a discernment rooted in personal awareness and comprehension, leading to a firm conviction that the prophesied events are actively unfolding and reaching their climax. This knowing produces watchfulness and readiness.

• that it is near (ὅτι ἐγγύς – hoti engys):

  • Hoti: "That," introduces the object of what one is to "know."
  • Engys: "Near, close at hand, at hand." This word indicates proximity in time. It conveys a strong sense of imminence, meaning that the ultimate fulfillment or consummation of the "coming" (Parousia) is no longer a distant event but has entered its final, proximate stage.

• at the very doors (ἐπὶ θύραις – epi thyrais):

  • Epi thyrais: An idiomatic Greek expression, literally "on/at the doors/gates." This is a powerful, emphatic reinforcement of "near." It evokes vivid imagery: someone or something standing just outside the threshold, ready to appear or burst forth at any moment. It signifies extreme immediacy, suggesting that the event is virtually here, its arrival tangible and unmistakable, demanding urgent preparedness.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So you also, when you see all these things": This phrase underlines the continuity between natural and spiritual discernment, implying that just as one effortlessly discerns seasons by observable nature, so too should the disciple interpret the prophetic landscape described by Jesus. It highlights the expected astuteness of believers in discerning the signs.
  • "know that it is near, at the very doors": The double emphasis of "near" and "at the very doors" is crucial. It intensifies the concept of immediacy and undeniable proximity. It dismisses any notion of a vague, far-off future event, asserting instead a visible, pressing nearness that calls for utmost alertness and anticipation.

Matthew 24 33 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "all these things" being seen cumulatively implies that one or two signs might not fully signal the "nearness" as profoundly as the collective pattern of numerous signs occurring in concert. This avoids misinterpretation of isolated events as the singular marker.
• The Olivet Discourse, and thus this verse, is understood by many scholars to have a dual fulfillment: a near-term fulfillment related to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, which mirrored many of the signs and served as a prefigurement, and a ultimate, complete fulfillment related to Christ's second advent at the end of the age. Both the "fig tree" analogy and the "at the doors" phrase point to a recognizable period, not an unpredictable bolt from the blue (though the precise moment of arrival is unknown, Mt 24:36,44).
• The imperative "know" carries a spiritual weight, implying that this discernment is not merely intellectual speculation but is aided by divine wisdom and understanding, accessible to those who are spiritually attuned and diligently study God's Word.

Matthew 24 33 Commentary

Matthew 24:33 is a central verse within the Olivet Discourse, functioning as Jesus' imperative to His disciples for prophetic discernment. By stating "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the very doors," Jesus moves from the simple, natural analogy of the fig tree (discerning summer by its leaves) to a direct command concerning the signs of His second coming and the end of the age. "All these things" refers collectively to the varied, increasing, and globally visible events Jesus prophesied from Matthew 24:4-31, including widespread deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, the tribulation of believers, cosmic disturbances, and the worldwide proclamation of the Gospel. These signs are not merely isolated incidents but are meant to form a discernible, cumulative pattern, indicating a shift into a new, decisive prophetic season.

The command to "know" (ginōskete) implies more than intellectual assent; it demands a deep, experiential recognition—a Spirit-empowered spiritual awareness. This understanding, derived from observing current events through a scriptural lens, leads to a firm conviction regarding the times. The double declaration "that it is near, at the very doors" vividly amplifies the sense of imminence. It portrays Christ's return and the consummation of His Kingdom as an event on the absolute threshold of occurrence, palpable and unmistakable in its proximity. This challenges complacency while simultaneously countering any attempt at precise date-setting (as the exact day and hour remain unknown, Mt 24:36). Instead, it calls for vigilant, prepared living in light of the discernible, fast-approaching conclusion of the age. Disciples are called to live not in ignorance or slumber, but with enlightened understanding and faithful anticipation, recognizing the unique "season" of history they inhabit.

• Practical Example: Just as a pilot knows a storm is "at the very doors" when the winds pick up, the barometer drops, and the radar shows dark clouds approaching, believers are to discern the approach of the Lord's coming by the increase and convergence of the biblical signs around them.
• Practical Example: A watchful parent might tell their children, "Dinner is at the very doors" when they hear the keys in the lock, signifying that someone is about to arrive with the food and it's time to gather immediately.