Keraia
Matthew 24

Matthew 24:30

The Return of the Son of Man · Matthew 24:26–31
Read Matthew 24

Translations

Modern
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And 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.
Latin
…et tunc parebit signum Filii hominis in cælo: et tunc plangent omnes tribus terræ: et videbunt Filium hominis venientem in nubibus cæli cum virtute multa et majestate.

Original

Greek
English
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Notes

Matthew 24:30

  • the sign of the Son of Man: The sign is probably the Son of Man himself (see Matthew 12:38–42; 16:4). His coming shows that God has vindicated him (proved him right; see 26:64). It will also cause deep mourning for those who face God’s judgment.

  • all the tribes of the earth: This could also mean "all the tribes of the land." The Greek term used here (phulai) often refers to the tribes of Israel. It is not the usual term for Gentiles (ethnoi). This suggests that it may refer to a national disaster in Israel (see Matthew 21:43; Zechariah 12:10–14).

  • the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven: See Daniel 7:13. Many think this means the Son of Man will descend from God's presence to live on earth as judge and savior. This is the second coming of Christ. Others believe it describes the Son of Man coming in judgment, but not necessarily as the second coming of Christ (see Matthew 10:23; 16:27; 19:28; 25:31; 26:64; 28:18).

Matthew 24:29–31

These sayings indicate the most important part of the discussion and answer the second question the disciples asked (see Matthew 24:3). Some believe 24:29–31 describes God's judgment on the Jewish people in AD 70. In this view, the apocalyptic images and metaphors picture the destruction of Jerusalem.

Others see these verses as pointing to the second coming of Christ at the end of history.

Matthew 24:1–31

Some think chapter 24 is about the return of Jesus at the end of time. Others think it as a prediction of events in AD 70, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. Some think it refers to both events. See also study notes on Mark 13.

Events

Parallels

Mark 13:24–27 Luke 21:25–28

Glossary

Abomination of Desolation Antichrist Apocalyptic Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Revelation Eschatology Glory Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Mourning Parousia Pillar of Fire and Cloud Power Prophecy Second Letter to the Thessalonians Sign Son of Man Tribulation

Topics

Clouds: Called The: Clouds of Heaven Despondency: General Scriptures Concerning Earth: Destruction of Festival of Trumpets Heaven: The Physical Heavens Jesus Ruling in Jerusalem Jesus, the Christ: Prophet: Foretold Things to Come Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Rapture Second Coming Sign: A Miracle to Confirm Faith the Prophet Christ: Foretold Things to Come The Second Coming of Christ: Signs Preceding The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in Clouds The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of with Power and Great Glory The Tribulation