Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:15

What does Matthew 24:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:15 means

Jesus instructs His disciples to recognize a crucial prophetic sign mentioned by Daniel: "When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place." This refers to a sacrilegious act that defiles the temple, signaling a deeply significant and terrifying moment. Historically, a foreshadowing occurred with Antiochus Epiphanes. However, Jesus speaks of a future, ultimate fulfillment, warning that its appearance in a consecrated place will initiate the worst period of tribulation, requiring immediate and decisive action. The parenthetical remark, "let him that readeth understand," underscores its importance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When, then, you see in the holy place the unclean thing which makes destruction, of which word was given by Daniel the prophet (let this be clear to the reader),

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Whenever, therefore, ye may see the abomination of the desolation, that was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever is reading let him observe)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him understand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore ye shall see the abomination of desolation, which is spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in [what is a] holy place, (he that reads let him understand,)

Context

This pivotal verse introduces the specific and highly significant sign of the 'abomination of desolation,' directly linking Jesus' prophecy to Daniel's. It marks a dramatic escalation of the prophetic timeline, moving from general signs to a precise event that demands immediate recognition and response. This sign directly triggers the urgent commands for flight detailed in the subsequent verses.

v.14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.

v.15This passage

v.16then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

  • Daniel 11:31

    And forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt-offering, and they shall set up the abomination that maketh desolate.

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate.

  • Luke 21:20

    But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

  • Daniel 10:12

    Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words’ sake.

  • Ezekiel 40:4

    And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thy heart upon all that I shall show thee; for, to the intent that I may show them unto thee, art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

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