Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:16

What does Matthew 24:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:16 means

Jesus issues an urgent command to those in Judea: "then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains." This instruction underscores the extreme danger and necessity of immediate escape once the "abomination of desolation" is observed. The mountains traditionally served as places of refuge, and the necessity of flight highlights the severity of the impending persecution and destruction. This is not a time for hesitation or gathering possessions, but for rapid and desperate preservation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then let those who are in Judaea go in flight to the mountains:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then those in Judea--let them flee to the mounts;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the mountains:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

then let those who are in Judaea flee to the mountains;

Context

Directly following the warning about the 'abomination of desolation,' this verse provides the immediate and imperative response for those in Judea. It describes the necessary action—fleeing to the mountains—setting the tone for the extreme urgency and lack of time that will characterize the period, further emphasized by the practical instructions in the verses that follow.

v.15When 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),

v.16This passage

v.17let him that is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house:

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 19:15

    And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters that are here, lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

  • Exodus 9:20

    He that feared the word of Jehovah among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

  • Luke 21:21

    Then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.

  • Jeremiah 37:11

    And it came to pass that, when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army,

  • Proverbs 22:3

    A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

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