Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:3

What does Matthew 24:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:3 means

The disciples, now alone with Jesus on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, ask three interconnected questions prompted by His prophecy of the temple's destruction: when will 'these things' happen (referring to the temple's downfall), what will be the sign of 'thy coming,' and what will be the sign 'of the end of the world'? These questions frame Jesus' entire discourse, as He weaves together prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem, His glorious second coming, and the culmination of history.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while he was seated on the Mountain of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Make clear to us, when will these things be? and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when he is sitting on the mount of the Olives, the disciples came near to him by himself, saying, `Tell us, when shall these be? and what <FI>is<Fi> the sign of thy presence, and of the full end of the age?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was sitting on mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the consummation of the world?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be, and what is the sign of thy coming and [the] completion of the age?

Context

This verse is the thematic heart of the chapter, presenting the disciples' direct questions that Jesus will spend the rest of Matthew 24 answering. Their queries about the temple's destruction, His coming, and the end of the age establish the intertwined themes Jesus addresses, distinguishing between events immediately preceding the destruction of Jerusalem and those concerning the ultimate end.

v.2But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

v.3This passage

v.4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 9:26

    else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  • Matthew 13:36

    Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1

    But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you.

  • Matthew 24:43

    But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through.

  • Matthew 13:49

    So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 24

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 24.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 24:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary