Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:33

What does Matthew 24:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:33 means

Applying the fig tree parable, Jesus declares, "even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors." This means that when the disciples observe the various signs He has outlined—false Christs, wars, famines, persecutions, the abomination of desolation, and cosmic disturbances—they should recognize these as clear indicators of His imminent return. The phrase "at the doors" emphasizes the close proximity of His coming once these signs begin to unfold, calling for alertness and understanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even so, when you see all these things, you may be certain that he is near, even at the doors.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also ye, when ye may see all these, ye know that it is nigh--at the doors.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So you also, when you shall see all these things, know ye that it is nigh, even at the doors.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus also ye, when ye see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors.

Context

This verse directly applies the principle of the fig tree parable from verse 32, connecting the observation of 'all these things' to the immediate conclusion that Christ's coming is 'nigh, even at the doors.' It transitions from the illustrative parable to a direct statement about the certainty of His near return, leading into a strong assertion about the generation that will witness these events.

v.32Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;

v.33This passage

v.34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 7:2

    And thou, son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto the land of Israel, An end: the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

  • Revelation 3:20

    Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Hebrews 10:37

    For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry.

  • James 5:9

    Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors.

  • 1 Peter 4:7

    But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:

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