Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:36

What does Matthew 24:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:36 means

Jesus states a profound limitation regarding the exact timing of His return: "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only." This verse unequivocally declares that the precise moment of Christ's second coming is known exclusively by God the Father. It highlights the mystery surrounding this event, preventing speculation and encouraging constant readiness rather than calendar-watching. It also reveals the Son's voluntary submission and humility within the Godhead, even concerning divine knowledge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But of that day and hour no one has knowledge, not even the angels in heaven, or the Son, but the Father only.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And concerning that day and the hour no one hath known--not even the messengers of the heavens--except my Father only;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But of that day and hour no one knoweth: no, not the angels of heaven, but the Father alone.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of the heavens, but [my] Father alone.

Context

This verse directly addresses the issue of timing, following Jesus' declaration of His words' eternal truth. It places a definitive boundary on human and even angelic knowledge, emphasizing the mystery of 'that day and hour.' This unknowability serves as a crucial theological point, setting the stage for the subsequent comparisons to Noah's day and the parables of watchfulness.

v.35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

v.36This passage

v.37And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

  • Mark 13:32

    But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.

  • Matthew 24:44

    Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:13

    Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

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