Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:37

What does Matthew 24:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:37 means

Comparing His future coming to a past cataclysm, Jesus states, "And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man." This analogy draws a parallel not primarily with the wickedness of Noah's day, but with the sudden, unexpected nature of the flood that surprised an unprepared world. It foreshadows a time when life will seemingly continue as normal, only to be abruptly interrupted by Christ's decisive return, catching many off guard.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and as the days of Noah--so shall be also the presence of the Son of Man;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as in the days of Noe, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But as the days of Noe, so also shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Context

This verse introduces a powerful Old Testament analogy, comparing the coming of the Son of Man to 'the days of Noah.' This comparison immediately sets a prophetic tone for the subsequent verses, focusing on the unexpectedness and unawareness of people before a major divine intervention, thereby emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual preparedness.

v.36But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.

v.37This passage

v.38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 6:1

    And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born unto them,

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

  • Genesis 7:6

    And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.

  • 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.

  • Job 22:15

    Wilt thou keep the old way Which wicked men have trodden?

  • Luke 17:26

    And as it came to pass in the days of Noah, even so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

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