Matthew 24:16
Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 9
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰουδαίᾳ
Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίᾳ
Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
5 of 9
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
φευγέτωσαν
flee
G5343
φευγέτωσαν
flee
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
6 of 9
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
ἐπί
into
G1909
ἐπί
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.Proverbs 22:3A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Historical Context
When Roman general Cestius Gallus inexplicably withdrew from Jerusalem in AD 66 after breaching the walls, Christians recognized the providential escape opportunity. They fled to Pella, a Gentile city in the Decapolis east of the Jordan River. When Titus besieged Jerusalem in AD 70, no Christians were trapped inside. Josephus reports that famine, infighting, and Roman assault killed over one million Jews—but the church survived by heeding Jesus's prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this passage teach about God's providential care for his people even in judgment?
- How should believers balance engagement with culture and readiness to separate when God commands?
- Are there modern situations where Christians should practice strategic withdrawal rather than standing their ground?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains (τότε οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ φευγέτωσαν εἰς τὰ ὄρη)—The adverb τότε ("then") connects to v. 15's "abomination of desolation," signaling the moment for immediate evacuation. The imperative φεύγω (pheugō, "flee") demands urgent escape, like Lot fleeing Sodom (Genesis 19:17). Judaea specifically refers to the region around Jerusalem where danger will be most acute.
Eusebius (4th century) records that Christians in Jerusalem, remembering Jesus's warning, fled to Pella in the Transjordan mountains when they saw Roman standards (the abomination) surrounding the city. During Cestius Gallus's failed siege (AD 66), there was a brief window for escape before Titus returned (AD 70). Those who heeded Jesus's words survived; those who remained perished or were enslaved. Obedience to this specific command saved the early church.