Matthew 24:20
But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γένηται
be
G1096
γένηται
be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειμῶνος
in the winter
G5494
χειμῶνος
in the winter
Strong's:
G5494
Word #:
9 of 12
akin to the base of 5490 through the idea of a channel), meaning a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, i.e., winter
Historical Context
Judean winters (December-February) brought temperatures near freezing in mountains, with heavy rain making roads muddy and rivers dangerous. The siege of Jerusalem occurred April-September AD 70 (not winter). The brief escape window under Cestius (AD 66) also wasn't winter. Regarding sabbath: Jewish authorities enforced strict sabbath regulations. Fleeing on sabbath would have attracted hostile attention and been physically difficult with closed gates.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this command to pray about logistical details teach about God's concern for physical as well as spiritual needs?
- How can believers balance preparation/planning with trust in God's providence?
- Does Jesus's assumption of continued sabbath observance have implications for how Christians view Old Testament law today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day (προσεύχεσθε δὲ ἵνα μὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν χειμῶνος μηδὲ σαββάτῳ)—The imperative προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, "pray") commands petition regarding circumstances of escape. Winter (χειμών, cheimōn) brings cold, rain, and swollen rivers, making mountain travel treacherous. The sabbath (σάββατον) presented different challenges: Jews limited travel to a "sabbath day's journey" (~2,000 cubits, about 3/5 mile), and city gates were closed.
This reveals:
The early church's escape during Cestius Gallus's unexpected withdrawal (not winter, not sabbath) may well have been answer to this very prayer.