Matthew 24:27
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀνατολῶν
the east
G395
ἀνατολῶν
the east
Strong's:
G395
Word #:
7 of 20
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φαίνεται
shineth
G5316
φαίνεται
shineth
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
9 of 20
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
ἕως
even unto
G2193
ἕως
even unto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
10 of 20
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
δυσμῶν
the west
G1424
δυσμῶν
the west
Strong's:
G1424
Word #:
11 of 20
the sun-set, i.e., (by implication) the western region
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρουσία
the coming
G3952
παρουσία
the coming
Strong's:
G3952
Word #:
16 of 20
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
of the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
of the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
18 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
2 Peter 3:4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.Zechariah 9:14And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.James 5:8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.Malachi 3:2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope:
Historical Context
Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse on Tuesday of Passion Week (AD 30), two days before His crucifixion. The disciples had just asked about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age (v.3). Jesus used Jewish apocalyptic language familiar from Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah to describe both AD 70 and final eschatological events.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the undeniable visibility of Christ's return challenge modern 'secret rapture' theologies?
- What false teachings or hidden spiritual movements today echo the 'secret messiah' claims Jesus warned against?
- How should the certainty of Christ's visible return affect your daily priorities and watchfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west—The Greek astrapē (ἀστραπή) means sudden flash, visible to all. Jesus contrasts the parousia (παρουσία, presence/coming) of the Son of Man with false messiahs hiding in deserts or inner rooms (v.26). His return will be unmistakable, universal, instantaneous—not a secret event requiring investigation.
This apocalyptic imagery from Ezekiel 1:4-14 and Zechariah 9:14 emphasizes sovereign power and undeniable glory. The Second Coming brooks no debate about its occurrence; every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). The lightning metaphor destroys all date-setting and secret-rapture theories—Christ's return will be as obvious as lightning splitting the sky.