Matthew 24:3

Authorized King James Version

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Word-by-Word Analysis

Καθημένου

G2521

as he sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ

G846

unto him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπὶ

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ὄρους

G3735

the mount

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἐλαιῶν

G1636

of Olives

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

προσῆλθον

G4334

came

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

#10

αὐτῷ

G846

unto him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

μαθηταὶ

G3101

the disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#13

κατ'

G2596

privately

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#14

ἰδίαν

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#15

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#16

Εἰπὲ

G2036

Tell

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#17

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#18

πότε

G4219

when

interrogative adverb, at what time

#19

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#20

ἔσται

G2071

will be

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#23

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

σημεῖον

G4592

shall be the sign

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

#25

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

σῆς

G4674

of thy

thine

#27

παρουσίας

G3952

coming

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

συντελείας

G4930

of the end

entire completion, i.e., consummation (of a dispensation)

#31

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

αἰῶνος

G165

of the world

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Matthew 24:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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