Matthew 24:33
So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
likewise
G2532
καὶ
likewise
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 13
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἴδητε
ye shall see
G1492
ἴδητε
ye shall see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γινώσκετε
know
G1097
γινώσκετε
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 13
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
The 'door' metaphor appears throughout Scripture—Noah's ark door (Genesis 7:16), Passover door blood (Exodus 12:23), closed door of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:10), Jesus knocking (Revelation 3:20). In AD 30, Jesus spoke to disciples who would witness some 'things' (temple destruction, AD 70) but not all (Second Coming). The overlapping fulfillments create prophetic tension.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance urgency about Christ's return with patient endurance, given that He has 'stood at the door' for 2,000 years?
- Which of the 'all these things' signs do you see converging in your lifetime that might indicate nearness?
- What practical changes would you make today if you truly believed Christ was 'at the doors'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors—The Greek eggys (ἐγγύς) means near/at hand, and epi thyrais (ἐπὶ θύραις) pictures someone at the door, about to knock. Jesus promises recognizable proximity, not precise chronology. 'All these things' (panta tauta, πάντα ταῦτα) references the signs just described—false messiahs, wars, famines, persecution, abomination, tribulation, cosmic disturbances.
The ambiguous pronoun 'it' (not 'he') may refer to Christ's coming, the kingdom's consummation, or judgment's arrival. The cumulative convergence of signs indicates imminent fulfillment—like a homeowner hearing footsteps on the porch. This demands vigilance, not complacency, since the door could open any moment.