Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
of
G4012
Περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 21
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείνης
that
G1565
ἐκείνης
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐδεὶς
no
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 21
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
οἶδεν
knoweth
G1492
οἶδεν
knoweth
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελοι
the angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
the angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
13 of 21
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
15 of 21
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 13:32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.Acts 1:7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.Matthew 24:44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.Matthew 24:42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.1 Thessalonians 5:2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.Matthew 25:13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.Zechariah 14:7But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature often speculated about end-times timing, with groups like the Essenes calculating prophetic calendars. Jesus categorically rejects this practice. The early church initially expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15), but as decades passed, they learned patient expectation (2 Peter 3:8-9). This verse has frustrated date-setters for 2,000 years—every prediction has failed.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do you think Christians continually violate this verse by predicting dates, despite 2,000 years of failed predictions?
- How does Jesus's own ignorance of the timing (in His incarnate state) inform your understanding of His full humanity?
- What is the spiritual danger of knowing the exact date versus living in expectant readiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only—After teaching the recognizability of His coming, Jesus forbids chronological calculation. The emphatic oudeis (οὐδείς = no one) excludes everyone—no human, no angel, not even the Son (Mark 13:32). This self-limitation during His incarnation demonstrates the reality of His humanity and submission to the Father.
The phrase hē hēmera ekeinē kai hōra (ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη καὶ ὥρα = that day and hour) became technical language for the Day of the Lord. God's sovereignty over timing rebukes all date-setters, calendar decoders, and prophecy speculators. The Father alone holds the appointment calendar for history's culmination (Acts 1:7). Our calling is watchfulness, not calculation.