Matthew 24:37
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
the days
G2250
ἡμέραι
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 15
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
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 #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρουσία
the coming
G3952
παρουσία
the coming
Strong's:
G3952
Word #:
11 of 15
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 #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
of the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
of the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.2 Peter 2:5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;2 Peter 3:6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:Matthew 24:39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Historical Context
Genesis 6-9 records the flood account, which Jesus treats as historical fact, not myth. Jewish tradition (Book of Enoch, Jubilees) elaborated Noah's story, and Jesus assumes His audience knows the narrative. The flood became the archetype for divine judgment—total, unexpected to the wicked, salvation for the righteous remnant. Peter later uses the same parallel (2 Peter 3:5-7) to warn scoffers.
Questions for Reflection
- What parallels between Noah's generation and contemporary culture do you observe—prosperity, violence, spiritual apathy?
- How can you be a 'Noah' in your generation—building the ark (spiritual preparation) while warning others?
- Why do humans consistently ignore clear warnings about coming judgment, and how can you avoid this pattern?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be—Jesus draws a typological parallel between Noah's generation and the end-times. The Greek construction emphasizes exact correspondence: 'just as...so also.' The comparison isn't about wickedness levels but about unpreparedness and suddenness. Noah (Nōe, Νῶε) preached for 120 years while building the ark (2 Peter 2:5), yet his generation ignored the warning.
The parousia (παρουσία = coming/presence) of the Son of Man will catch an unbelieving world in the same spiritual stupor. They knew judgment was coming—Noah's preaching and the ark's construction were unmistakable—but they 'knew not' (v.39), meaning they refused to believe and prepare. Willful ignorance, not lack of information, condemned them.