Matthew 24:38
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
the day
G2250
ἡμέρας
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 24
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
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
8 of 24
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρώγοντες
they were eating
G5176
τρώγοντες
they were eating
Strong's:
G5176
Word #:
11 of 24
or perhaps rather of a base of g5167 and g5149 through the idea of a craunching sound; to gnaw or chew, i.e., (generally) to eat
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἧς
that
G3739
ἧς
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡμέρας
the day
G2250
ἡμέρας
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
19 of 24
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Genesis 6:2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.Luke 12:45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.Luke 12:19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Historical Context
Genesis 7:1-10 describes the seven-day warning before the flood. Noah entered the ark, God shut the door, and for seven days nothing happened—one final test of the world's faith. The antediluvian world had reached peak wickedness (Genesis 6:5) and peak complacency. Similarly, first-century Judea enjoyed Pax Romana—peace, prosperity, temple worship—while ignoring Jesus's warnings about impending AD 70 judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'normal' routines and pursuits might be dulling your spiritual watchfulness for Christ's return?
- How can you engage in necessary daily activities (work, family, food) without being absorbed by them to spiritual detriment?
- What is the difference between healthy enjoyment of life's blessings and the dangerous complacency Jesus warns against?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage—Jesus doesn't condemn normal activities but absorption in them to the exclusion of spiritual reality. The Greek imperfect tense (ēsan, ἦσαν = they were) pictures continuous action—eating (trōgō, τρώγω), drinking (pinō, πίνω), marrying (gameō, γαμέω), and giving in marriage (gamizō, γαμίζω) without interruption.
Until the day that Noe entered into the ark (achri hēs hēmeras eisēlthen Nōe eis tēn kibōton, ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας εἰσῆλθεν Νῶε εἰς τὴν κιβωτόν)—life's normalcy continued right up to the threshold of judgment. The problem wasn't the activities but the hardened indifference. They treated Noah as a fanatic, the ark as a joke, and divine warnings as superstition. Comfortable routines anesthetized them to reality.