Matthew 24:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 24:38
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,
Chapter Context
Matthew 24 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, prayer, mercy. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-51: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 24:38
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,
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 22:30, Genesis 6:2, Luke 12:19, 12:45, 21:34