Matthew 24:39
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:39 (KJV)
Context
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus answers His disciples’ questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). He warns of false messiahs, wars, famines, and earthquakes that will precede His return. In this setting, Jesus points back to the days of Noah to teach about the nature of His coming.
Meaning
Jesus compares the days of Noah with the coming of the Son of Man. Before the flood, people were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark (Matthew 24:38). They “knew not“—they did not heed Noah’s warnings or believe the flood was coming. The flood came suddenly and took them all away in judgment. Jesus says that His coming will be just like that: sudden, universal in its impact, and catching people unaware.
The phrase “took them all away” refers to the ungodly being swept away in judgment, not to believers being raptured. The flood was a historical judgment; the coming of the Son of Man will be a future judgment. The people’s normal daily activities were not wrong in themselves, but they became a distraction from spiritual vigilance. Their hearts were hardened, and they were given over to judicial blindness.
Biblical connections
The parallel with Noah’s day emphasizes the certainty of judgment and the importance of readiness, as no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36). The next verses (Matthew 24:40-42) illustrate the separation that will occur and command believers to keep watch.
Application
Matthew 24:39 calls believers to remain vigilant, anticipating Christ’s return. It encourages us to live in righteousness and faithfulness, knowing that the exact time is unknown. Just as Noah and his family were spared because they found favour with God, those who are in a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ will be saved from the judgment to come. This highlights the significance of being spiritually awake, alert, and living in obedience to God’s Word.
Overall: Matthew 24:39 teaches the suddenness of Christ’s second coming and the importance of being spiritually prepared. It is a reminder to live with expectancy, continually seeking a relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will.
Reflection
In a world absorbed by daily routines, this verse asks whether we are truly ready for the Lord’s return. It is not about abandoning ordinary life, but about keeping our hearts attuned to God so that when He comes, we are found faithful.
