What does Matthew 24:39 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:39 describes a moment when people were unaware of the coming disaster, the flood in Noah's time, and parallels it with how the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) will catch many by surprise.

This verse points out the obliviousness of people during Noah's era to the warning signs around them.

They continued with their daily lives until the flood came suddenly and destroyed them all.

Similarly, the passage warns that the return of Christ will happen unexpectedly, and many will be unprepared for His coming.

The verse emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness, as the timing of this event is unknown.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written between AD 70 and 100, addressing a primarily Jewish audience.

Jesus often spoke in parables and used prophetic language to convey his messages.

The reference to Noah and the flood is drawn from the account in Genesis 6-9, a narrative familiar to Jesus' listeners.

By referring to this historical event, He draws a parallel between the past judgment by water and a future judgment at His return.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse in various ways.

Pre-millennialists see this as a warning of a literal, future event when Christ will establish His kingdom after a period of tribulation.

Post-millennialists might interpret this as a figurative warning, with the ‘coming of the Son of Man’ representing a gradual Christianization of the world.

Amillennialists may view it as a call to moral readiness amidst ongoing spiritual struggles, rather than a prediction of a physical return.

Regardless of the stance, the common thread is that the return of Christ demands preparedness and awareness among believers.

Practical Applications

This verse can prompt individuals to live in a state of moral readiness, maintain a strong faith, and avoid becoming complacent or distracted by daily routines.

Practically, it encourages believers to prioritize spiritual commitments and be alert to the teachings of Scripture.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder to engage in reflective practices and accountability, ensuring one is living in alignment with Christian values and principles.

Cross-References

• Genesis 6:5-7 - This passage in Genesis describes the wickedness of man that led God to send the flood.
• Luke 17:26-27 - Describes a similar comparison made by Jesus about the days of Noah and His coming.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2 - Stresses that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
• 2 Peter 3:10 - Peter tells of the day of the Lord coming as a thief and the elements melting away, emphasizing suddenness and surprise.
• Revelation 16:15 - Jesus is quoted saying He will come as a thief and blessed are those who stay awake and keep their garments.

Language Study

The original Greek phrase εἰς γνῶσιν (eis gnōsin) translated "knew not" carries the connotation of being unaware or ignorant.

This suggests a willful ignorance or a deliberate choice not to recognize the signs.

The word κατακλύζω (katakluzo), translated as "took them all away," means to overwhelm entirely, thus indicating the totality of the destruction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, flood narratives, like the Epic of Gilgamesh, reflect a broader cultural awareness of catastrophic floods.

These stories often carry moral and religious interpretations about gods and judgment.

In the case of the Noah story, it is about divine judgment and redemption.

The Matthew verse interests scholars by emphasizing individual preparedness over collective destiny.

Scientific Perspectives

The discussion of Noah's flood within scientific communities often revolves around global vs. local flood theories, geological evidence, and historic climate events.

Some seek natural explanations for the events described, while others assert the narrative is mythological. Scientifically, the emphasis on abrupt climate events can serve as a metaphor for sudden, impactful changes in the context of this verse.

Commentaries

Commentaries by biblical scholars offer varied interpretations of Matthew 24:39:

• William Barclay suggests Jesus is warning against being so absorbed in the material aspects of life that the spiritual is neglected, resulting in unpreparedness for the final accounting.
• Craig S.

Keener notes that the simile with Noah's time indicates a sudden, surprising judgment and advocates for continual readiness.

• John Calvin regarded the comparison to Noah's time as a reminder of the unpredictability of God's judgment and the necessity for vigilance.
• R.T.

France emphasizes that the context of the verse within the discourse is eschatological, warning Jesus' disciples not to ignore the signs of the end times as the people in Noah's day ignored the signs of the coming flood.