The Meaning of Matthew 24:3 Explained

Matthew 24:3

KJV: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

YLT: And when he is sitting on the mount of the Olives, the disciples came near to him by himself, saying, 'Tell us, when shall these be? and what is the sign of thy presence, and of the full end of the age?'

Darby: And as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be, and what is the sign of thy coming and the completion of the age?

ASV: And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what'shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  as he  sat  upon  the mount  of Olives,  the disciples  came  unto him  privately,  saying,  Tell  us,  when  shall  these things  be?  and  what  [shall be] the sign  of thy  coming,  and  of the end  of the world? 

What does Matthew 24:3 Mean?

Study Notes

Tell us
The beginning of the Olivet Discourse
Matthew 24 with Luke 21:20-24 answers the threefold question. The order is as follows: "when shall these things be?"--i.e. destruction of the temple and city. Answer: Luke 21:20-24 .
Second and third questions: "And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?" Answer: Matthew 24:4-33 .
Matthew 24:4-14 have a double interpretation: They give:
(1) the character of the age--wars, international conflicts, famines, pestilences, persecutions, and false Christs (cf) Daniel 9:26 .
This is not the description of a converted world.
(2) But the same answer ( Matthew 24:4-14 ) applies in a specific way to the end of the age, viz. Daniel's seventieth week. Daniel 9:24-27 .
All that has characterized the age gathers into awful intensity at the end. Matthew 24:14 has specific reference to the proclamation of the good news that the kingdom is again "at hand" by the Jewish remnant Isaiah 1:9 ; Revelation 14:6 ; Revelation 14:7 .
Matthew 24:15 gives the sign of the abomination, , the "man of sin," or "Beast" 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 ; Daniel 9:27 ; Daniel 12:11 ; Revelation 13:4-7 .
This introduces the great tribulation Psalms 2:5 . , which runs its awful course of three and a half years, culminating in the battle of See Scofield " Revelation 19:19 " at which time Christ becomes the smiting Stone of Daniel 2:34 .
The detail of this period ( Matthew 24:15-28 ) is:
(1) The abomination in the holy place ( Matthew 24:15 );
(2) the warning ( Matthew 24:16-20 ) to believing Jews who will then be in Jerusalem;
(3) the great tribulation, with renewed warning as to false Christs ( Matthew 24:21-26 );
(4) the sudden smiting of the Gentile world-power ( Matthew 24:27 ; Matthew 24:28 );
(5) the glorious appearing of the Lord, visible to all nations, and the regathering of Israel ( Matthew 24:29-31 );
(6) the sign of the fig-tree ( Matthew 24:32 ; Matthew 24:33 );
(7) warnings, applicable to this present age over which these events are ever impending ( Matthew 24:34-51 ). Philippians 4:5 .
Careful study of Daniel 2, 7, 9, and Revelation 13 will make the interpretation clear. See, also, "Remnant" ( Isaiah 1:9 ; Romans 11:5 ).
Seventy weeks
These are "weeks" or more accurately, sevens of years; seventy weeks of seven years each. Within these "weeks" the national chastisement must be ended and the nation re- established in everlasting righteousness ( Daniel 9:24 ). The seventy weeks are divided into seven = 49 years; sixty-two = 434 years; one = 7 years ( Daniel 9:25-27 ). In the seven weeks = 49 years, Jerusalem was to be rebuilt in "troublous times." This was fulfilled, as Ezra and Nehemiah record. Sixty-two weeks = 434 years, thereafter Messiah was to come ( Daniel 9:25 ). This was fulfilled in the birth and manifestation of Christ ( Daniel 9:26 ). Daniel 9:26 is obviously an indeterminate period. The date of the crucifixion is not fixed. It is only said to be "after" the threescore and two weeks. It is the first event in Daniel 9:26 . The second event is the destruction of the city, fulfilled A.D. 70. Then, "unto the end," a period not fixed, but which has already lasted nearly 2000 years. To Daniel was revealed only that wars and desolations should continue (cf. Matthew 24:6-14 .) The N.T. reveals, that which was hidden from the O.T. prophets; Matthew 13:11-17 ; Ephesians 3:1-10 that during this period should be accomplished the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-50 and the out-calling of the Church; Matthew 16:18 ; Romans 11:25 . When the Church- age will end, and the seventieth week begin, is nowhere revealed. Its duration can be but seven years. To make it more violates the principle of interpretation already confirmed by fulfilment. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last week. The "he" of Daniel 9:27 is the "prince that shall come" of Daniel 9:26 , whose people (Rome) destroyed the temple, A.D. 70. He is the same with the "little horn" of chapter 7. He will covenant with the Jews to restore their temple sacrifices for one week (seven years), but in the middle of that time he will break the covenant and fulfil; Daniel 12:11 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:4 . Between the sixty-ninth week, after which Messiah was cut off, and the seventieth week, within which the "little horn" of Daniel 7. will run his awful course, intervenes this entire Church-age. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last three and a half years of the seven, which are identical with the "great tribulation." Matthew 24:15-28 "time of trouble" Daniel 12:1 hour of temptation" Revelation 3:10 . (see "Tribulation,"; Psalms 2:5 ; Revelation 7:14 ). (See Scofield " Psalms 2:5 ") .
make reconciliation
There is no word in the O.T. properly rendered reconcile. In the A.V. the English word is found 1 Samuel 29:4 ; 2 Chronicles 29:24 ; Leviticus 6:30 ; Leviticus 8:15 ; Leviticus 16:20 ; Ezekiel 45:15 ; Ezekiel 45:17 ; Ezekiel 45:20 ; Daniel 9:24 but always improperly; atonement is invariably the meaning. Reconciliation is a N.T. doctrine Romans 5:10 (See Scofield " Revelation 7:3-8 ")
thy people Cf. Hosea 1:9 The Jews, rejected, are "thy people," i.e. Daniel's, not Jehovah's though yet to be restored.
reconciliation Heb. kaphar, atonement. See this verse note 1, and see note, Exodus 29:33 (See Scofield " Exodus 29:33 ")
make reconciliation
There is no word in the O.T. properly rendered reconcile. In the A.V. the English word is found 1 Samuel 29:4 ; 2 Chronicles 29:24 ; Leviticus 6:30 ; Leviticus 8:15 ; Leviticus 16:20 ; Ezekiel 45:15 ; Ezekiel 45:17 ; Ezekiel 45:20 ; Daniel 9:24 but always improperly; atonement is invariably the meaning. Reconciliation is a N.T. doctrine Romans 5:10 (See Scofield " Colossians 1:21 ")
thy people Cf. Hosea 1:9 The Jews, rejected, are "thy people," i.e. Daniel's, not Jehovah's though yet to be restored.
reconciliation Heb. kaphar, atonement. See this verse note 1, and see note, Exodus 29:33 (See Scofield " Exodus 29:33 ")
thy people Cf. Hosea 1:9 The Jews, rejected, are "thy people," i.e. Daniel's, not Jehovah's though yet to be restored.
reconciliation Heb. kaphar, atonement. See this verse note 1, and see note, Exodus 29:33 (See Scofield " Exodus 29:33 ")
remnant Remnant. See, Isaiah 1:9 .
grace Grace (in salvation). vs. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ; Romans 3:24 See note, (See Scofield " John 1:17 ") .
Remnant
Remnant, Summary: In the history of Israel, a "remnant" may be discerned, a spiritual Israel within the national Israel. In Elijah's time 7,000 had not bowed the knee to Baal 1 Kings 19:18 . In Isaiah's time it was the "very small remnant" for whose sake God still forbore to destroy the nation Isaiah 1:9 . During the captivities the remnant appears in Jews like Ezekiel, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Esther, and Mordecai. At the end of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity it was the remnant which returned under Ezra and Nehemiah. At the advent of our Lord, John the Baptist, Simeon, Anna, and "them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" Luke 2:38 were the remnant. During the church-age the remnant is composed of believing Jews Romans 11:4 ; Romans 11:5 . But the chief interest in the remnant is prophetic. During the great tribulation a remnant out of all Israel will turn to Jesus as Messiah, and will become His witnesses after the removal of the church Colossians 1:21 . Some of these will undergo martyrdom Revelation 6:9-11 some will be spared to enter the millennial kingdom Zechariah 12:6 to Zechariah 13:9 . Many of the Psalms express, prophetically, the joys and sorrows of the tribulation remnant.
remnant Remnant. See, Isaiah 1:9 .
grace Grace (in salvation). vs. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ; Romans 3:24 See note, (See Scofield " John 1:17 ") .
abominations
(Cf) Matthew 24:15 . The expression occurs three times in Daniel. In; Daniel 9:27 ; Daniel 12:11 the reference is to the "Beast," "man of sin"; 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and is identical with Matthew 24:15 . In Daniel 11:31 the reference is to the act of Antiochus Epiphanes, the prototype of the man of sin, who sacrificed a sow upon the altar, and entered the holy of holies.
tribulation
The great tribulation is the period of unexampled trouble predicted in the passages cited under that head from Psalms 2:5 to Revelation 7:14 and described in Revelation 11-18. Involving in a measure the whole earth Revelation 3:10 it is yet distinctly "the time of Jacob's trouble" Jeremiah 30:7 and its vortex Jerusalem and the Holy Land. It involves the people of God who will have returned to Palestine in unbelief. Its duration is three and a half years, or the last half of the seventieth week of Daniel. (See Scofield " Daniel 9:24 ") . Revelation 11:2 ; Revelation 11:3 The elements of the tribulation are:
(1) The cruel reign of the "beast out of the sea" Revelation 13:1 who at the beginning of the three and a half years, will break his covenant with the Jews (by virtue of which they will have re-established the temple worship, Daniel 9:27 and show himself in the temple, demanding that he be worshipped as God; Matthew 24:15 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:4 .
(2) The active interposition of Satan "having great wrath" Revelation 12:12 who gives his power to the Beast Revelation 13:4 ; Revelation 13:5 .
(3) The unprecedented activity of demons Revelation 9:2 ; Revelation 9:11 and
(4) the terrible "bowl" judgments of Revelation 16.
The great tribulation will be, however, a period of salvation. An election out of Israel is seen as sealed for God Revelation 7:4-8 and, with an innumerable multitude of Gentiles Revelation 7:9 are said to have come "out of the great tribulation" Revelation 7:14 . They are not of the priesthood, the church, to which they seem to stand somewhat in the relation of the Levites to the priests under the Mosaic Covenant. The great tribulation is immediately followed by the return of Christ in glory, and the events associated therewith Matthew 24:29 ; Matthew 24:30 .
See "Remnant" Isaiah 1:9 .
(See Scofield " Romans 11:5 ") . "Beast" See Scofield " Daniel 9:24 " See Scofield " Revelation 19:20 " "Armageddon" Revelation 16:14 . See Scofield " Revelation 19:17 ".

Verse Meaning

The Mount of Olives stands directly east of the temple area on the eastern side of the Kidron Valley that separates Mt. Olivet from Mt. Zion. The site of this discourse has given it its name: the Olivet Discourse. It was an appropriate place for Jesus to give a discourse dealing with His return. The Mount of Olives is where Zechariah predicted that Messiah would stand to judge the nations and establish His kingdom ( Zechariah 14:4). This prophecy is foundational to the discourse that follows.
The word "privately" as Matthew and Mark used it set the disciples apart from the crowds. Mark wrote that Peter, James ,, John , and Andrew asked Jesus the question ( Mark 13:3). Whether He gave the answer only to them, which seems improbable, or to all the disciples, He did not give it to the multitudes. This was further revelation for their believing ears only. Luke did not mention the disciples as the recipients of this teaching but implied that a larger audience heard it ( Luke 21:5-7). However this appears to have been deliberate by Luke to show that this teaching had significance for all the people.
The disciples asked Jesus two questions. The first was, "When will these things be?" The second question had two parts as is clear from the Greek construction of the sentence. It linked two nouns, "coming" (Gr. parousias) and "end" (Gr. synteleias), with a single article, "the" (Gr. to), and the conjunction "and" (Gr. kai). The second question was, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" By asking the question this way we know that the disciples believed that Jesus" coming ( Matthew 23:39) would end the present age and introduce the messianic age. [1] The first question dealt with the time of the destruction of the temple. The second dealt with the sign that would signal Jesus" coming and the end of the age.
What did the disciples mean when they asked Jesus about the sign of His coming? This is the first occurrence of parousia ("coming") in Matthew"s Gospel (cf. Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:37; Matthew 24:39). In classical non-biblical Greek this word meant "presence" and later "arrival" or "coming," the first stage of being present. [2] In the New Testament, parousia does not always have eschatological overtones (e.g, 2 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 10:10). In the second and third centuries A.D, writers used it to describe the visit of a king or other important official. [3] In view of Jesus" recent statement that the Israelites would not see Him again until they would say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord," it was undoubtedly to this coming that the disciples referred ( Matthew 23:39). They wanted to know when He would return to the temple having been accepted rather than rejected by the nation. Specifically they wanted to know what would signify His return, what would be the harbinger of His advent.
What did they mean by "the end of the age?" Jesus had used this phrase before ( Matthew 13:39-40; Matthew 13:49; cf. Matthew 28:20). By the end of the age Jesus meant the end of the present age that will consummate in His second coming and a judgment of living unbelievers (cf. Jeremiah 29:22; Jeremiah 51:33; Daniel 3:6; Hosea 6:11; Joel 3:13; Zephaniah 1:3). This will occur just before the messianic kingdom begins. The disciples used the phrase "the end of the age" as Jesus and the Old Testament prophets spoke of it. They understood that Jesus meant the present age, the one before the messianic age began, since in their question they associated it with Jesus" return to the temple.
Both of the disciples" questions, occurring as they did together, suggest that the disciples associated the destruction of the temple with Jesus" return to it and the end of the present age. [4] The Old Testament taught that several eschatological events would happen in the following order. First, Jerusalem would suffer destruction ( Zechariah 14:1-2; cf. Matthew 24:2). Second, Messiah would come and end the present age ( Zechariah 14:3-8; cf. Matthew 23:39). Third, Messiah would set up His kingdom ( Zechariah 14:3-11). The disciples wanted to know when in the future the destruction of the temple, Jesus" return to it, and the end of the present age would occur. They probably did not ask Him when He would inaugurate His kingdom because they knew this would happen when He returned to the temple and ended the present age.
"Matthew"s gospel does not answer the first question, which relates to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D70. This is given more in detail in Luke , while Matthew and Mark answer the second and third questions, which actually refer to Christ"s coming and the end of the age as one and the same event. Matthew"s account of the Olivet discourse records that portion of Christ"s answer that relates to His future kingdom and how it will be brought in, which is one of the major purposes of the gospel." [5]

Context Summary

Matthew 24:1-14 - Be Ready To Endure
Successive generations have pored over these words of our Lord with great eagerness, endeavoring to extract from them a clear forecast of the future. In the case of the early Christians, they warned them to flee to Pella, and in doing so, to escape the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. But to all of us they are full of instruction.
It is best to consider these paragraphs as containing a double reference. In the first place, up to Matthew 24:28, they evidently deal with the approaching fall of Jerusalem. Our Lord describes the events which were to mark the consummation of the age, Matthew 24:3, r.v., margin. Antichrists, disturbances of physical and national conditions, the persecutions which the infant Church must encounter, the progress of the gospel, and finally the swoop of the Roman eagles on their prey-all these were to mark the close of the Hebrew dispensation and the birth of the Christian Church. [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 24

1  Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
3  what and how great calamities shall be before it;
29  the signs of his coming to judgment
36  And because that day and hour are unknown,
42  we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming

Greek Commentary for Matthew 24:3

As he sat [κατημενου]
Genitive absolute. Picture of Jesus sitting on the Mount of Olives looking down on Jerusalem and the temple which he had just left. After the climb up the mountain four of the disciples (Peter, James, John, Andrew) come to Jesus with the problem raised by his solemn words. They ask these questions about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, his own second coming (παρουσια — parousia presence, common in the papyri for the visit of the emperor), and the end of the world. Did they think that they were all to take place simultaneously? There is no way to answer. At any rate Jesus treats all three in this great eschatological discourse, the most difficult problem in the Synoptic Gospels. Many theories are advanced that impugn the knowledge of Jesus or of the writers or of both. It is sufficient for our purpose to think of Jesus as using the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem which did happen in that generation in a.d. 70, as also a symbol of his own second coming and of the end of the world (συντελειας του αιωνος — sunteleias tou aiōnos) or consummation of the age. In a painting the artist by skilful perspective may give on the same surface the inside of a room, the fields outside the window, and the sky far beyond. Certainly in this discourse Jesus blends in apocalyptic language the background of his death on the cross, the coming destruction of Jerusalem, his own second coming and the end of the world. He now touches one, now the other. It is not easy for us to separate clearly the various items. It is enough if we get the picture as a whole as it is here drawn with its lessons of warning to be ready for his coming and the end. The destruction of Jerusalem came as he foretold. There are some who would date the Synoptic Gospels after a.d. 70 in order to avoid the predictive element involved in the earlier date. But that is to limit the fore-knowledge of Jesus to a merely human basis. The word παρουσια — parousia occurs in this chapter alone (Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:37, Matthew 24:39) in the Gospels, but often in the Epistles, either of presence as opposed to absence (Philemon 2:12) or the second coming of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1). [source]
Coming [παρουσίας]
Originally, presence, from παρεῖναι , to be present. In this sense in Philemon 2:12; 2 Corinthians 10:10. Also arrival, as in 1 Corinthians 16:17; 2 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Peter 3:12. Of the second coming of Christ: James 5:8; 1 John 2:28; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:15. [source]
Of the world [αἰῶνος]
Rather the existing, current age. They do not ask the signs of the Messiah's coming at the end of all time, to judge the world. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 24:3

Matthew 13:3 Parables [παραβολαῖς]
From παρά , beside, and βάλλω , to throw. A parable is a form of teaching in which one thing is thrown beside another. Hence its radical idea is comparison. Sir John Cheke renders biword, and the same idea is conveyed by the German Beispiela pattern or example; beibeside, and the old high German speldiscourse or narration. The word is used with a wide range in scripture, but always involves the idea of comparison:1.Of brief sayings, having an oracular or proverbial character. Thus Peter (Matthew 15:15), referring to the words “If the blind lead the blind,” etc., says, “declare unto us thisparable. ” Compare Luke 6:39. So of the patched garment (Luke 5:36), and the guest who assumes the highest place at the feast (Luke 14:7, Luke 14:11). Compare, also, Matthew 24:39; Mark 13:28.2.Of a proverb. The word for proverb ( παροιμία ) has the same idea at the root as parable. It is παρά , beside, οἶμος , a way or road. Either a trite, wayside saying (Trench), or a path by the side of the high road (Godet). See Luke 4:23; 1 Samuel 24:13. 3.Of a song or poem, in which an example is set up by way of comparison. See Micah 2:4; Habakkuk 2:6. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
4.Of a word or discourse which is enigmatical or obscure until the meaning is developed by application or comparison. It occurs along with the words αἴνιγμα , enigma, and πρόβλημα , a problem, something put forth or proposed ( πρό , in front βάλλω , to throw ). See Psalm 49:4 (Sept. 48:4); Psalm 78:2 (Sept. 77:2); Proverbs 1:6, where we have παραβολὴν , parable; σκοτεινὸν λόγον , dark saying; and αἰνίγματα , enigmas. Used also of the sayings of Balaam (Numbers 23:7, Numbers 23:18; Numbers 24:3, Numbers 24:15).In this sense Christ uses parables symbolically to expound the mysteries of the kingdom of God; as utterances which conceal from one class what they reveal to another (Matthew 13:11-17), and in which familiar facts of the earthly life are used figuratively to expound truths of the higher life. The un-spiritual do not link these facts of the natural life with those of the supernatural, which are not discerned by them (1 Corinthians 2:14), and therefore they need an interpreter of the relation between the two. Such symbols assume the existence of a law common to the natural and spiritual worlds under which the symbol and the thing symbolized alike work; so that the one does not merely resemble the other superficially, but stands in actual coherence and harmony with it. Christ formulates such a law in connection with the parables of the Talents and the Sower. “To him that hath shall be given. From him that hath not shall be taken away.” That is a law of morals and religion, as of business and agriculture. One must have in order to make. Interest requires capital. Fruit requires not only seed but soil. Spiritual fruitfulness requires an honest and good heart. Similarly, the law of growth as set forth in the parable of the Mustard Seed, is a law common to nature and to the kingdom of God. The great forces in both kingdoms are germinal, enwrapped in small seeds which unfold from within by an inherent power of growth.5. A parable is also an example or type; furnishing a model or a warning; as the Good Samaritan, the Rich Fool, the Pharisee and the Publican. The element of comparison enters here as between the particular incident imagined or recounted, and all cases of a similar kind.The term parable, however, as employed in ordinary Christian phraseology, is limited to those utterances of Christ which are marked by a complete figurative history or narrative. It is thus defined by Goebel (“Parables of Jesus”). “A narrative moving within the sphere of physical or human life, not professing to describe an event which actually took place, but expressly imagined for the purpose of representing, in pictorial figure, a truth belonging to the sphere of religion, and therefore referring to the relation of man or mankind to God.” In form the New Testament parables resemble the fable. The distinction between them does not turn on the respective use of rational and irrational beings speaking and acting. There are fables where the actors are human. Nor does the fable always deal with the impossible, since there are fables in which an animal, for instance, does nothing contrary to its nature. The distinction lies in the religious character of the New Testament parable as contrasted with the secular character of the fable. While the parable exhibits the relations of man to God, the fable teaches lessons of worldly policy or natural morality and utility. “The parable is predominantly symbolic; the fable, for the most part, typical, and therefore presents its teaching only in the form of example, for which reason it chooses animals by preference, not as symbolic, but as typical figures; never symbolic in the sense in which the parable mostly is, because the higher invisible world, of which the parable sees and exhibits the symbol in the visible world of nature and man, lies far from it. Hence the parable can never work with fantastic figures like speaking animals, trees,” etc. (Goebel, condensed). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The parable differs from the allegory in that there is in the latter “an interpenetration of the thing signified and the thing signifying; the qualities and properties of the first being attributed to the last,” and the two being thus blended instead of being kept distinct and parallel. See, for example, the allegory of the Vine and the Branches (John 15) where Christ at once identifies himself with the figure' “I am the true vine.” Thus the allegory, unlike the parable, carries its own interpretation with it. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Parable and proverb are often used interchangeably in the;New Testament; the fundamental conception being, as we have seen, the same in both, the same Hebrew word representing both, and both being enigmatical. They differ rather in extent than in essence; the parable being a proverb expanded and carried into detail, and being necessarily figurative, which the proverb is not; though the range of the proverb is wider, since the parable expands only one particular case of a proverb. (See Trench, “Notes on the Parables,” Introd.) [source]

Matthew 24:22 For the elect‘s sake [δια τους εκλεκτους]
See note on Matthew 22:14 for another use of this phrase by Jesus and also Matthew 24:31. The siege was shortened by various historical events like the stopping of the strengthening of the walls by Herod Agrippa by orders from the Emperor, the sudden arrival of Titus, the neglect of the Jews to prepare for a long siege. “Titus himself confessed that God was against the Jews, since otherwise neither his armies nor his engines would have availed against their defences” (Vincent). [source]
Matthew 24:34 This generation [η γενεα αυτη]
The problem is whether Jesus is here referring to the destruction of Jerusalem or to the second coming and end of the world. If to the destruction of Jerusalem, there was a literal fulfilment. In the Old Testament a generation was reckoned as forty years. This is the natural way to take Matthew 24:34 as of Matthew 24:33 (Bruce), “all things” meaning the same in both verses. [source]
Matthew 24:3 As he sat [κατημενου]
Genitive absolute. Picture of Jesus sitting on the Mount of Olives looking down on Jerusalem and the temple which he had just left. After the climb up the mountain four of the disciples (Peter, James, John, Andrew) come to Jesus with the problem raised by his solemn words. They ask these questions about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, his own second coming (παρουσια — parousia presence, common in the papyri for the visit of the emperor), and the end of the world. Did they think that they were all to take place simultaneously? There is no way to answer. At any rate Jesus treats all three in this great eschatological discourse, the most difficult problem in the Synoptic Gospels. Many theories are advanced that impugn the knowledge of Jesus or of the writers or of both. It is sufficient for our purpose to think of Jesus as using the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem which did happen in that generation in a.d. 70, as also a symbol of his own second coming and of the end of the world (συντελειας του αιωνος — sunteleias tou aiōnos) or consummation of the age. In a painting the artist by skilful perspective may give on the same surface the inside of a room, the fields outside the window, and the sky far beyond. Certainly in this discourse Jesus blends in apocalyptic language the background of his death on the cross, the coming destruction of Jerusalem, his own second coming and the end of the world. He now touches one, now the other. It is not easy for us to separate clearly the various items. It is enough if we get the picture as a whole as it is here drawn with its lessons of warning to be ready for his coming and the end. The destruction of Jerusalem came as he foretold. There are some who would date the Synoptic Gospels after a.d. 70 in order to avoid the predictive element involved in the earlier date. But that is to limit the fore-knowledge of Jesus to a merely human basis. The word παρουσια — parousia occurs in this chapter alone (Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:37, Matthew 24:39) in the Gospels, but often in the Epistles, either of presence as opposed to absence (Philemon 2:12) or the second coming of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1). [source]
Matthew 24:36 Not even the Son [ουδε ο υιος]
Probably genuine, though absent in some ancient MSS. The idea is really involved in the words “but the Father only” It is equally clear that in this verse Jesus has in mind the time of his second coming. He had plainly stated in Matthew 24:34 that those events (destruction of Jerusalem) would take place in that generation. He now as pointedly states that no one but the Father knows the day or the hour when these things (the second coming and the end of the world) will come to pass. One may, of course, accuse Jesus of hopeless confusion or extend his confession of ignorance of the date of the second coming to the whole chain of events. So McNeile: “It is impossible to escape the conclusion that Jesus as Man, expected the End, within the lifetime of his contemporaries.” And that after his explicit denial that he knew anything of the kind! It is just as easy to attribute ignorance to modern scholars with their various theories as to Jesus who admits his ignorance of the date, but not of the character of the coming. [source]
Mark 13:28 Parable []
See on Matthew 24:32. [source]
Mark 4:32 Shooteth out great branches [ποιεῖ κλάδους μεγάλους]
Lit., maketh, etc. Rev., putteth out. Peculiar to Mark. Matthew has becometh a tree. On branches, see note on Matthew 24:32. One of the Talmudists describes the mustard-plant as a tree, of which the wood was sufficient to cover a potter's shed. Another says that he was wont to climb into it as men climb into a fig-tree. Professor Hackett says that on the plain of Akka, toward Carmel, he found a collection of mustard-plants from six to nine feet high, with branches from each side of a trunk an inch or more in thickness. Dr. Thomson relates that near the bank of the Jordan he found a mustard-tree more than twelve feet high. [source]
Mark 13:27 From the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven [ἀπ ' ἄκρου γῆς ἕως ἄκρου οὐρανοῦ]
From the outermost border of the earth, conceived as a fiat surface, to where the outermost border of the heaven sets a limit to the earth. Compare Matthew 24:31. Mark's expression is more poetical. [source]
Mark 13:28 Coming to pass [γινομενα]
Present middle participle, linear action. See Matthew 24:32-36 for details of Mark 13:28-32 (the Parable of the Fig Tree). [source]
Mark 13:32 Not even the Son [ουδε ο υιος]
There is no doubt as to the genuineness of these words here such as exists in Matthew 24:36. This disclaimer of knowledge naturally interpreted applies to the second coming, not to the destruction of Jerusalem which had been definitely limited to that generation as it happened in a.d. 70. [source]
Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? [Ειπον ημιν ποτε ταυτα εσται]
The Revised Version punctuates it as a direct question, but Westcott and Hort as an indirect inquiry. They asked about the when Matthew 24:3 includes “the sign of thy coming and the end of the world,” showing that these tragic events are brought before Jesus by the disciples. See discussion of the interpretation of this discourse on Matthew 24:3. This chapter in Mark is often called “The Little Apocalypse” with the notion that a Jewish apocalypse has been here adapted by Mark and attributed to Jesus. Many of the theories attribute grave error to Jesus or to the Gospels on this subject. The view adopted in the discussion in Matthew is the one suggested here, that Jesus blended in one picture his death, the destruction of Jerusalem within that generation, the second coming and end of the world typified by the destruction of the city. The lines between these topics are not sharply drawn in the report and it is not possible for us to separate the topics clearly. This great discourse is the longest preserved in Mark and may be due to Peter. Mark may have given it in order “to forewarn and forearm” (Bruce) the readers against the coming catastrophe of the destruction of Jerusalem. Both Matthew (Matthew 24) and Luke (Luke 21:5-36) follow the general line of Mark 13 though Matthew 24:43-25:46 presents new material (parables). [source]
Mark 9:1 Till they see the kingdom of God come with power [εως αν ιδωσιν την βασιλειαν του τεου εληλυτυιαν εν δυναμει]
In Mark 8:38 Jesus clearly is speaking of the second coming. To what is he referring in Mark 9:1 ? One is reminded of Mark 13:32; Matthew 24:36 where Jesus expressly denies that anyone save the Father himself (not even the Son) knows the day or the hour. Does he contradict that here? It may be observed that Luke has only “see the kingdom of God,” while Matthew has “see the Son of man coming” Mark has “see the kingdom of God come” (εληλυτυιαν — elēluthuian perfect active participle, already come) and adds “with power.” Certainly the second coming did not take place while some of those standing there still lived. Did Jesus mean that? The very next incident in the Synoptic Gospels is the Transfiguration on Mount Hermon. Does not Jesus have that in mind here? The language will apply also to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the great Day of Pentecost. Some see in it a reference to the destruction of the temple. It is at least open to question whether the Master is speaking of the same event in Mark 8:38; Mark 9:1. [source]
Luke 6:22 Son of Man []
The phrase is employed in the Old Testament as a circumlocution for man, with special reference to his frailty as contrasted with God (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 8:4; Job 25:6; Job 35:8; and eighty-nine times in Ezekiel). It had also a Messianic meaning (Daniel 7:13 sq.), to which our Lord referred in Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64. It was the title which Christ most frequently applied to himself; and there are but two instances in which it is applied to him by another, viz., by Stephen (Acts 7:56) and by John (Revelation 1:13; Revelation 14:14:); and when acquiescing in the title “Son of God,” addressed to himself, he sometimes immediately after substitutes “Son of Man” (John 1:50, John 1:51; Matthew 26:63, Matthew 26:64). The title asserts Christ's humanity - his absolute identification with our race: “his-DIVIDER-
having a genuine humanity which could deem nothing human strange, and could be touched with a feeling of the infirmities of the race which he was to judge” (Liddon, “Our Lord's Divinity”). It also exalts him as the representative ideal man. “All-DIVIDER-
human history tends to him and radiates from him; he is the point in which humanity finds its unity; as St. Irenaeus says, ' He recapitulates it.' He closes the earlier history of our race; he inaugurates its future. Nothing local, transient, individualizing, national, sectarian dwarfs the proportions of his world-embracing character. He rises above the parentage, the blood, the narrow horizon which bounded, as it seemed, his human life. He is the archetypal man, in whose presence distinction of race, intervals of ages, types of civilization, degrees of mental culture are as nothing” (Liddon). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
But the title means more. As Son of Man he asserts the authority of judgment over all flesh. By virtue of what he is as Son of Man, he must be more. “The absolute relation to the world which he attributes to himself demands an absolute relation to God … .He is the Son of Man, the Lord of the world, the Judge, only because he is the Son of God” (Luthardt). Christ's humanity can be explained only by his divinity. A humanity so unique demands a solution. Divested of all that is popularly called miraculous, viewed simply as a man, under the historical conditions of his life, he is a greater miracle than all his miracles combined. The solution is expressed in Hebrews 1:1-14. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Luke 21:29 Parable []
See on Matthew 24:32. [source]
Luke 21:27 And then shall they see [και τοτε οπσονται]
As much as to say that it will be not till then. Clearly the promise of the second coming of the Son of man in glory here (Mark 13:26.; Matthew 24:30.) is pictured as not one certain of immediate realization. The time element is left purposely vague. [source]
Luke 21:29 The fig tree, and all the trees [την συκην και παντα τα δενδρα]
This parable of the fig-tree (Mark 13:28-32; Matthew 24:32-35) Luke applies to “all the trees.” It is true about all of them, but the fig tree was very common in Palestine. [source]
Luke 21:30 Summer [τερος]
Not harvest, but summer. Old word, but in the N.T. only here (Mark 13:28; Matthew 24:32). [source]
John 6:54 Eateth [τρώγων]
Another verb for eating is used. With the exception of Matthew 24:38, it is found only in John, and always in connection with Christ. No special significance can be fairly attached to its use here. It seems to be taken as a current word, and ἔφαγον is resumed in John 6:58. [source]
John 3:8 Sound [φωνὴν]
Rev., voice. Used both of articulate and inarticulate utterances, as of the words from heaven at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; 2 Peter 1:17, 2 Peter 1:18); of the trumpet (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 14:8), and of inanimate things in general (1 Corinthians 14:17). John the Baptist calls himself φωνή , a voice, and the word is used of the wind, as here, in Acts 2:6. Of thunder, often in the Revelation (Revelation 6:1; Revelation 14:2, etc.). [source]
John 15:2 Branch [κλῆμα]
Occurring only in this chapter. Both this and κλάδος , branch (see on Matthew 24:32; see on Mark 11:8) are derived from κλάω , to break. The word emphasizes the ideas of tenderness and flexibility. [source]
John 13:18 Eateth [τρώγων]
With the exception of Matthew 24:38, the word occurs only in John. See on John 6:54. Originally it means to gnaw or crunch; to chew raw vegetables or fruits, and hence often used of animals feeding, as Homer (“Odyssey,” vi., 90), of mules feeding. Of course it has lost its original sense in the New Testament, as it did to some extent in classical Greek, though, as applied to men, it more commonly referred to eating vegetables or fruit, as Aristophanes (“Peace,” 1325) τρώγειν , to eat figs. The entire divorce in the New Testament from its primitive sense is shown in its application to the flesh of Christ (John 6:54). It is used by John only in connection with Christ. [source]
John 1:51 Son of man []
See on Luke 6:22. Notice the titles successively applied to our Lord in this chapter: the greater Successor of the Baptist, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Israel. These were all given by others. The title Son of man He applies to Himself. In John's Gospel, as in the Synoptists, this phrase is used only by Christ in speaking of Himself; and elsewhere only in Acts 7:56, where the name is applied to Him by Stephen. It occurs less frequently in John than in the Synoptists, being found in Matthew thirty times, in Mark thirteen, and in John twelve. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Jesus' use of the term here is explained in two ways. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
I. That He borrows the title from the Old Testament to designate Himself either: (a ) as a prophet, as in Ezekiel 2:1-3; Ezekiel 3:1, etc.; or (b ) as the Messiah, as prefigured in Daniel 7:13. This prophecy of Daniel had obtained such wide currency that the Messiah was called Anani, or the man of the clouds. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(a.) This is untenable, because in Ezekiel, as everywhere in the Old Testament, the phrase Son of man, or Sons of men, is used to describe man under his human limitations, as weak, fallible, and incompetent by himself to be a divine agent. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(b.) The allusion to Daniel's prophecy is admitted; but Jesus does not mean to say, “I am the Messiah who is prefigured by Daniel.” A political meaning attached in popular conception to the term Messiah; and it is noticeable throughout John's Gospel that Jesus carefully avoids using that term before the people, but expresses the thing itself by circumlocution, in order to avoid the complication which the popular understanding would have introduced into his work. See John 8:24, John 8:25; John 10:24, John 10:25. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Moreover, the phrase Son of man was not generally applied to the Messiah. On the contrary, John 5:27and John 12:34show that it was set off against that term. Compare Matthew 16:13, Matthew 16:15. Son of God is the Messianic title, which, with one exception, appears in confessions (John 1:34, John 1:49; John 11:27; John 20:31). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In Daniel the reference is exclusively to the final stage of human affairs. The point is the final establishment of the divine kingdom. Moreover, Daniel does not say “the Son of man,” but “one like a Son of man.” Compare Revelation 1:13; Revelation 14:14, where also the article is omitted. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
II. The second, and correct explanation is that the phrase Son of man is the expression of Christ's self-consciousness as being related to humanity as a whole: denoting His real participation in human nature, and designating Himself as the representative man. It thus corresponds with the passage in Daniel, where the earthly kingdoms are represented by beasts, but the divine kingdom by a Son of man. Hence, too, the word ἄνθρωπος is purposely used (see on a man, John 1:30, and compare John 8:40). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
While the human element was thus emphasized in the phrase, the consciousness of Jesus, as thus expressed, did not exclude His divine nature and claims, but rather regarded these through the medium of His humanity. He showed Himself divine in being thus profoundly human. Hence two aspects of the phrase appear in John, as in the Synoptists. The one regards His earthly life and work, and involves His being despised; His accommodation to the conditions of human life; the partial veiling of His divine nature; the loving character of His mission; His liability to misinterpretation; and His outlook upon a consummation of agony. On the other hand, He is possessed of supreme authority; He is about His Father's work; He reveals glimpses of His divine nature through His humanity; His presence and mission entail serious responsibility upon those to whom He appeals; and He foresees a consummation of glory no less than of agony. See Matthew 8:20; Matthew 11:19; Matthew 12:8, Matthew 12:32; Matthew 13:37; Matthew 16:13; Matthew 20:18; Matthew 26:64; Mark 8:31, Mark 8:38; Mark 14:21; Luke 9:26, Luke 9:58; Luke 12:8; Luke 17:22; Luke 19:10; Luke 22:69. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The other aspect is related to the future. He has visions of another life of glory and dominion; though present in the flesh, His coming is still future, and will be followed by a judgment which is committed to Him, and by the final glory of His redeemed in His heavenly kingdom. See Matthew 10:23; Matthew 13:40sqq.; Matthew 16:27sqq.; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:37, Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:31sqq.; Mark 13:26; Luke 6:22; Luke 17:24, Luke 17:30; Luke 18:8; Luke 21:27. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

John 11:43 He cried with a loud voice [πωνηι μεγαληι εκραυγασεν]
First aorist active indicative of κραυγαζω — kraugazō old and rare word from κραυγη — kraugē (Matthew 25:6). See Matthew 12:19. Occurs again in John 18:40; John 19:6, John 19:12. Only once in the lxx (Ezra 3:13) and with πωνηι μεγαληι — phōnēi megalēi (either locative or instrumental case makes sense) as here. For this “elevated (great) voice” see also Matthew 24:31; Mark 15:34, Mark 15:37; Revelation 1:10; Revelation 21:3. The loud voice was not for the benefit of Lazarus, but for the sake of the crowd standing around that they might see that Lazarus came forth simultaneously with the command of Jesus. Lazarus, come forth “Hither out.” No verb, only the two adverbs, deuro here alone in John. Lazarus heard and obeyed the summons. [source]
John 6:54 He that eateth [ο τρωγων]
Present active participle for continual or habitual eating like πιστευετε — pisteuete in John 6:29. The verb τρωγω — trōgō is an old one for eating fruit or vegetables and the feeding of animals. In the N.T. it occurs only in John 6:54, John 6:56, John 6:58; John 13:18; Matthew 24:38. Elsewhere in the Gospels always εστιω — esthiō or επαγον — ephagon (defective verb with εστιω — esthiō). No distinction is made here between επαγον — ephagon (John 6:48, John 6:50, John 6:52, John 6:53, John 6:58) and τρωγω — trōgō (John 6:54, John 6:56, John 6:57, John 6:58). Some men understand Jesus here to be speaking of the Lord‘s Supper by prophetic forecast or rather they think that John has put into the mouth of Jesus the sacramental conception of Christianity by making participation in the bread and wine the means of securing eternal life. To me that is a violent misinterpretation of the Gospel and an utter misrepresentation of Christ. It is a grossly literal interpretation of the mystical symbolism of the language of Jesus which these Jews also misunderstood. Christ uses bold imagery to picture spiritual appropriation of himself who is to give his life-blood for the life of the world (John 6:51). It would have been hopeless confusion for these Jews if Jesus had used the symbolism of the Lord‘s Supper. It would be real dishonesty for John to use this discourse as a propaganda for sacramentalism. The language of Jesus can only have a spiritual meaning as he unfolds himself as the true manna. [source]
Acts 1:7 His own [τῇ ἰδίᾳ]
Stronger than the simple possessive pronoun. The adjective means private, personal. Often used adverbially in the phrase κατ ' ἰδίαν , apart, privately. See Matthew 17:1; Matthew 24:3. [source]
Romans 11:17 Branches were broken off [κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν]
See on Matthew 24:32; see on Mark 11:8. The derivation of κλάδων branchesfrom κλάω tobreak, is exhibited in the word-play between the noun and the verb: kladon exeklasthesan A wild olive-tree ( ἀγριέλαιος )To be taken as an adjective, belonging to the wild olive. Hence Rev., correctly, rejects tree, since the Gentiles are addressed not as a whole but as individuals. Meyer says: “The ingrafting of the Gentiles took place at first only partially and in single instances; while the thou addressed cannot represent heathendom as a whole, and is also not appropriate to the figure itself; because, in fact, not whole trees, not even quite young ones are ingrafted, either with the stem or as to all their branches. Besides, Romans 11:24contradicts this view.” [source]
1 Corinthians 14:7 Voice [φωνὴν]
See on sound, Romans 10:18. The sound generally. Used sometimes of sounds emitted by things without life, as a trumpet or the wind. See Matthew 24:31; John 3:8. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:52 In the twinkling of an eye [εν ριπηι οπταλμου]
Old word ριπη — ripē from ριπτω — riptō to throw. Only here in N.T. Used by the Greeks for the flapping of a wing, the buzz of a gnat, the quivering of a harp, the twinkling of a star. At the last trump (εν τηι εσχατηι σαλπιγγι — en tēi eschatēi salpiggi). Symbolical, of course. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16; note on Matthew 24:31. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:52 At the last trump [εν τηι εσχατηι σαλπιγγι]
Symbolical, of course. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16; note on Matthew 24:31. [source]
2 Corinthians 5:17 Passed away [παρῆλθεν]
Lit., passed by. So Luke 18:37; Mark 6:48. As here, James 1:10; Matthew 5:8; Matthew 24:34, etc. [source]
Galatians 1:8 Angel from heaven [ἄγγελος ἐξ οὐρανοῦ]
The phrase only here. “Angels in heaven or the heavens,” Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25; Mark 13:32. “Angels of the heavens,” Matthew 24:36. [source]
Colossians 3:12 As God‘s elect [ως εκλεκτοι του τεου]
Same phrase in Romans 8:33; Titus 1:1. In the Gospels a distinction exists between κλητος — klētos and εκλεκτος — eklektos (Matthew 24:22, Matthew 24:24, Matthew 24:31), but no distinction appears in Paul‘s writings. Here further described as “holy and beloved” The items in the new clothing for the new man in Christ Paul now gives in contrast with what was put off (Colossians 3:8). The garments include a heart of compassion (σπλαγχνα οικτιρμου — splagchna oiktirmou the nobler viscera as the seat of emotion as in Luke 1:78; Philemon 1:8), kindness (χρηστοτητα — chrēstotēta as in Galatians 5:22), humility (ταπεινοπροσυνην — tapeinophrosunēn in the good sense as in Philemon 2:3), meekness (πραυτητα — prautēta in Galatians 5:23 and in Ephesians 4:2 also with ταπεινοπροσυνη — tapeinophrosunē), long-suffering (μακροτυμιαν — makrothumian in Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11; James 5:10). [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:16 With the trump of God [ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ]
For the trumpet heralding great manifestations of God, see Exodus 19:13, Exodus 19:16; Psalm 47:5; Isaiah 27:13; Zechariah 9:14; Zephaniah 1:16; Joel 2:1; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 1:10; Revelation 4:1. Of God does not indicate the size or loudness of the trumpet, but merely that it is used in God's service. Comp. harps of God, Revelation 15:2; musical instruments of God, 1 Chronicles 16:42. The later Jews believed that God would use a trumpet to raise the dead. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:1 Gathering together [ἐπισυναγωγῆς]
Only here and Hebrews 10:25. The verb ἐπισυνάγειν is used, as the noun here, of the Lord's gathering together his elect at his coming. See Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27; comp. 2 Maccabees 2:7. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:9 Glory of his power [δόξης τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ]
For glory see on 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Ἱσχὺς powernot often in Paul. It is indwelling power put forth or embodied, either aggressively or as an obstacle to resistance: physical power organized or working under individual direction. An army and a fortress are both ἰσχυρὸς. The power inhering in the magistrate, which is put forth in laws or judicial decisions, is ἰσχὺς , and makes the edicts ἰσχυρὰ validand hard to resist. Δύναμις is the indwelling power which comes to manifestation in ἰσχὺς The precise phrase used here does not appear elsewhere in N.T. In lxx, Isaiah 2:10, Isaiah 2:19, Isaiah 2:21. The power ( δύναμις ) and glory of God are associated in Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 19:1. Comp. κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ strengthof his glory, Colossians 1:11. Additional Note on ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον eternaldestruction, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Ἁιών transliterated eon is a period of time of longer or shorter duration, having a beginning and an end, and complete in itself. Aristotle ( περὶ οὐρανοῦ , i. 9,15) says: “The period which includes the whole time of each one's life is called the eon of each one.” Hence it often means the life of a man, as in Homer, where one's life ( αἰών ) is said to leave him or to consume away (Il. v. 685; Od. v. 160). It is not, however, limited to human life; it signifies any period in the course of events, as the period or age before Christ; the period of the millennium; the mytho-logical period before the beginnings of history. The word has not “a stationary and mechanical value” (De Quincey). It does not mean a period of a fixed length for all cases. There are as many eons as entities, the respective durations of which are fixed by the normal conditions of the several entities. There is one eon of a human life, another of the life of a nation, another of a crow's life, another of an oak's life. The length of the eon depends on the subject to which it is attached. It is sometimes translated world; world representing a period or a series of periods of time. See Matthew 12:32; Matthew 13:40, Matthew 13:49; Luke 1:70; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 1:21. Similarly οἱ αἰῶνες theworlds, the universe, the aggregate of the ages or periods, and their contents which are included in the duration of the world. 1 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 11:3. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The word always carries the notion of time, and not of eternity. It always means a period of time. Otherwise it would be impossible to account for the plural, or for such qualifying expressions as this age, or the age to come. It does not mean something endless or everlasting. To deduce that meaning from its relation to ἀεί is absurd; for, apart from the fact that the meaning of a word is not definitely fixed by its derivation, ἀεί does not signify endless duration. When the writer of the Pastoral Epistles quotes the saying that the Cretans are always ( ἀεί ) liars (Titus 1:12), he surely does not mean that the Cretans will go on lying to all eternity. See also Acts 7:51; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Hebrews 3:10; 1 Peter 3:15. Ἁεί means habitually or continually within the limit of the subject's life. In our colloquial dialect everlastingly is used in the same way. “The boy is everlastingly tormenting me to buy him a drum.”-DIVIDER-
In the New Testament the history of the world is conceived as developed through a succession of eons. A series of such eons precedes the introduction of a new series inaugurated by the Christian dispensation, and the end of the world and the second coming of Christ are to mark the beginning of another series. See Ephesians 3:11. Paul contemplates eons before and after the Christian era. Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 10:11; comp. Hebrews 9:26. He includes the series of eons in one great eon, ὁ αἰὼν τῶν αἰώνων theeon of the eons (Ephesians 3:21); and the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews describes the throne of God as enduring unto the eon of the eons (Hebrews 1:8). The plural is also used, eons of the eons, signifying all the successive periods which make up the sum total of the ages collectively. Romans 16:27; Galatians 1:5; Philemon 4:20, etc. This plural phrase is applied by Paul to God only. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The adjective αἰώνιος in like manner carries the idea of time. Neither the noun nor the adjective, in themselves, carry the sense of endless or everlasting. They may acquire that sense by their connotation, as, on the other hand, ἀΐ̀διος , which means everlasting, has its meaning limited to a given point of time in Judges 1:6. Ἁιώνιος means enduring through or pertaining to a period of time. Both the noun and the adjective are applied to limited periods. Thus the phrase εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα , habitually rendered forever, is often used of duration which is limited in the very nature of the case. See, for a few out of many instances, lxx, Exodus 21:6; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 32:13; Joshua 14:9; 1 Samuel 8:13; Leviticus 25:46; Deuteronomy 15:17; 1 Chronicles 28:4. See also Matthew 21:19; John 13:8; 1 Corinthians 8:13. The same is true of αἰώνιος . Out of 150 instances in lxx, four-fifths imply limited duration. For a few instances see Genesis 48:4; Numbers 10:8; Numbers 15:15; Proverbs 22:28; Jonah 2:6; Habakkuk 3:6; Isaiah 61:8. -DIVIDER-
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Words which are habitually applied to things temporal or material can not carry in themselves the sense of endlessness. Even when applied to God, we are not forced to render αἰώνιος everlastingOf course the life of God is endless; but the question is whether, in describing God as αἰώνιος , it was intended to describe the duration of his being, or whether some different and larger idea was not contemplated. That God lives longer than men, and lives on everlastingly, and has lived everlastingly, are, no doubt, great and significant facts; yet they are not the dominant or the most impressive facts in God's relations to time. God's eternity does not stand merely or chiefly for a scale of length. It is not primarily a mathematical but a moral fact. The relations of God to time include and imply far more than the bare fact of endless continuance. They carry with them the fact that God transcends time; works on different principles and on a vaster scale than the wisdom of time provides; oversteps the conditions and the motives of time; marshals the successive eons from a point outside of time, on lines which run out into his own measureless cycles, and for sublime moral ends which the creature of threescore and ten years cannot grasp and does not even suspect. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
There is a word for everlasting if that idea is demanded. That αἰώνιος occurs rarely in the New Testament and in lxx does not prove that its place was taken by αἰώνιος . It rather goes to show that less importance was attached to the bare idea of everlastingness than later theological thought has given it. Paul uses the word once, in Romans 1:20, where he speaks of “the everlasting power and divinity of God.” In Romans 16:26he speaks of the eternal God ( τοῦ αἰωνίου θεοῦ ); but that he does not mean the everlasting God is perfectly clear from the context. He has said that “the mystery” has been kept in silence in times eternal ( χρόνοις αἰωνίοις ), by which he does not mean everlasting times, but the successive eons which elapsed before Christ was proclaimed. God therefore is described as the God of the eons, the God who pervaded and controlled those periods before the incarnation. To the same effect is the title ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων theKing of the eons, applied to God in 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 15:3; comp. 2Timothy href="/desk/?q=2ti+1:9&sr=1">2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2), cannot mean before everlasting times. To say that God bestowed grace on men, or promised them eternal life before endless times, would be absurd. The meaning is of old, as Luke 1:70. The grace and the promise were given in time, but far back in the ages, before the times of reckoning the eons. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Ζωὴ αἰώνιος eternallife, which occurs 42 times in N.T., but not in lxx, is not endless life, but life pertaining to a certain age or eon, or continuing during that eon. I repeat, life may be endless. The life in union with Christ is endless, but the fact is not expressed by αἰώνιος . Κόλασις αἰώνιος , rendered everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46), is the punishment peculiar to an eon other than that in which Christ is speaking. In some cases ζωὴ αἰώνιος does not refer specifically to the life beyond time, but rather to the eon or dispensation of Messiah which succeeds the legal dispensation. See Matthew 19:16; John 5:39. John says that ζωὴ αἰώνιος is the present possession of those who believe on the Son of God, John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47, John 6:64. The Father's commandment is ζωὴ αἰώσιος , John 12:50; to know the only true God and Jesus Christ is ζωὴ αἰώνιος , John 17:3. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Bishop Westcott very justly says, commenting upon the terms used by John to describe life under different aspects: “In considering these phrases it is necessary to premise that in spiritual things we must guard against all conclusions which rest upon the notions of succession and duration. 'Eternal life' is that which St. Paul speaks of as ἡ ὄντως ζωὴ thelife which is life indeed, and ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ θεοῦ thelife of God. It is not an endless duration of being in time, but being of which time is not a measure. We have indeed no powers to grasp the idea except through forms and images of sense. These must be used, but we must not transfer them as realities to another order.”-DIVIDER-
Thus, while αἰώνιος carries the idea of time, though not of endlessness, there belongs to it also, more or less, a sense of quality. Its character is ethical rather than mathematical. The deepest significance of the life beyond time lies, not in endlessness, but in the moral quality of the eon into which the life passes. It is comparatively unimportant whether or not the rich fool, when his soul was required of him (Luke 12:20), entered upon a state that was endless. The principal, the tremendous fact, as Christ unmistakably puts it, was that, in the new eon, the motives, the aims, the conditions, the successes and awards of time counted for nothing. In time, his barns and their contents were everything; the soul was nothing. In the new life the soul was first and everything, and the barns and storehouses nothing. The bliss of the sanctified does not consist primarily in its endlessness, but in the nobler moral conditions of the new eon, - the years of the holy and eternal God. Duration is a secondary idea. When it enters it enters as an accompaniment and outgrowth of moral conditions. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In the present passage it is urged that ὄλεθρον destructionpoints to an unchangeable, irremediable, and endless condition. If this be true, if ὄλεθρος isextinction, then the passage teaches the annihilation of the wicked, in which case the adjective αἰώνιος is superfluous, since extinction is final, and excludes the idea of duration. But ὄλεθρος does not always mean destruction or extinction. Take the kindred verb ἀπόλλυμι todestroy, put an end to, or in the middle voice, to be lost, to perish. Peter says, “the world being deluged with water, perished ” ( ἀπολοῦνται 2 Peter 3:6); but the world did not become extinct, it was renewed. In Hebrews 1:11, Hebrews 1:12quoted from Isaiah href="/desk/?q=isa+51:6&sr=1">Isaiah 51:6, Isaiah 51:16; Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1. Similarly, “the Son of man came to save that which was lost ” ( ἀπολωλός ), Luke 19:10. Jesus charged his apostles to go to the lost ( ἀπολωλότα ) sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 10:6, comp. Matthew 15:24. “He that shall lose ( ἀπολέσῃ ) his life for my sake shall find it,” Matthew 16:25. Comp. Luke 15:6, Luke 15:9, Luke 15:32. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In this passage the word destruction is qualified. It is “destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, “ at his second coming, in the new eon. In other words, it is the severance, at a given point of time, of those who obey not the gospel from the presence and the glory of Christ. Ἁιώνιος may therefore describe this severance as continuing during the millennial eon between Christ's coming and the final judgment; as being for the wicked prolonged throughout that eon and characteristic of it, or it may describe the severance as characterizing or enduring through a period or eon succeeding the final judgment, the extent of which period is not defined. In neither case is αἰώνιος to be interpreted as everlasting or endless.sa180 [source]

2 Thessalonians 2:1 And our gathering together unto him [kai hēmōn episunagōgēs ep' auton)]
A late word found only in 2 Maccabees. 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; Hebrews 10:25 till Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 103) found it on a stele in the island of Syme, off Caria, meaning “collection.” Paul is referring to the rapture, mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, and the being forever with the Lord thereafter. Cf. also Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27. [source]
Hebrews 11:7 An ark [κιβωτὸν]
Originally, a wooden chest Also of the ark of the covenant in the temple and tabernacle, as Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 11:19. Of Noah's ark, Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27; 1 Peter 3:20 Λάρσαξ achest is found in Class. in the same sense. Every classical scholar will recall the charming fragment of Simonides on Danae and her infant son Perseus exposed in an ark: Ὁτε λάρνακι ἐν δαισαλέᾳ ἄνεσμος βρέμε πνέων κ. τ. λ. Also of the ark of Deucalion, the mythic Noah. [source]
Hebrews 1:13 On my right hand [ἐκ δεξιῶν μοῦ]
Lit. “from my right hand.” The usual formula is ἐν δεξίᾳ . The genitive indicates moving from the right hand and taking the seat. The meaning is, “be associated with me in my royal dignity.” Comp. Daniel 7:13, Daniel 7:14, and the combination of the Psalm and Daniel in Christ's words, Mark 14:62. Comp. also Matthew 24:30; Acts 2:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25; 1 Peter 3:22. [source]
Hebrews 11:7 Being warned of God [χρηματιστεις]
First aorist passive participle of χρηματιζω — chrēmatizō old word for oracular or divine communications as already in Hebrews 8:5 (cf. Matthew 2:12, Matthew 2:22, etc.). Moved with godly fear First aorist passive indicative of ευλαβεομαι — eulabeomai old verb from ευλαβης — eulabēs (from ευ — eu and λαβειν — labein to take hold well or carefully), to show oneself ευλαβης — eulabēs to act circumspectly or with reverence, here only in N.T. (save Textus Receptus in Acts 23:10), often in lxx. An ark Genesis 6:15; Matthew 24:38. Shaped like a box (cf. Hebrews 9:4). Through which Through his faith as shown in building the ark. The world Sinful humanity as in Hebrews 11:38. Heir In 2 Peter 2:5 Noah is called “a preacher of righteousness” as here “heir of righteousness.” He himself believed his message about the flood. Like Enoch he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). [source]
James 5:4 That reaped [των τερισαντων]
Genitive plural of the articular participle first aorist active of τεριζω — therizō (old verb from τερος — theros summer, Matthew 24:32), to reap, to harvest while summer allows (Matthew 6:26). [source]
James 5:9 That ye be not judged [ινα μη κριτητε]
Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the first aorist passive subjunctive of κρινω — krinō As already indicated (James 2:12.; James 4:12) and repeated in James 5:12. Reminiscence of the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1.Standeth before the doors (προ των τυρων εστηκεν — pro tōn thurōn hestēken). Perfect active indicative of ιστημι — histēmi “is standing now.” Again like the language of Jesus in Matthew 24:33 (επι τυραις — epi thurais) and Mark 13:29. Jesus the Judge is pictured as ready to enter for the judgment. [source]
James 5:9 Standeth before the doors [προ των τυρων εστηκεν]
Perfect active indicative of ιστημι — histēmi “is standing now.” Again like the language of Jesus in Matthew 24:33 (επι τυραις — epi thurais) and Mark 13:29. Jesus the Judge is pictured as ready to enter for the judgment. [source]
James 5:4 Labourers [εργατων]
Any one who works Genitive plural of the articular first aorist active participle of αμαω — amaō (from αμα — hama together), old verb, to gather together, to reap, here only in N.T.Fields Estates or farms (Luke 12:16).Which is of you kept back by fraud (ο απυστερημενος απ υμων — ho aphusterēmenos aph' humōn). Perfect passive articular participle of απυστερεω — aphustereō late compound (simplex υστερεω — hustereō common as Matthew 19:20), to be behindhand from, to fail of, to cause to withdraw, to defraud. Pitiful picture of earned wages kept back by rich Jews, old problem of capital and labour that is with us yet in acute form.The cries Old word from which βοαω — boaō comes (Matthew 3:3), here only in N.T. The stolen money “cries out” Genitive plural of the articular participle first aorist active of τεριζω — therizō (old verb from τερος — theros summer, Matthew 24:32), to reap, to harvest while summer allows (Matthew 6:26).Have entered Perfect active third person plural indicative of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai old and common compound, to go or come into. This late form is by analogy of the aorist for the usual form in ασι — ̇asi the Lord of Sabaoth “Of the Lord of Hosts,” quotation from Isaiah 5:9 as in Romans 9:29, transliterating the Hebrew word for “Hosts,” an expression for the omnipotence of God like Παντοκρατωρ — Pantokratōr (Revelation 4:8). God hears the cries of the oppressed workmen even if the employers are deaf. [source]
James 5:4 Fields [χωρας]
Estates or farms (Luke 12:16).Which is of you kept back by fraud (ο απυστερημενος απ υμων — ho aphusterēmenos aph' humōn). Perfect passive articular participle of απυστερεω — aphustereō late compound (simplex υστερεω — hustereō common as Matthew 19:20), to be behindhand from, to fail of, to cause to withdraw, to defraud. Pitiful picture of earned wages kept back by rich Jews, old problem of capital and labour that is with us yet in acute form.The cries Old word from which βοαω — boaō comes (Matthew 3:3), here only in N.T. The stolen money “cries out” Genitive plural of the articular participle first aorist active of τεριζω — therizō (old verb from τερος — theros summer, Matthew 24:32), to reap, to harvest while summer allows (Matthew 6:26).Have entered Perfect active third person plural indicative of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai old and common compound, to go or come into. This late form is by analogy of the aorist for the usual form in ασι — ̇asi the Lord of Sabaoth “Of the Lord of Hosts,” quotation from Isaiah 5:9 as in Romans 9:29, transliterating the Hebrew word for “Hosts,” an expression for the omnipotence of God like Παντοκρατωρ — Pantokratōr (Revelation 4:8). God hears the cries of the oppressed workmen even if the employers are deaf. [source]
James 5:4 The cries [αι βοαι]
Old word from which βοαω — boaō comes (Matthew 3:3), here only in N.T. The stolen money “cries out” Genitive plural of the articular participle first aorist active of τεριζω — therizō (old verb from τερος — theros summer, Matthew 24:32), to reap, to harvest while summer allows (Matthew 6:26).Have entered Perfect active third person plural indicative of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai old and common compound, to go or come into. This late form is by analogy of the aorist for the usual form in ασι — ̇asi the Lord of Sabaoth “Of the Lord of Hosts,” quotation from Isaiah 5:9 as in Romans 9:29, transliterating the Hebrew word for “Hosts,” an expression for the omnipotence of God like Παντοκρατωρ — Pantokratōr (Revelation 4:8). God hears the cries of the oppressed workmen even if the employers are deaf. [source]
James 5:7 Until the coming of the Lord [ο γεωργος]
The second coming of Christ he means, the regular phrase here and in James 5:8 for that idea (Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:37, Matthew 24:39; 1 Thessalonians 2:19, etc.).The husbandman (γη εργω — ho geōrgos). The worker in the ground (εκδεχεται — gēεκδεχομαι — ergō) as in Matthew 21:33.Waiteth for Present middle indicative of τιμη — ekdechomai old verb for eager expectation as in Acts 17:16.Precious (μακροτυμων επ αυτωι — timion). Old adjective from μακροτυμεω — timē (honor, price), dear to the farmer because of his toil for it. See 1 Peter 1:19.Being patient over it Present active participle of εως — makrothumeō just used in the exhortation, picturing the farmer longing and hoping over his precious crop (cf. Luke 18:7 of God).Until it receive (λαμβανω — heōs labēi). Temporal clause of the future with προμον και οπσιμον — heōs and the second aorist active subjunctive of υετον — lambanō vividly describing the farmer‘s hopes and patience.The early and latter rain The word for rain (πρω — hueton Acts 14:17) is absent from the best MSS. The adjective προμος — pro(from πρως — prōearly) occurs here only in N.T., though old in the form οπσιμον — proand οπσε — prōSee Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24, etc. for these terms for the early rain in October or November for the germination of the grain, and the latter rain (opsimon from opse late, here only in N.T.) in April and May for maturing the grain. [source]
1 Peter 1:1 An apostle of Jesus Christ [αποστολος Ιησου Χριστου]
This is his official title, but in 2 Peter 1:1 δουλος — doulos is added, which occurs alone in James 1:1. In 2 John and 3 John we have only ο πρεσβυτερος — ho presbuteros (the elder), as Peter terms himself συνπρεσβυτερος — sunpresbuteros in 1 Peter 5:1. Paul‘s usage varies greatly: only the names in 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, the title αποστολος — apostolos added and defended in Galatians and Romans as also in 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians and Colossians and Ephesians and 2 Timothy with “by the will of God” added, and in 1 Timothy with the addition of “according to the command of God.” In Philippians Paul has only “δουλος — doulos (slave) Χριστου Ιησου — Christou Iēsou like James and Jude. In Romans and Titus Paul has both δουλος — doulos and αποστολος — apostolos like 2 Peter, while in Philemon he uses only δεσμιος — desmios (prisoner) Ιησου Χριστου — Iēsou Christou the elect Without article (with the article in Matthew 24:22, Matthew 24:24, Matthew 24:31) and dative case, “to elect persons” (viewed as a group). Bigg takes εκλεκτοις — eklektois (old, but rare verbal adjective from εκλεγω — eklegō to pick out, to select) as an adjective describing the next word, “to elect sojourners.” That is possible and is like γενος εκλεκτον — genos eklekton in 1 Peter 2:9. See the distinction between κλητοι — klētoi (called) and εκλεκτοι — eklektoi (chosen) in Matthew 22:14.Who are sojourners (παρεπιδημοις — parepidēmois). Late double compound adjective (παρα επιδημουντες — paraδιασπορας — epidēmountes Acts 2:10, to sojourn by the side of natives), strangers sojourning for a while in a particular place. So in Polybius, papyri, in lxx only twice (Genesis 23:4 or Psalm 38:13), in N.T. only here, 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13. The picture in the metaphor here is that heaven is our native country and we are only temporary sojourners here on earth.Of the Dispersion See John 7:35 for literal sense of the word for scattered (from diaspeirō to scatter abroad, Acts 8:1) Jews outside of Palestine, and James 1:1 for the sense here to Jewish Christians, including Gentile Christians (only N T. examples). Note absence of the article, though a definite conception (of the Dispersion). The Christian is a pilgrim on his way to the homeland. These five Roman provinces include what we call Asia Minor north and west of the Taurus mountain range (Hort). Hort suggests that the order here suggests that Silvanus (bearer of the Epistle) was to land in Pontus from the Euxine Sea, proceed through Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, to Bithynia, where he would re-embark for Rome. This, he holds, explains the separation of Pontus and Bithynia, though the same province. Only Galatia and Asia are mentioned elsewhere in the N.T. as having Christian converts, but the N.T. by no means gives a full account of the spread of the Gospel, as can be judged from Colossians 1:6, Colossians 1:23. [source]
1 Peter 3:20 While the ark was a preparing [κατασκευαζω]
Genitive absolute with present passive participle of κιβωτος — kataskeuazō old compound (Matthew 11:10), for εις ην — kibōtos (ark) see Matthew 24:38. [source]
1 Peter 3:20 Waited [απεχεδεχετο]
Imperfect middle of the double compound απεκδεχομαι — apekdechomai late verb, probably first by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:7), though in the apocryphal Acta Pauli (iii) and other late writings cited by Nageli (p. 43). Perfective use of the two prepositions A hundred years apparently after the warning (Genesis 5:32; Genesis 6:3; Genesis 7:6) Noah was preparing the ark and Noah as a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) forewarned the people, who disregarded it.While the ark was a preparing (κατασκευαζω — kataskeuazomenēs kibōtou). Genitive absolute with present passive participle of κιβωτος — kataskeuazō old compound (Matthew 11:10), for εις ην — kibōtos (ark) see Matthew 24:38.Wherein “Into which” (the ark).That is (πσυχαι — tout' estin). Explanatory expression like our English idiom (Romans 10:6, etc.).Souls Persons of both sexes (living men) as in Acts 2:41; Acts 27:37, etc.Were saved (διασωζω — diesōthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of δι υδατος — diasōzō old compound, to bring safe through as in Acts 27:44.Through water “By means of water” as the intermediate agent, an apparent change in the use of dia in composition just before (local use) to the instrumental use here. They came through the water in the ark and so were saved by the water in spite of the flood around them. Peter lays stress (Hart) on the water rather than on the ark (Hebrews 11:7) for the sake of the following illustration. [source]
2 Peter 2:5 When he brought [επαχας]
First aorist active participle (instead of the common second aorist active επαγαγων — epagagōn) of εισαγω — eisagō old compound verb to bring upon, in N.T. only here and Acts 5:28 (by Peter here also).A flood (κατακλυσμον — kataklusmon). Old word (from κατακλυζω — katakluzō to inundate), only of Noah‘s flood in N.T. (Matthew 24:38.; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5).Upon the world of the ungodly Anarthrous and dative case κοσμωι — kosmōi The whole world were “ungodly” (ασεβεις — asebeis as in 1 Peter 4:18) save Noah‘s family of eight. [source]
2 Peter 2:5 A flood [κατακλυσμον]
Old word (from κατακλυζω — katakluzō to inundate), only of Noah‘s flood in N.T. (Matthew 24:38.; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5). [source]
2 Peter 2:5 Preserved [επυλαχεν]
Still part of the long protasis with ει — ei first aorist active indicative of πυλασσω — phulassō seven others “Eighth,” predicate accusative adjective (ordinal), classic idiom usually with αυτον — auton See 1 Peter 3:20 for this same item. Some take ογδοον — ogdoon with κηρυκα — kēruka (eighth preacher), hardly correct.A preacher of righteousness (δικαιοσυνης κηρυκα — dikaiosunēs kēruka). “Herald” as in 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11 alone in N.T., but κηρυσσω — kērussō is common. It is implied in 1 Peter 3:20 that Noah preached to the men of his time during the long years.When he brought First aorist active participle (instead of the common second aorist active επαγαγων — epagagōn) of εισαγω — eisagō old compound verb to bring upon, in N.T. only here and Acts 5:28 (by Peter here also).A flood (κατακλυσμον — kataklusmon). Old word (from κατακλυζω — katakluzō to inundate), only of Noah‘s flood in N.T. (Matthew 24:38.; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5).Upon the world of the ungodly Anarthrous and dative case κοσμωι — kosmōi The whole world were “ungodly” (ασεβεις — asebeis as in 1 Peter 4:18) save Noah‘s family of eight. [source]
2 Peter 3:4 Where is the promise of his coming? [που εστιν η επαγγελια της παρουσιας αυτου]
This is the only sample of the questions raised by these mockers. Peter had mentioned this subject of the παρουσια — parousia in 2 Peter 1:16. Now he faces it squarely. Peter, like Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:1.; 2 Thessalonians 2:1.), preached about the second coming (2 Peter 1:16; Acts 3:20.), as Jesus himself did repeatedly (Matthew 24:34) and as the angels promised at the Ascension (Acts 1:11). Both Jesus and Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:1.) were misunderstood on the subject of the time and the parables of Jesus urged readiness and forbade setting dates for his coming, though his language in Matthew 24:34 probably led some to believe that he would certainly come while they were alive. [source]
Jude 1:12 Shepherds that feed themselves [εαυτους ποιμαινοντες]
“Shepherding themselves.” Cf. Revelation 7:17 for this use of ποιμαινω — poimainō Clouds without water Νεπελη — Nephelē common word for cloud (Matthew 24:30). 2 Peter 2:17 has πηγαι ανυδροι — pēgai anudroi (springs without water) and then ομιχλαι — homichlai (mists) and ελαυνομεναι — elaunomenai (driven) rather than περιπερομεναι — peripheromenai here (borne around, whirled around, present passive participle of περιπερω — peripherō to bear around), a powerful picture of disappointed hopes. [source]
Jude 1:12 When they feast with you [συνευωχουμενοι]
See 2 Peter 2:13 for this very word and form. Masculine gender with ουτοι οι — houtoi hoi rather than with the feminine σπιλαδες — spilades Cf. Revelation 11:4. Construction according to sense.Shepherds that feed themselves (εαυτους ποιμαινοντες — heautous poimainontes). “Shepherding themselves.” Cf. Revelation 7:17 for this use of ποιμαινω — poimainō Clouds without water (νεπελαι ανυδροι — nephelai anudroi). Νεπελη — Nephelē common word for cloud (Matthew 24:30). 2 Peter 2:17 has πηγαι ανυδροι — pēgai anudroi (springs without water) and then ομιχλαι — homichlai (mists) and ελαυνομεναι — elaunomenai (driven) rather than περιπερομεναι — peripheromenai here (borne around, whirled around, present passive participle of περιπερω — peripherō to bear around), a powerful picture of disappointed hopes.Autumn trees Late adjective (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo) from πτινω — phthinō to waste away, and οπωρα — opōra autumn, here only in N.T. For ακαρπα — akarpa (without fruit) see 2 Peter 1:8.Twice dead (δις αποτανοντα — dis apothanonta). Second aorist active participle of αποτνησκω — apothnēskō Fruitless and having died. Having died and also “uprooted” (εκριζωτεντα — ekrizōthenta). First aorist passive participle of εκριζοω — ekrizoō late compound, to root out, to pluck up by the roots, as in Matthew 13:29. [source]
Revelation 7:2 The four angels []
Compare Matthew 24:31. [source]
Revelation 6:13 Untimely figs [ὀλύνθους]
Better, as Rev., unripe. Compare Matthew 24:32; Isaiah 34:4. Only here in the New Testament. [source]
Revelation 6:14 Mountain and island []
Compare Matthew 24:35; Nahum 1:5. [source]
Revelation 6:12 The sixth seal []
“The Apocalypse is molded by the great discourse of our Lord upon 'the last things' which has been preserved for us in the first three Gospels (Matthew 24:4; 25.; Luke 21:8-36; compare 17:20-37). The parallelism between the two is, to a certain extent, acknowledged by all inquirers, and is indeed, in many respects, so obvious, that it can hardly escape the notice of even the ordinary reader. Let any one compare, for example, the account of the opening of the sixth seal with the description of the end (Matthew href="/desk/?q=mt+24:29&sr=1">Matthew 24:29, Matthew 24:30), and he will see that the one is almost a transcript of the other. It is remarkable that we find no account of this discourse in the Gospel of St. John; nor does it seem as sufficient explanation of the omission that the later Evangelist was satisfied with the records of the discourse already given by his predecessors” (Milligan). [source]
Revelation 4:1 A trumpet [σάλπιγγος]
See on Matthew 24:31. Properly a war-trumpet, though the word was also used of a sacred trumpet, with the epithet ἱερά sacredSpeaking - saying ( λαλούσης - λέγουσα )See on Matthew 28:18. The former verb indicates the breaking of the silence, the latter the matter of the address. [source]
Revelation 11:19 The ark of His covenant [ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης αὐτοῦ]
Κιβωτὸς arkmeaning generally any wooden box or chest used of the ark in the tabernacle only here and Hebrews 9:4. Elsewhere of Noah's ark. See Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20. For covenant, see note on testament, Matthew 26:28. This is the last mention in scripture of the ark of the covenant. It was lost when the temple was destroyed by the Chaldeans (2 Kings 25:10), and was wanting in the second temple. Tacitus says that Pompey “by right of conquest entered the temple. Thenceforward it became generally known that the habitation was empty and the sanctuary unoccupied do representation of the deity being found within it” (“History,” v., 9). According to Jewish tradition Jeremiah had taken the ark and all that the Most Holy Place contained, and concealed them, before the destruction of the temple, in a cave at Mount Sinai, whence they are to be restored to the temple in the days of Messiah. [source]
Revelation 1:7 Kindreds [φυλαὶ]
More correctly, tribes. The word used of the true Israel in Revelation 5:5; Revelation 7:4-8; Revelation 21:12. As the tribes of Israel are the figure by which the people of God, Jew or Gentile, are represented, so unbelievers are here represented as tribes, “the mocking counterpart of the true Israel of God.” Compare Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:31. [source]
Revelation 1:7 He cometh with clouds [ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν]
The clouds are frequently used in the descriptions of the Lord's second coming. See Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62. Compare the manifestation of God in the clouds at Sinai, in the cloudy pillar, the Shekinah, at the transfiguration, and see Psalm 97:2; Psalm 18:11; Nahum 1:3; Isaiah 19:1. [source]
Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with the clouds [ιδου ερχεται μετα των νεπελων]
Futuristic present middle indicative of ερχομαι — erchomai a reminiscence of Daniel 7:13 (Theodotion). “It becomes a common eschatological refrain” (Beckwith) as in Mark 13:26; Mark 14:62; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27. Compare the manifestation of God in the clouds at Sinai, in the cloudy pillar, the Shekinah, at the transfiguration” (Vincent). [source]
Revelation 14:14 A white cloud [νεπελη λευκη]
Like the “bright cloud” of Matthew 17:5 (Transfiguration), a familiar object in the Mediterranean lands. See Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Acts 1:9, Acts 1:11 for the picture of Christ‘s return. [source]
Revelation 3:20 I stand at the door [εστηκα επι την τυραν]
Perfect active of ιστημι — histēmi (intransitive). Picture of the Lord‘s advent as in Matthew 24:33; James 5:9, but true also of the individual response to Christ‘s call (Luke 12:36) as shown in Holman Hunt‘s great picture. Some see a use also of So James 5:2. [source]
Revelation 8:2 Seven trumpets [επτα σαλπιγγες]
We see trumpets assigned to angels in Matthew 24:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 4:1, Revelation 4:4. See also the use of trumpets in Joshua 6:13; Joel 2:1. These seven trumpets are soon to break the half hour of silence. Thus the seven trumpets grow out of the opening of the seventh seal, however that fact is to be interpreted. [source]
Revelation 1:7 Shall see [οπσεται]
Future middle of οραω — horaō a reminiscence of Zechariah 12:10 according to the text of Theodotion (Aquila and Symmachus) rather than the lxx and like that of Matthew 24:30 (similar combination of Daniel and Zechariah) and Matthew 26:64. This picture of the victorious Christ in his return occurs also in Revelation 14:14, Revelation 14:18-20; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:7-10.And they which (και οιτινες — kai hoitines). “And the very ones who,” Romans and Jews, all who shared in this act.Pierced First aorist active indicative of εκκεντεω — ekkenteō late compound (Aristotle, Polybius, lxx), from εκ — ek and κεντεω — kenteō (to stab, to pierce), in N.T., only here and John 19:37, in both cases from Zechariah 12:10, but not the lxx text (apparently proof that John used the original Hebrew or the translation of Theodotion and Aquila).Shall mourn (κοπσονται — kopsontai). Future middle (direct) of κοπτω — koptō old verb, to cut, “they shall cut themselves,” as was common for mourners (Matthew 11:17; Luke 8:52; Luke 23:27). From Zechariah 12:12. See also Revelation 18:9.Tribes Not just the Jewish tribes, but the spiritual Israel of Jews and Gentiles as in Revelation 7:4-8. No nation had then accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, nor has any yet done so. [source]
Revelation 7:1 Standing [εστωτας]
Second perfect predicate participle of ιστημι — histēmi intransitive and followed by επι — epi and the accusative case γωνιας — gōnias as already in Revelation 3:20 Old word for angle (Matthew 6:5), also in Revelation 20:8.Holding Present active participle of κρατεω — krateō to hold fast (Mark 7:3; John 20:23). The four winds (cf. Matthew 24:31) are held prisoner by angels at each of the four corners. Some Jews held the winds from due north, south, east, west to be favourable, while those from the angles (see Acts 27:14) were unfavourable (Charles). There is an angel of the fire (Revelation 14:18) and an angel of the waters (Revelation 16:5).That no wind should blow (ινα μη πνεηι ανεμος — hina mē pneēi anemos). Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the present active subjunctive, “lest a wind keep on blowing.”Upon any tree Accusative case here with επι — epi rather than the preceding genitives (γησ ταλασσης — gēsthalassēs), “upon the land or upon the sea,” but “against any tree” (picture of attack on the tree like a tornado‘s path). [source]
Revelation 7:1 Holding [κρατουντας]
Present active participle of κρατεω — krateō to hold fast (Mark 7:3; John 20:23). The four winds (cf. Matthew 24:31) are held prisoner by angels at each of the four corners. Some Jews held the winds from due north, south, east, west to be favourable, while those from the angles (see Acts 27:14) were unfavourable (Charles). There is an angel of the fire (Revelation 14:18) and an angel of the waters (Revelation 16:5).That no wind should blow (ινα μη πνεηι ανεμος — hina mē pneēi anemos). Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the present active subjunctive, “lest a wind keep on blowing.”Upon any tree Accusative case here with επι — epi rather than the preceding genitives (γησ ταλασσης — gēsthalassēs), “upon the land or upon the sea,” but “against any tree” (picture of attack on the tree like a tornado‘s path). [source]

What do the individual words in Matthew 24:3 mean?

[As] was sitting now He upon the Mount - of Olives came to Him the disciples in private saying Tell us when these things will be And what [is] the sign - of Your coming of the consummation of the age
Καθημένου δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ ὄρους τῶν Ἐλαιῶν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ κατ’ ἰδίαν λέγοντες Εἰπὲ ἡμῖν πότε ταῦτα ἔσται καὶ τί τὸ σημεῖον τῆς σῆς παρουσίας συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος

Καθημένου  [As]  was  sitting 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κάθημαι  
Sense: to sit down, seat one’s self.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἐπὶ  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
ὄρους  Mount 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ὄρος  
Sense: a mountain.
τῶν  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἐλαιῶν  of  Olives 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: ἐλαία  
Sense: an olive tree.
προσῆλθον  came  to 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: προσέρχομαι  
Sense: to come to, approach.
μαθηταὶ  disciples 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: μαθητής  
Sense: a learner, pupil, disciple.
ἰδίαν  private 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἴδιος  
Sense: pertaining to one’s self, one’s own, belonging to one’s self.
λέγοντες  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
Εἰπὲ  Tell 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
ἡμῖν  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ταῦτα  these  things 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ἔσται  will  be 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
τί  what  [is] 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: τίς  
Sense: who, which, what.
σημεῖον  sign 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: σημεῖον  
Sense: a sign, mark, token.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
σῆς  of  Your 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Feminine 2nd Person Singular
Root: σός  
Sense: thy, thine.
παρουσίας  coming 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: παρουσία  
Sense: presence.
συντελείας  of  the  consummation 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: συντέλεια  
Sense: completion, consummation, end.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
αἰῶνος  age 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: αἰών  
Sense: for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity.