Matthew 24:16 meaning

In times of great turmoil and distress, urgent actions can mean the difference between safety and danger. In this passage, Jesus calls for those in Judea to take immediate flight when they witness the abomination of desolation—a prophetic warning of impending devastation. This instruction emphasizes the urgency of seeking shelter, as the threat will be so severe that it demands an immediate response without hesitation. The historical context speaks to the broader implications for the Jewish people during the Great Tribulation, a time of unparalleled suffering as depicted in various prophecies, including those in Daniel.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:

  • Matthew 24:15-20 meaning. Jesus begins His answer to the disciples’ second question about the sign of His coming. He refers them to the prophecy from the Book of Daniel called "the Abomination of Desolation." This is not the sign of His return, but it is a precursor to it. He warns His disciples to flee Jerusalem as soon as they see the sign in order to escape the bloody danger that will instantly follow.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Daniel 8:23-27 meaning. The Vision of the Ram and the Goat Explained: A king will come from one of these Greek kingdoms. He will be deceptive, crafty, powerful, and will destroy many men, including many Israelites. He will defy God and glorify himself as God. The prophecy is true that he will halt the temple sacrifices, but he will ultimately be killed. This prophecy concerns both Antiochus Epiphanes and the antichrist in the end times. Daniel is sick for many days, and still does not fully understand what he saw.
  • Matthew 24:21-28 meaning. Jesus continues to answer the disciples’ second question regarding the sign of His coming and identifies the second precursor as the great tribulation. It will be a time of unprecedented peril. He makes it clear that no guessing will be needed. If there is any doubt, then it isn’t Him. When He comes, everyone will know it. 
  • Matthew 17:9-13 meaning. Jesus forbids Peter, James, and John to tell anyone about what they just saw until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead. The disciples seem to think that He meant to not tell anyone until Elijah returns, and so they ask Jesus to explain how Elijah was to come before the Messiah and yet is still to come even though Jesus has arrived and is the Messiah. Jesus explains this to them.
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