King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:3 Mean?

Matthew 24:3 in the King James Version says “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately , saying, Tell us, when shall these things... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Matthew 24:3 · KJV


Context

1

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2

And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3

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?

4

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples' question 'what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?' follows Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction (vv. 1-2). They conflated three events: temple destruction (70 AD), Christ's second coming (future), and the age's consummation. Jesus' discourse addresses all three, requiring careful interpretation to distinguish near fulfillment (temple destruction) from future fulfillment (second coming). The disciples assumed these were one event; history proved otherwise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples asked from the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple. They couldn't conceive the temple's destruction apart from world's end—the temple represented God's presence with Israel. Jesus' answer includes both near prophecy (70 AD) and far prophecy (second coming), teaching vigilance for an uncertain time.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Jesus' dual-fulfillment prophecy help interpret the Olivet discourse?
  2. What does Jesus' teaching about uncertainty regarding His return teach about watchfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Καθημένου1 of 32

as he sat

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

δὲ2 of 32

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ3 of 32

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπὶ4 of 32

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ5 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ὄρους6 of 32

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν7 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἐλαιῶν8 of 32

of Olives

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

προσῆλθον9 of 32

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτῷ10 of 32

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ12 of 32

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

κατ'13 of 32

privately

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν14 of 32
G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

λέγοντες15 of 32

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰπὲ16 of 32

Tell

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἡμῖν17 of 32

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

πότε18 of 32

when

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

ταῦτα19 of 32

these things

G5023

these things

ἔσται20 of 32

be

G2071

will be

καὶ21 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τί22 of 32

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ23 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σημεῖον24 of 32

shall be the sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

τῆς25 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῆς26 of 32

of thy

G4674

thine

παρουσίας27 of 32

coming

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

καὶ28 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συντελείας30 of 32

of the end

G4930

entire completion, i.e., consummation (of a dispensation)

τοῦ31 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰῶνος32 of 32

of the world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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