King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:30 Mean?

Matthew 24:30 in the King James Version says “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they s... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30 · KJV


Context

28

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other . with: or, with a trumpet, and a great voice

32

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cosmic sign 'then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory' describes Christ's visible, glorious return. 'Sign of the Son of man' (possibly the cross or Shekinah glory) announces His coming. 'All tribes... mourn' indicates universal recognition—both mourning of the lost (judgment) and godly grief (repentance). 'Coming in clouds' echoes Daniel 7:13, identifying Jesus as the divine Son of man receiving kingdom authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This contrasts with Jesus' first coming in humility. His second coming will be unmistakable—visible, glorious, powerful. The mourning tribes recall Zechariah 12:10 about Israel recognizing their pierced Messiah. Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7)—no secret rapture but public, global manifestation. This is the blessed hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anticipating Christ's glorious return affect your daily priorities?
  2. What does 'all tribes mourning' teach about final judgment and universal accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
καὶ1 of 37

And

G2532

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

τότε2 of 37

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

φανήσεται3 of 37

shall appear

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

τὸ4 of 37
G3588

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

σημεῖον5 of 37

the sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

τοῦ6 of 37
G3588

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

υἱὸν7 of 37

of the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ8 of 37
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου9 of 37

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν10 of 37

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ11 of 37
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ12 of 37

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ13 of 37

And

G2532

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

τότε14 of 37

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

κόψονται15 of 37

mourn

G2875

to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief

πᾶσαι16 of 37

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

αἱ17 of 37
G3588

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

φυλαὶ18 of 37

the tribes

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

τῆς19 of 37
G3588

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

γῆς20 of 37

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ21 of 37

And

G2532

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

ὄψονται22 of 37

they shall see

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

τὸν23 of 37
G3588

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

υἱὸν24 of 37

of the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ25 of 37
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου26 of 37

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐρχόμενον27 of 37

coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ28 of 37

in

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

τῶν29 of 37
G3588

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

νεφελῶν30 of 37

the clouds

G3507

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

τοῦ31 of 37
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ32 of 37

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

μετὰ33 of 37

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δυνάμεως34 of 37

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ35 of 37

And

G2532

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

δόξης36 of 37

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

πολλῆς·37 of 37

great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely


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 24:30 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 24:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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