King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:33 Mean?

Matthew 24:33 in the King James Version says “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he”

Matthew 24:33 · KJV

Context

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:

33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he

34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors—The Greek eggys (ἐγγύς) means near/at hand, and epi thyrais (ἐπὶ θύραις) pictures someone at the door, about to knock. Jesus promises recognizable proximity, not precise chronology. 'All these things' (panta tauta, πάντα ταῦτα) references the signs just described—false messiahs, wars, famines, persecution, abomination, tribulation, cosmic disturbances.

The ambiguous pronoun 'it' (not 'he') may refer to Christ's coming, the kingdom's consummation, or judgment's arrival. The cumulative convergence of signs indicates imminent fulfillment—like a homeowner hearing footsteps on the porch. This demands vigilance, not complacency, since the door could open any moment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'door' metaphor appears throughout Scripture—Noah's ark door (Genesis 7:16), Passover door blood (Exodus 12:23), closed door of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:10), Jesus knocking (Revelation 3:20). In AD 30, Jesus spoke to disciples who would witness some 'things' (temple destruction, AD 70) but not all (Second Coming). The overlapping fulfillments create prophetic tension.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance urgency about Christ's return with patient endurance, given that He has 'stood at the door' for 2,000 years?
  2. Which of the 'all these things' signs do you see converging in your lifetime that might indicate nearness?
  3. What practical changes would you make today if you truly believed Christ was 'at the doors'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οὕτως1 of 13

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 13

“likewise”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς3 of 13

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ὅταν4 of 13

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἴδητε5 of 13

“ye shall see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πάντα6 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ταῦτα7 of 13

“these things”

G5023

these things

γινώσκετε8 of 13

“know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι9 of 13

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγύς10 of 13

“near”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

ἐστιν11 of 13

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐπὶ12 of 13

“even at”

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

θύραις13 of 13

“the doors”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

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 24:33 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 24:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:9Hebrews 10:37Ezekiel 7:2-14Revelation 3:201 Peter 4:7

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