King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:36 Mean?

Matthew 24:36 in the King James Version says “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 24:36 · KJV


Context

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.

36

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

37

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only—After teaching the recognizability of His coming, Jesus forbids chronological calculation. The emphatic oudeis (οὐδείς = no one) excludes everyone—no human, no angel, not even the Son (Mark 13:32). This self-limitation during His incarnation demonstrates the reality of His humanity and submission to the Father.

The phrase hē hēmera ekeinē kai hōra (ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη καὶ ὥρα = that day and hour) became technical language for the Day of the Lord. God's sovereignty over timing rebukes all date-setters, calendar decoders, and prophecy speculators. The Father alone holds the appointment calendar for history's culmination (Acts 1:7). Our calling is watchfulness, not calculation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic literature often speculated about end-times timing, with groups like the Essenes calculating prophetic calendars. Jesus categorically rejects this practice. The early church initially expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15), but as decades passed, they learned patient expectation (2 Peter 3:8-9). This verse has frustrated date-setters for 2,000 years—every prediction has failed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think Christians continually violate this verse by predicting dates, despite 2,000 years of failed predictions?
  2. How does Jesus's own ignorance of the timing (in His incarnate state) inform your understanding of His full humanity?
  3. What is the spiritual danger of knowing the exact date versus living in expectant readiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Περὶ1 of 21

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 21
G3588

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

ἡμέρας4 of 21

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνης5 of 21

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ6 of 21

and

G2532

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

τῆς7 of 21
G3588

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

ὥρας8 of 21

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

οὐδεὶς9 of 21

no

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οἶδεν10 of 21

knoweth

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

οὐδὲ11 of 21

man no not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

οἱ12 of 21
G3588

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

ἄγγελοι13 of 21

the angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῶν14 of 21
G3588

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

οὐρανῶν15 of 21

of heaven

G3772

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

εἰ16 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ17 of 21
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

18 of 21
G3588

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

πατὴρ19 of 21

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου20 of 21

my

G3450

of me

μόνος21 of 21

only

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere


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 24:36 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 24:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study