King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:39 Mean?

Matthew 24:39 in the King James Version says “And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Matthew 24:39 · KJV

Context

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,

39

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

40

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

41

Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And knew not until the flood came—The Greek ouk egnōsan (οὐκ ἔγνωσαν = they did not know/perceive) indicates willful ignorance, not lack of information. They had 120 years of warning, visual evidence of the ark, and Noah's preaching (2 Peter 2:5), yet chose not to know. And took them all away (kai ēren hapantas, καὶ ἦρεν ἅπαντας)—the flood 'took' them in judgment, lifting them off the earth in death.

So shall also the coming of the Son of man be—the terrifying parallel is complete. Christ's parousia will find a world absorbed in earthly pursuits, ignoring clear signs, mocking warnings. The 'taking away' in judgment contrasts with believers being 'caught up' to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The flood didn't take the righteous; it took the wicked in destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 7:17-24 describes the flood lifting the ark while destroying everything else. Only eight souls survived. Jewish tradition emphasized the sudden onset—after seven days of delay, the floodgates opened without further warning. Jesus uses this as a warning to first-century Israel (facing AD 70 judgment) and to all generations before His return. The parallel is exact: warning given, warning ignored, judgment executed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What biblical warnings are you in danger of 'knowing' intellectually but not responding to practically?
  2. How does the reality of Noah's flood as historical judgment inform your confidence in future eschatological judgment?
  3. In what ways might you be treating Christ's return warnings the way Noah's generation treated his ark-building?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγνωσαν3 of 19

“knew”

G1097

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

ἕως4 of 19

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἦλθεν5 of 19

“came”

G2064

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

ὁ6 of 19
G3588

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

κατακλυσμὸς7 of 19

“the flood”

G2627

an inundation

καὶ8 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἦρεν9 of 19

“away”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

ἅπαντας10 of 19

“them all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

οὕτως11 of 19

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἔσται12 of 19

“be”

G2071

will be

καὶ13 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἡ14 of 19
G3588

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

παρουσία15 of 19

“the coming”

G3952

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

τοῦ16 of 19
G3588

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

υἱοῦ17 of 19

“of the Son”

G5207

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

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου19 of 19

“of man”

G444

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

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 24:39 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 24:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:20Matthew 24:37Acts 13:41Isaiah 44:18-19Proverbs 24:122 Peter 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 24 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes