Matthew 24:27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

◄ Matthew 24:27 ►

New International Version
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

New Living Translation
For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.

English Standard Version
For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Berean Standard Bible
For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Berean Literal Bible
For just as the lightning comes forth from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

King James Bible
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

New King James Version
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

New American Standard Bible
For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

NASB 1995
“For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

NASB 1977
“For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.

Legacy Standard Bible
For just as the lightning comes from the east and appears even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Amplified Bible
For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming [in glory] of the Son of Man [everyone will see Him clearly].

Christian Standard Bible
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

American Standard Version
For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Contemporary English Version
The coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning that can be seen from east to west.

English Revised Version
For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Son of Man will come again just as lightning flashes from east to west.

Good News Translation
For the Son of Man will come like the lightning which flashes across the whole sky from the east to the west.

International Standard Version
because just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Majority Standard Bible
For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

NET Bible
For just like the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so the coming of the Son of Man will be.

New Heart English Bible
For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Webster's Bible Translation
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even to the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Weymouth New Testament
For just as the lightning flashes in the east and is seen to the very west, so will be the Coming of the Son of Man.

World English Bible
For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for as the lightning comes forth from the east, and appears to the west, so will also be the coming of the Son of Man;

Berean Literal Bible
For just as the lightning comes forth from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Young's Literal Translation
for as the lightning doth come forth from the east, and doth appear unto the west, so shall be also the presence of the Son of Man;

Smith's Literal Translation
For as the lightning comes forth from the sunrisings, and shines to the descents; so also shall be the arrival of the Son of man.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For as lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth even into the west: so shall the coming of the Son of man be.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For just as lightning goes out from the east, and appears even in the west, so shall it be also at the advent of the Son of man.

New American Bible
For just as lightning comes from the east and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

New Revised Standard Version
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For just as the lightning comes out from the east, and is seen even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For just as lightning goes out from The East and appears unto The West, so will the coming of The Son of Man be.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For as the lightning comes out from the east, and shines even to the west, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

Godbey New Testament
For as the lightning comes from the east, and shines even unto the west; so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

Haweis New Testament
For as the lightning cometh out from the east, and flashes to the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Mace New Testament
for as the lightning darts from the east in an instant to the west: such shall the advent of the son of man be.

Weymouth New Testament
For just as the lightning flashes in the east and is seen to the very west, so will be the Coming of the Son of Man.

Worrell New Testament
For, as the lightning comes forth from the east, and shines unto the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man.

Worsley New Testament
for as the lightning cometh from the east, and flashes in an instant even to the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Return of the Son of Man
26So if they tell you, ‘There He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Luke 17:24
For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day.

Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.

Zechariah 9:14
Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Isaiah 66:15
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.

Malachi 3:2
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap.

1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.

Daniel 7:13
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.

Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...

Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Ezekiel 1:4
I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber,

Joel 2:31
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.

2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

Psalm 97:4
His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.

Treasury of Scripture

For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

as.

Job 37:3
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

Job 38:35
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?

Isaiah 30:30
And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

the coming.

Matthew 16:28
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Malachi 3:2
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

Malachi 4:5
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

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Matthew 24

1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
3. what and how great calamities shall be before it;
29. the signs of his coming to judgment.
36. And because that day and hour are unknown,
42. we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.

Berean Study Bible

For as the lightning
The imagery of lightning is powerful and immediate, symbolizing the sudden and unmistakable nature of Christ's return. In the Greek, the word used is "astrapé," which conveys a sense of brightness and visibility. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that can be seen from great distances, emphasizing the universal visibility of the Second Coming. Historically, lightning has been associated with divine presence and power, as seen in various Old Testament theophanies. This phrase assures believers that Christ's return will be evident to all, leaving no room for doubt or deception.

comes from the east
The direction "east" holds significant biblical symbolism. In the Greek, "anatolē" refers to the rising of the sun, which is a daily certainty. The east is often associated with the origin of divine intervention, as seen in the Garden of Eden's location and the direction from which the Magi came to worship Jesus. This phrase suggests that Christ's return will be as certain and inevitable as the sunrise, bringing hope and fulfillment of prophecy.

and flashes as far as the west
The phrase "flashes as far as the west" emphasizes the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of Christ's return. The Greek word "phainó" means to shine or become visible. This indicates that the event will be witnessed across the entire world, from one horizon to the other. The east-to-west movement also symbolizes the universality of the gospel message, which has spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It reassures believers that no one will miss the return of Christ, as it will be a global event.

so will be the coming of the Son of Man
The "coming of the Son of Man" is a direct reference to Jesus' return in glory. The term "Son of Man" is rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a messianic figure endowed with authority and dominion. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses this title for Himself, highlighting both His humanity and His divine mission. This phrase assures believers of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as Christ will return to establish His kingdom and execute justice. It serves as a call to readiness and faithfulness, as the timing of this event is known only to the Father.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27) As the lightning cometh out of the east.--In this and the three preceding verses we are, as it were, on the dim border-land of the primary and the ultimate fulfilments of the words. The disciples in their questions (Matthew 24:3) had connected the destruction of Jerusalem with the "coming" of their Lord, and the two are connected even in His own words and thoughts. In whatever way He came, whether in the final destruction of the Temple and polity of Israel, or at the end of the world's great drama, the advent would be sudden and unlooked-for as the lightning-flash. The crises of the world's history, which are the "springing and germinant accomplishments" of such words as these, are always unexpected by the great mass of mankind, even though the few whose eyes are opened can discern the signs of the times, and know that their "redemption draweth nigh."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 27. - As the lightning...east...west. That is, shines from one end of heaven to the other. St. Chrysostom's comment explains the similitude: "How, then, shineth the lightning? It needs not one to talk of it, it needs not a herald, but even to them in chambers it shows itself in an instant of time throughout the whole world. So shall that coming be, showing itself at once everywhere by reason of the shining forth of his glory." We are told, "every eye shall see him." His advent shall be sudden, universal, unmistakable; in a moment he shall be present, visible in all his power and glory. From the language of this verse probably has been derived the orientation of churches, and the mode adopted of depositing the bodies of deceased Christians, so that they may at the resurrection face the Lord when he comes from the east.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

just as
ὥσπερ (hōsper)
Adverb
Strong's 5618: Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

lightning
ἀστραπὴ (astrapē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 796: A flash of lightning, brightness, luster. From astrapto; lightning; by analogy, glare.

comes
ἐξέρχεται (exerchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] east
ἀνατολῶν (anatolōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 395: From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

flashes
φαίνεται (phainetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5316: Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.

as far as
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

[the] west,
δυσμῶν (dysmōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1424: A setting (of the sun), hence: the West. From duno; the sun-set, i.e. the western region.

so
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

will be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

coming
παρουσία (parousia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3952: From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱοῦ (Huiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Man.
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning flashes (Matt. Mat Mt)