Luke 17:24

Luke 17:24

ESV: For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

KJV: For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

NIV: For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.

NKJV: For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day.

NLT: For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes.

Meaning

Luke 17:24 reveals that the future coming of the Son of Man will be an unmistakable, universally visible, and sudden event, likened to a flash of lightning that illuminates the entire sky from one horizon to the other. This emphatically refutes any notion of a localized, hidden, or secretive return that would require searching for or being pointed out.

Cross References

Context

Luke 17:24 is part of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God and His Second Coming. It immediately follows a conversation where the Pharisees question Jesus about when the Kingdom of God would come (Lk 17:20). Jesus first explains that the Kingdom is already within or among them, meaning it's not a visible, outward show ("look, here!" or "there!"). He then turns to His disciples, warning them against being deceived by claims of a secret, hidden coming of the Son of Man in the future. Verse 24, using the vivid analogy of lightning, provides the foundational reason why they should not believe such deceptive claims. It highlights that His return will be an event of undeniable, universal recognition, distinct from any localized or conspiratorial messianic movements of His time or the future.

Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding warning in Lk 17:23. It introduces the reason or explanation for why people should not follow those who claim "look, here!" or "look, there!" for the Son of Man.
• as (ὡς - hōs): A particle of comparison, introducing the simile. It means "just as," setting up a direct and powerful analogy.
• the lightning (ἡ ἀστραπή - hē astrapē): Astrapē refers to lightning, a flash of light, or brilliant radiance. It immediately conveys ideas of immense light, speed, and undeniable natural power.
• that lighteneth (ἀστράπτουσα - astraptousa): A present participle from astraptō, meaning "to flash, shine brightly, dart as lightning." It emphasizes the action of light spanning the vast expanse.
• out of the one part under heaven (ἐκ τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν - ek tēs hypo ton ouranon): Describes the point of origin for the lightning's flash. Hypo ton ouranon means "under heaven," encompassing the visible expanse of the sky. "One part" denotes a single, definable origin within this vastness.
• shineth (λάμπει - lampei): From lampō, meaning "to shine, gleam, radiate light." It emphasizes the extensive illumination that reaches across the entire expanse.
• unto the other part under heaven (εἰς τὴν ὑπ' οὐρανὸν - eis tēn hyp' ouranon): Indicates the complete and universal reach of the lightning's light across the entire horizon. The flash does not merely happen in one spot but brightens the whole sky, leaving no part untouched by its radiance.
• so shall also (οὕτως ἔσται - houtōs estai): Houtōs means "thus, in this manner, so." This strong comparative phrase underscores the direct parallel and certainty of the comparison. Estai (future tense of "to be") confirms this future reality.
• the Son of man (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου - ho huios tou anthrōpou): Jesus' frequent self-designation, laden with theological depth. It draws on Dan 7:13, pointing to a divinely appointed figure coming in glory and power to establish His eternal dominion. It signifies both His humanity and His ultimate, divine authority as Judge and King.
• be (ἔσται - estai): Future tense, emphasizing the future event and certainty of His glorious arrival.
• in his day (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ αὐτοῦ - en tē hēmera autou): Refers to the divinely appointed time of the Son of Man's glorious return and revelation. This is not just any day but "His day," echoing the Old Testament concept of the "Day of the Lord," which signifies a time of God's decisive, dramatic intervention, often bringing both judgment and salvation.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis

• "For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven": This comprehensive simile vividly describes the unmissable nature of Christ's return. It emphasizes not only the lightning's sudden appearance but also its instantaneous, far-reaching illumination of the entire visible sky, from one horizon to the other. The image implies global visibility, ensuring no one could possibly be unaware of the event. It sets a standard for an unmistakable divine manifestation.
• "so shall also the Son of man be in his day": This phrase completes the analogy, asserting that the Second Coming of the Son of Man will mirror the lightning's characteristics. His appearance will be equally sudden, glorious, undeniable, and universally visible across the whole world. The phrase "in his day" points to a specific, divinely appointed moment, linking it to the climactic "Day of the Lord" found in Old Testament prophecy, a time of ultimate judgment and revelation.

Commentary

Luke 17:24 offers a profound counter-narrative to human speculation about the end times. Jesus clarifies that His glorious Second Coming will be radically different from His first, humble advent. It will not be a clandestine arrival in some secluded desert or hidden chamber, requiring eager seekers to be "told" where He is. Instead, it will be a public, globally recognized phenomenon. The analogy of lightning conveys not only suddenness and speed but, more importantly, universal visibility. When lightning strikes, its flash is seen by all within its vast range, illuminating the entire sky. Similarly, when the Son of Man returns, every eye will witness it, making deception about His true presence impossible. This divine spectacle will manifest with cosmic grandeur, confirming His authority and ultimate victory, distinguishing Him clearly from any false claimants.

Bonus section

• The analogy of lightning (Greek astrapē) is also used in Rev 4:5 and Rev 8:5 for divine emanations from God's throne, symbolizing divine power, judgment, and majesty, reinforcing the idea of a powerful and sovereign return.
• This verse effectively addresses the common human desire for signs or specific locations to witness significant events. Jesus' teaching here warns against being swayed by rumors and encourages faith in the direct, self-evident nature of His eventual appearing.
• The "Day of the Son of Man" stands in contrast to the already-present, yet unseen, Kingdom of God discussed earlier in the chapter (Lk 17:20-21). While the Kingdom works subtly, the coming of the King will be an overt, universal demonstration of power.

Explore luke 17 images, wallpapers, art, audio, video, maps, infographics and timelines