Luke 17:24-25
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. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights the ubiquity of his coming, not just its speed. Like lightning that flashes across the entire sky, his appearance will be instantly and universally recognizable, leaving no doubt or room for misinterpretation about its significance. This isn't just about suddenness; it's about undeniable, global manifestation.
Jesus is describing his future coming, emphasizing its sudden, undeniable, and global nature. This follows a discussion about the "days of the Son of Man" which, though hidden for a time, will culminate in a dramatic and universally visible revelation, much like lightning that instantly illuminates the entire sky.
Imagine waiting for a storm, and then BAM! Lightning cracks across the entire sky in an instant. Jesus uses this powerful image to describe His return.
Jesus compares His arrival to lightning that flashes from one end of the sky to the other. This isn't a subtle, hidden event. It's immediate, brilliant, and visible to all.
Instantaneous and Global
Like lightning, His coming will be:
Jesus speaks of 'his day.' What does this day entail, and why is the lightning metaphor so fitting for it?
The 'day' Jesus refers to isn't just any ordinary day; it's 'his day'—a time appointed for His full revelation, glory, and decisive action. This day encompasses both His ultimate vindication and the judgment of those who rejected Him.
A Day of Revelation and Reckoning
The lightning simile highlights that this day will be:
Understand the original words
pathein · Greek Verb
To experience physical, mental, or spiritual pain or hardship. In a biblical context, it often refers to the redemptive sufferings of Christ required for the atonement of sins.
apodokimasthēnai · Greek Verb
To refuse, dismiss, or cast aside as unworthy. It implies the active turning away from God’s appointed Savior and his message.
genea · Greek Noun
A corporate group of people living at the same time, often characterized by their attitude toward God or his messengers. In this context, it refers to the contemporaries of Jesus who failed to recognize him.
This passage uses the same lightning analogy to describe the suddenness and visibility of Christ's return, emphasizing that His coming will be unmistakable.
Daniel 7:13This prophecy describes the 'Son of Man' coming with the clouds of heaven in divine glory and authority, echoing the magnificent and awe-inspiring nature of Christ's appearance described in Luke.
1 Thessalonians 4:16This verse speaks of the Lord descending from heaven with a loud command and the trumpet call, highlighting the audible and dramatic nature of Christ's arrival, similar to the undeniable flash of lightning.
2 Peter 3:10This passage states that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and the heavens will pass away with a roar, showing the swift, decisive, and world-altering character of His coming.
vincentLuke 17:24: "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."
Lighteneth (ἀστράπτουσα)Only here and Luke 24:4.
gillLuke 17:24: "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."
For as the lightning that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven,.... The Syriac version reads, "out of heaven", and the Arabic version, "in heaven"; which is the seat of lightning, and from whence it arises: and shineth unto the other part under heaven; enlightens the earth, which is under the heaven: though the sense o…
Jesus highlights the ubiquity of his coming, not just its speed. Like lightning that flashes across the entire sky, his appearance will be instantly and universally recognizable, leaving no doubt or room for misinterpretation about its significance. This isn't just about suddenness; it's about undeniable, global manifestation.
Jesus is describing his future coming, emphasizing its sudden, undeniable, and global nature. This follows a discussion about the "days of the Son of Man" which, though hidden for a time, will culminate in a dramatic and universally visible revelation, much like lightning that instantly illuminates the entire sky.
Jesus is describing his future coming, emphasizing its sudden, undeniable, and global nature. This follows a discussion about the "days of the Son of Man" which, though hidden for a time, will culminate in a dramatic and universally visible revelation, much like lightning that instantly illuminates the entire sky.
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"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. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation." — Jesus highlights the ubiquity of his coming, not just its speed. Like lightning that flashes across the entire sky, his appearance will be instantly and universally recognizable, leaving no doubt…
