And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this verse as only about the final end times, but Jesus is also pointing to an immediate, though symbolic, "coming" that will dramatically alter the world for his followers. The "cloud" and "power and great glory" aren't just for the very end, but signal a coming judgment that vindicates his disciples.
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just described cosmic signs and intense earthly distress leading up to a significant event. He then tells his followers that after these tumultuous signs, they will see him return in glory, not to be confused with the destruction of Jerusalem which was a precursor. This glorious coming signals the ultimate redemption and vindication for all who have endured faithfully.
Jesus talks about signs in the sun and moon, but then pivots to something far grander. What makes the Son of Man's arrival different from cosmic disturbances?
Jesus is describing a cosmic, visible manifestation of his ultimate reign, distinct from the earthly troubles preceding it.
A Different Kind of Coming
While the 'signs' in the heavens (sun, moon, stars) and the 'distress of nations' point to upheavals and judgment on earth (like the destruction of Jerusalem), Jesus contrasts this with His own arrival.
His coming is 'in a cloud with power and great glory.' This isn't just a metaphor for a historical event, but a literal, awe-inspiring appearance. Think of it like this: earthly crises are like storms, but Jesus' arrival is the sun breaking through, radiating undeniable power and majesty.
Jesus tells His disciples to 'look up' when these events begin. What are they looking for, and why should it bring hope instead of fear?
This glorious arrival isn't about destruction for believers, but the culmination of their redemption and liberation.
Hope in the Heavenly Father
While the 'distress of nations' (Luke 21:25) sounds terrifying, Jesus immediately pivots to the disciples' response: 'look up, and lift up your heads' (Luke 21:28).
Why? Because this glorious arrival signifies the final 'redemption' – the complete liberation from suffering, sin, and death. It's the moment when God's people are fully gathered and brought into His eternal presence. The power and glory aren't against them, but are the very means of their ultimate salvation and vindication.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A title of majesty and messianic authority used by Jesus to identify Himself as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both His human nature and His divine identity and authority.
nephělē · Greek Noun
Represents the manifestation of divine presence and authority; in apocalyptic literature, clouds signify the veiled yet revealed nature of God's arrival in history.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The inherent strength and authority of God; it signifies the unstoppable capacity of the Almighty to accomplish His purposes and execute judgment or salvation.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God’s essential nature, splendor, and majesty; it is the visible outshining of His character, often associated with His presence, rule, and final victory.
This verse points to the ultimate, glorious return of Christ for judgment and the redemption of His people, a truth Jesus shared with His disciples amidst prophecies of Jerusalem's destruction.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Olivet Discourse
Jesus delivers a prophecy on the Mount of Olives concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and signs of his return.
c. 62-67 AD
Jewish-Roman Relations Intensify
Growing tensions and unrest within Judea, setting the stage for the First Jewish-Roman War.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army, led by Titus, besieges and destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
c. 1st Century AD
Early Church Persecution
Christians face sporadic persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire, making the promise of redemption a vital hope.
c. 1st-2nd Century AD
Writings of the New Testament
Apostles and disciples record Jesus' teachings and the early history of the Church, solidifying the message of his eventual return.
This passage directly parallels Luke 21:27, describing the same glorious visible return of the Son of Man in the clouds, which is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy.
Daniel 7:13-14Luke's description of the Son of Man coming in the clouds is a direct reference to this Old Testament vision, which foretold the Son of Man receiving dominion and glory.
Acts 1:11This passage, spoken as Jesus ascended, assures the disciples that He will return in the same manner as they saw Him go – in the clouds – echoing the glory described in Luke 21:27.
Revelation 1:7This verse in Revelation speaks of every eye seeing Christ coming, even those who pierced Him, mirroring the universal visibility of His glorious return described in Luke 21:27.
Zechariah 12:10This prophecy foretells a time when the people will look on 'him whom they have pierced,' which is understood to be fulfilled when the Son of Man is seen in glory, bringing mourning to some and redemption to others.
pooleLuke 21:27: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
Ver. 27,28. Matthew seemeth to expound this, Matthew 24:31 ; so doth Mark 13:27 . Both speak to the same sense: And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from, one end of heaven to the other. This is certainly to be understood of the day of judgment, when the saints shall be glorified as the sons of God by adoption,…
meyerLuke 21:27: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
Luke 21:27-28 . Comp. on Luke 21:27 ; Matthew 24:30 ; Mark 13:26 . Καὶ τότε ] and then ; after the previous occurrence of these σημεῖα . ἀρχομ . δὲ τούτων ] but when these begin ; these appearances, Luke 21:25 f. They are therefore not conceived of as of long continuance. ἀνακύψατε κ . τ . λ .] lift yourselves up , raise yourselves (till then bowed down under afflictions, Luke 21:12 ff., comp. Luk…
It’s easy to read this verse as only about the final end times, but Jesus is also pointing to an immediate, though symbolic, "coming" that will dramatically alter the world for his followers. The "cloud" and "power and great glory" aren't just for the very end, but signal a coming judgment that vindicates his disciples.
Jesus has just described cosmic signs and intense earthly distress leading up to a significant event. He then tells his followers that after these tumultuous signs, they will see him return in glory, not to be confused with the destruction of Jerusalem which was a precursor. This glorious coming signals the ultimate redemption and vindication for all who have endured faithfully.
Jesus has just described cosmic signs and intense earthly distress leading up to a significant event. He then tells his followers that after these tumultuous signs, they will see him return in glory, not to be confused with the destruction of Jerusalem which was a precursor. This glorious coming signals the ultimate redemption and vindication for all who have endured faithfully.
"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." — It’s easy to read this verse as only about the final end times, but Jesus is also pointing to an immediate, though symbolic, "coming" that will dramatically alter the world for his followers. The "cl…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026