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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses the imagery of lightning, which is sudden, unmistakable, and visible everywhere at once, to describe his coming. This emphasizes that his arrival won't be subtle or confined to a specific location, but rather a universally evident event.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is explaining the signs of the end times and warning his disciples against being deceived by false prophets. He's described the immense tribulation and cosmic signs that will precede his return, and now he emphasizes that his coming will be unmistakable and universally visible, unlike the hidden movements of false Christs. This stark comparison highlights the definitive and undeniable nature of his actual arrival.
Imagine a flash of light so bright and so fast that it illuminates the entire sky in an instant. That's the picture Jesus paints of His own return.
Jesus uses the image of lightning to describe His coming. This isn't a quiet, local event.
Jesus doesn't just describe how He will come, but also why. His arrival is intrinsically linked to divine judgment and vindication.
The imagery of lightning isn't just about a sudden flash; it carries the weight of divine action.
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Understand the original words
parousia · Greek Noun
The personal, visible, and bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to consummate his kingdom and judge the world.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title used by Jesus for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, highlighting His humanity, His messianic authority, and His role as the sovereign Judge.
This verse vividly compares Christ's coming to the sudden, all-encompassing flash of lightning. While it speaks to the ultimate, future coming of the Son of Man, scholars note that Jesus also likely had the immediate destruction of Jerusalem in mind, where the Roman advance from the east across Judea mirrored this lightning-like sweep.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus teaches, heals, and proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, while warning of future judgment and destruction.
c. AD 66 - 70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Roman legions invade Judea, leading to the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This event is seen by many as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army under Titus conquers Jerusalem, destroying the Second Temple. This catastrophic event marked the end of an era for Jewish people.
c. AD 90s
Writing of the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is written, preserving Jesus' teachings and prophecies, including the discourse on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24-25).
This passage directly parallels the simile of lightning to describe the Son of Man's coming, emphasizing its suddenness and visibility.
Revelation 1:7This verse speaks of every eye seeing Christ when he comes, reinforcing the unmistakable and universal nature of his arrival as described by the lightning metaphor.
Acts 1:11This passage describes Jesus ascending into heaven and notes that he will return in the same way he went, highlighting the visible and direct nature of his future coming.
1 Corinthians 15:52This verse describes the instantaneous, transformational nature of the resurrection at the last trumpet, aligning with the sudden and surprising aspect of the Son of Man's coming.
vincentMatthew 24:27: "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."
Shineth (φαίνεται)Rev., better, is seen. The coming of the Lord will be a plain, unmistakable fact, like the lightning which lightens both ends of the heaven at once, and is seen of all. It will not be connected with some particular place, but will manifest itself and be recognized over the whole world. Compare Revelation 1:7 : "Every eye shall see him."
bensonMatthew 24:27: "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."
Matthew 24:27-28 . For as the lightning cometh out of the east, &c. — The coming of the Son of man shall be in a very different manner, and for very different ends from what you are imagining. It shall be like lightning, swift, unexpected, and destructive. His appearance will be as distinguishable from that of every false Christ, as lightning, which shines…
Jesus uses the imagery of lightning, which is sudden, unmistakable, and visible everywhere at once, to describe his coming. This emphasizes that his arrival won't be subtle or confined to a specific location, but rather a universally evident event.
Jesus is explaining the signs of the end times and warning his disciples against being deceived by false prophets. He's described the immense tribulation and cosmic signs that will precede his return, and now he emphasizes that his coming will be unmistakable and universally visible, unlike the hidden movements of false Christs. This stark comparison highlights the definitive and undeniable nature of his actual arrival.
Jesus is explaining the signs of the end times and warning his disciples against being deceived by false prophets. He's described the immense tribulation and cosmic signs that will precede his return, and now he emphasizes that his coming will be unmistakable and universally visible, unlike the hidden movements of false Christs. This stark comparison highlights the definitive and undeniable nature of his actual arrival.
"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." — Jesus uses the imagery of lightning, which is sudden, unmistakable, and visible everywhere at once, to describe his coming. This emphasizes that his arrival won't be subtle or confined to a specific…
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Last reviewed October 2026