Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "mourn" here isn't just a simple sadness; it signifies a deep, visceral anguish, like beating one's breast in despair. This intense reaction highlights that when the Son of Man appears, it will be a moment of reckoning where all earthly power and glory are dwarfed, forcing everyone to confront their true standing before God.
Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just described cosmic signs that will accompany a great tribulation, leading into this moment. The passage speaks of a heavenly sign appearing, followed by the mournful reaction of all the earth's tribes. Then, the Son of Man himself will be seen descending from the heavens with immense power and glory.
Jesus' followers asked for a sign. What is this 'sign' that appears in the sky before His dramatic return?
Jesus speaks of a 'sign of the Son of Man' appearing in heaven. This isn't just any celestial event; it's the unmistakable indicator that He is returning.
More Than a Signal
Commentators grapple with what this sign specifically is. Some suggest a literal cross, others a brilliant light, or even the appearance of angels. However, the text emphasizes that this sign is intrinsically linked to the Son of Man Himself. It's not a separate omen, but rather the very manifestation of His coming glory. Think of it as the official, undeniable announcement that the King has arrived.
A Universal Revelation
This sign is not subtle. It will be seen by 'all the tribes of the earth.' This universality underlines the public, global nature of His return. It's not a private event for a select few, but a dramatic unveiling of divine power and glory that will command the attention of the entire world.
When Jesus returns, the response from the earth's tribes isn't universal celebration. Why do they 'mourn'?
The verse states that 'all the tribes of the earth will mourn' at this appearance. This isn't the sorrow of repentance leading to joy, but a deep anguish and terror.
The Weight of Rejection
This mourning stems from the recognition of who they have rejected. For generations, humanity has often ignored, defied, or rebelled against God. This moment marks the end of all possibility of denial. The evidence is overwhelming, and the judgment is imminent.
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A Final Recognition
It's a forced recognition, a desperate acknowledgment. The commentaries highlight that 'mourn' here is a strong term, implying beating one's breast in anguish. It's the stark realization of missed opportunities, of a Messiah rejected, and of facing divine justice without hope. This isn't just sadness; it's the profound grief of facing eternal consequences.
Jesus' return is not a quiet, unassuming arrival. What does His 'power and great glory' signify?
The description of the Son of Man 'coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory' is essential. It paints a picture of divine majesty and unstoppable authority.
Undeniable Authority
This isn't a return of weakness or humility as during His first coming. This is the triumphant arrival of the King of Kings. The 'power' signifies His absolute control and ability to execute His judgment and establish His reign. The 'glory' refers to the visible, radiant manifestation of His divine presence and majesty, accompanied by His angels.
Setting the World Right
The 'power and great glory' assure us that this coming is not just an event, but an act of ultimate justice and restoration. It means the establishment of His eternal kingdom, the final defeat of evil, and the vindication of all that is righteous. This is the climax of God's plan, where His authority is unequivocally displayed.
Understand the original words
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A miraculous manifestation or token that validates the presence or authority of Christ, serving as an undeniable confirmation of His return.
phylai tēs gēs · Greek Noun phrase
The totality of humanity; often used in scripture to refer to all nations or ethnic groups who will eventually stand before Christ.
doxa · Greek Noun
A manifestation of divine weight, splendor, majesty, and radiant holiness; the visible display of God’s supreme worth and sovereign character.
Jesus speaks with a layered meaning, describing both the cataclysmic destruction of Jerusalem and the ultimate, glorious return of the Son of Man. The 'sign' and 'mourning' in Matthew 24:30 can be seen as applying to both events, reflecting God's judgment and the visibility of His power.
c. 605 BC
Daniel's Prophecy of a Heavenly Kingdom
The prophet Daniel receives a vision of the Son of Man receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom from the Ancient of Days, which would be established forever.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Predicts Jerusalem's Destruction
Jesus tells his disciples about the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the end of the age, and signs that will accompany his return.
c. 64-68 AD
Paul's Letters to the Thessalonians
The Apostle Paul addresses concerns about the Day of the Lord and the coming of Christ in his letters, referencing signs and the gathering of believers.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman armies under Titus lay siege to Jerusalem, culminating in the destruction of the city and the Second Temple, a cataclysmic event for the Jewish people.
c. 95 AD
The Book of Revelation
John the Apostle writes the Book of Revelation, filled with apocalyptic imagery of judgment, the return of Christ, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.
This passage directly foreshadows the mourning of the tribes when they 'look on me, whom they have pierced,' strongly echoing the mournful reaction described in Matthew 24:30.
Daniel 7:13-14Matthew 24:30 uses imagery from this prophecy of the 'Son of Man' coming with dominion and glory, highlighting the majestic and authoritative return of Christ.
Revelation 1:7This verse directly quotes and combines Zechariah 12:10 with a description of Christ's coming, showing that 'every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,' mirroring the universal sight and mourning in Matthew 24:30.
Acts 1:11This passage describes Jesus ascending into heaven in a similar manner to how He will return, emphasizing the visible and glorious 'coming in the clouds' mentioned in Matthew 24:30.
Luke 21:27This parallel account describes the Son of Man coming with 'power and great glory' immediately after signs in the heavens, reinforcing the same powerful and glorious arrival seen in Matthew 24:30.
vincentMatthew 24:30: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Mourn (κόψονται).Stronger: beat their breasts in anguish
barnesMatthew 24:30: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
The sign of the Son of man - The "evidence" that he is coming to destroy the city of Jerusalem. It is not to be denied, however, that this description is applicable also to his coming at the day of judgment. The disciples had asked him Matthew 24:3 what should be the sign of his…
The phrase "mourn" here isn't just a simple sadness; it signifies a deep, visceral anguish, like beating one's breast in despair. This intense reaction highlights that when the Son of Man appears, it will be a moment of reckoning where all earthly power and glory are dwarfed, forcing everyone to confront their true standing before God.
Jesus has just described cosmic signs that will accompany a great tribulation, leading into this moment. The passage speaks of a heavenly sign appearing, followed by the mournful reaction of all the earth's tribes. Then, the Son of Man himself will be seen descending from the heavens with immense power and glory.
Jesus has just described cosmic signs that will accompany a great tribulation, leading into this moment. The passage speaks of a heavenly sign appearing, followed by the mournful reaction of all the earth's tribes. Then, the Son of Man himself will be seen descending from the heavens with immense power and glory.
"Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." — The phrase "mourn" here isn't just a simple sadness; it signifies a deep, visceral anguish, like beating one's breast in despair. This intense reaction highlights that when the Son of Man appears, it…
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Last reviewed October 2026