So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying "He's coming soon," but rather that He (the Son of Man) is the subject of this near approach, not just the events themselves. This subtle emphasis shifts the focus from a general sense of impending doom to the personal, imminent arrival of Christ.
So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spoken about signs that will indicate the end is near, using the analogy of a fig tree putting forth leaves to signify the coming of summer. He tells his disciples that when they see all these predicted events unfolding, they will know that his coming is imminent, "at the very gates." This assurance is meant to encourage them amidst the turmoil, even though the exact timing remains unknown.
Jesus tells his followers that certain signs will indicate His imminent return. But what are these signs, and how do they signal His nearness?
Jesus uses the analogy of a fig tree to illustrate how His followers can discern His coming. Just as tender branches and budding leaves signal that summer is approaching, the fulfillment of the signs Jesus described would show that His return, or the coming of the Kingdom of God, was incredibly close.
Jesus speaks of events that will shake the very foundations of creation. How can we trust His words when the world seems so unstable?
In Matthew 24, amidst prophecies of cosmic upheaval, Jesus makes a profound statement: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." This isn't just hyperbole; it's a declaration of the ultimate reliability of God's promises.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus says His followers will know when He is near, yet He also states that no one knows the exact day or hour. How do these seemingly contradictory statements fit together?
Jesus masterfully balances assurance with mystery regarding His return. While His followers are given signs to discern the imminence of His coming, the precise timing remains divinely hidden.
Jesus uses the analogy of the fig tree budding to show that the signs he described would indicate the imminent fulfillment of his prophecies, particularly the destruction of the Temple, signifying His presence and the nearness of God's judgment and kingdom.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse on the Mount of Olives, foretelling future events including the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his own second coming.
c. AD 30-40
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' ascension, his disciples begin proclaiming the coming kingdom of God, facing persecution from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 40s-60s
Growing Tensions in Judea
Roman rule in Judea intensifies, leading to increased unrest and resistance among the Jewish population, creating a volatile political climate.
c. AD 60-66
Signs of Impending Judgment
Various disturbances and signs, such as famines, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets, are seen as precursors to the prophesied destruction.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War Begins
Jewish rebellion against Roman rule erupts, leading to widespread conflict and the Roman siege of Jerusalem.
AD 70
Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple
Roman legions under Titus conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Second Temple, a pivotal event fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 24:33 by urging patience, stating that the coming of the Lord is near and should not be grumbled against, directly linking the anticipation of the Lord's arrival to a sense of imminence.
Luke 21:28When Jesus speaks of seeing these signs, Luke records that His disciples should 'look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.' This directly parallels Matthew's idea that the signs indicate the proximity of the Son of Man's coming, emphasizing it as a moment of redemption for believers.
Romans 13:11-12Paul urges believers to 'wake up from your slumber' and 'throw off the works of darkness,' understanding that 'salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.' This connects the awareness of the signs to an urgent call for preparedness and vigilance, much like Jesus' instruction in Matthew 24:33.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6This passage describes the 'day of the Lord' coming 'like a thief in the night' and warns against being caught unaware. It reinforces the idea in Matthew 24:33 that the signs should alert believers to the imminent presence of the Lord, urging them to be watchful rather than surprised.
calvinMatthew 24:32-36: "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:"
- Now learn a similitude from the fig-tree. When its branch is already tender, and putteth forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh. 33. In like manner, when you shall see all these things, know you that it is nigh, at the door. 34. Verily I say to you, This generation shall not pass away till all these things be done. 35. Heaven and earth shall pass…
ellicottMatthew 24:33: "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."
(33) So likewise ye. —The pronoun is emphatic. Ye whom I have chosen, who are therefore among the elect that shall be thus gathered. The words are spoken to the four Apostles as the representatives of the whole body of believers who should be living—first, at the destruction of Jerusalem, and afterwards at the end of the world. Of the four, St. John alone, so far as we know, survived th…
The verse isn't just saying "He's coming soon," but rather that He (the Son of Man) is the subject of this near approach, not just the events themselves. This subtle emphasis shifts the focus from a general sense of impending doom to the personal, imminent arrival of Christ.
Jesus has just spoken about signs that will indicate the end is near, using the analogy of a fig tree putting forth leaves to signify the coming of summer. He tells his disciples that when they see all these predicted events unfolding, they will know that his coming is imminent, "at the very gates." This assurance is meant to encourage them amidst the turmoil, even though the exact timing remains unknown.
Jesus has just spoken about signs that will indicate the end is near, using the analogy of a fig tree putting forth leaves to signify the coming of summer. He tells his disciples that when they see all these predicted events unfolding, they will know that his coming is imminent, "at the very gates." This assurance is meant to encourage them amidst the turmoil, even though the exact timing remains unknown.
"So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates." — The verse isn't just saying "He's coming soon," but rather that He (the Son of Man) is the subject of this near approach, not just the events themselves. This subtle emphasis shifts the focus from…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026