Matthew 25:31-32
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights Christ's coming not just as a ruler, but as the central figure of divine glory, accompanied by all the holy angels, signifying the ultimate culmination of His reign and authority before He takes His place on the throne. This isn't merely a king arriving, but the Son of Man stepping into His full, majestic presence, ready to execute judgment with cosmic splendor.
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the end times by vividly describing the final judgment. He has just spoken parables about wise and foolish servants and ten virgins, all emphasizing readiness for his return. Now, he directly addresses the coming judgment where all nations will be gathered before him, separating them like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, to receive their eternal destinies.
Jesus doesn't sneak back into the world. His return is an event marked by supreme authority and undeniable glory.
The disciples were asking Jesus about the end of the world, and they likely expected a subtle end or perhaps a triumphant earthly kingdom. But Jesus clarifies that His return will be a grand, public event. The phrase 'When the Son of Man comes in his glory' isn't just about appearance; it signifies His ultimate authority and reign.
He's not arriving in disguise or as a mere messenger. This arrival is the ultimate unveiling of His kingly status, complete with the royal entourage of all the angels. This isn't a quiet fading away, but a glorious inauguration of His final reign as King and Judge.
Jesus will sit on a glorious throne – but what kind of reign does this throne represent?
The 'throne of his glory' signifies more than just power; it's the seat of ultimate justice and divine authority. While Jesus reigns now at the Father's right hand, this throne represents the public, undeniable manifestation of His kingship.
This isn't just a throne of judgment, but also a throne from which His ultimate grace will be fully displayed. The ensuing verses in Matthew 25 show that this throne is where the eternal destinies of all people will be decided, distinguishing between those who have responded to His grace and those who have not.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the Messiah as the heavenly figure who holds authority, judges the world, and establishes God's kingdom. It emphasizes both his humanity and his divine authority.
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and divine radiance. In the context of the Messiah, it refers to his rightful status as the exalted King and Judge of all creation.
angelos · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings created by God who serve as His messengers, ministers, and agents in carrying out His purposes, including accompanying the Messiah at His second coming.
ethnos · Greek Noun
This teaching comes directly from Jesus in the final days before His crucifixion, directly answering His disciples' questions about His return and the end of the age. It paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, a concept woven throughout Jewish prophecy and Christian teaching.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches on Mount of Olives
Jesus delivers this discourse in the final week of his earthly ministry, teaching in the temple by day and lodging on the Mount of Olives at night.
c. 30-33 AD
Disciples Ask About End Times
In response to the disciples' questions about the end of the age and the signs of his coming, Jesus gives the Olivet Discourse.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
While some elements of Jesus' prophecy were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, commentators note this passage specifically refers to the final judgment.
c. 50-60 AD
Paul's Epistles
Writings like 1 Corinthians and Romans discuss the future judgment and the resurrection, echoing themes found in Jesus' Olivet Discourse.
This Old Testament vision directly foreshadows the 'Son of Man' appearing in clouds with heavenly glory to receive dominion and eternal kingship, aligning with Matthew 25:31's depiction of His glorious arrival.
Zechariah 14:5This prophecy speaks of the Lord coming with all His saints, echoing Matthew 25:31's mention of the Son of Man coming with all His angels to establish His reign.
1 Thessalonians 4:16This New Testament passage describes the Lord descending from heaven with a loud command and the trumpet call, further illustrating the majestic and glorious arrival of Christ with heavenly hosts.
Revelation 19:11-16This vision vividly portrays Jesus, now the King of kings and Lord of lords, returning on a white horse with armies from heaven, mirroring the glorious, authoritative appearance of the Son of Man on His throne.
barnesMatthew 25:31: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
When the Son of man ... - This is in answer to the question which the disciples proposed to Jesus respecting the end of the world, Matthew 24:3 . That this refers to the last judgment, and not, as some have supposed, to the destruction of Jerusalem, appears: 1. From the fact that it was in answer to an express inquiry respecting "the end" of the world.…
calvinMatthew 25:31-46: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
- Now when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32. And all the nations shall be assembled before him; and he shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats. 33. And he shall place the sheep on his right hand, and the goats…
The verse highlights Christ's coming not just as a ruler, but as the central figure of divine glory, accompanied by all the holy angels, signifying the ultimate culmination of His reign and authority before He takes His place on the throne. This isn't merely a king arriving, but the Son of Man stepping into His full, majestic presence, ready to execute judgment with cosmic splendor.
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the end times by vividly describing the final judgment. He has just spoken parables about wise and foolish servants and ten virgins, all emphasizing readiness for his return. Now, he directly addresses the coming judgment where all nations will be gathered before him, separating them like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, to receive their eternal destinies.
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the end times by vividly describing the final judgment. He has just spoken parables about wise and foolish servants and ten virgins, all emphasizing readiness for his return. Now, he directly addresses the coming judgment where all nations will be gathered before him, separating them like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, to receive their eternal destinies.
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A collective term referring to all the peoples, ethnic groups, and tribes of the earth. In biblical prophecy, this often refers to those who are outside the covenant community of Israel, all of whom are subject to God's judgment.
thronos · Greek Noun
A position of supreme authority, sovereignty, and judicial power. To sit on a throne represents the exercise of kingly rule and the dispensing of final justice.
c. 95 AD
Book of Revelation
The book of Revelation describes cosmic judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, aligning with the eschatological focus of Matthew 25.
"“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from…" — The verse highlights Christ's coming not just as a ruler, but as the central figure of divine glory, accompanied by all the holy angels, signifying the ultimate culmination of His reign and authority…
