For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

LUKE 17:24KJV
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Luke 17:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:24 mean?

Luke 17:24 says that the coming of the "Son of man" will be sudden, unmistakable, and visible to all, just like lightning that flashes across the whole sky. The verse uses the image of lightning to show that this event will not be hidden or secret, but something everyone will see.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as they ask about the coming of God's kingdom. He uses a vivid picture from nature—lightning crossing the sky—to help them understand that when he returns (the "Son of man" is a title Jesus uses for himself), it will be clear and obvious to everyone, not something that can be missed or overlooked.

The Greek behind Luke 17:24

  • "lightning" (ἀστραπή, astrapē): This word means a flash of lightning, emphasizing something sudden and bright. The choice of this word highlights how visible and dramatic the event will be.
  • "shineth" (φαίνω, phainō): This Greek word means to shine or appear, suggesting not just brightness but also something that becomes visible or revealed to all.
  • "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase is Jesus' way of referring to himself, connecting to Old Testament imagery about a coming figure who brings God's rule.

Why Luke 17:24 matters

  • Luke 17:24 clears up any idea that Jesus' return will be hidden or only for a select few; the language stresses that it will be public and unmistakable.
  • The verse connects to the larger conversation in Luke 17, where Jesus warns against being misled by rumors or secret claims about his coming.
  • The use of the lightning image helps readers understand the suddenness and universality of the event, setting the stage for the following verses about readiness and discernment.

Where else these words appear

“lighteneth” Greek G797 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

“shineth” Greek G2989 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

“lightning” Greek G796 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 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.
  • Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
  • Revelation 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.