Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

MATTHEW 24:16KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 24:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:16 mean?

Matthew 24:16 instructs those living in the region of Judea to escape quickly to the mountains when they see the warning signs Jesus has just described. The verse is a direct call to urgent action for people in a specific place and time.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, warning them about a coming crisis in Judea. The instruction to "flee into the mountains" highlights the seriousness and immediacy of the danger. This verse is part of a larger conversation where Jesus describes troubling times ahead and urges alertness and readiness.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:16

  • Ἰουδαία (Ioudaia): This word refers specifically to the region of Judea, making it clear that Jesus is addressing people in a particular geographic area, not all listeners everywhere.
  • φεύγω (pheugō): This Greek word means "to flee" or "to escape," and it carries the sense of urgent, immediate action rather than a slow or planned departure.
  • ὄρος (oros): Translated as "mountains," this word points to the rugged, less populated areas surrounding Judea, which would offer safety from danger in the city.

Why Matthew 24:16 matters

  • Matthew 24:16 clarifies that Jesus’ warning was directed to people in Judea, not a general instruction for all believers everywhere.
  • The verse emphasizes the need for immediate response to danger, showing that Jesus expected His followers to take practical steps for safety.
  • This instruction connects to the broader context of Matthew 24, where Jesus describes signs of coming trouble and urges His followers to be watchful and prepared.

Where else these words appear

“flee” Greek G5343 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
  • Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

“mountains” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.