Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

MATTHEW 24:17KJV
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Matthew 24:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:17 mean?

Matthew 24:17 warns that anyone who is on the roof of their house should not come down to gather belongings from inside when danger comes. The verse emphasizes the urgency of fleeing immediately without trying to save possessions.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about coming troubles and the need to escape quickly when they see the warning signs. The setting is ancient Judea, where flat rooftops were common and often used as living spaces. The instruction highlights how serious and sudden the coming crisis will be, urging people not to delay even for basic necessities.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:17

  • "housetop" (δῶμα, dōma): This word refers to the flat roof typical in that time and place, often used for daily activities. The mention of the housetop shows how people could escape directly from the roof to the street without going back inside.
  • "not" (μὴ, mē): This is a strong negative, making clear that coming down is absolutely not advised.
  • "take" (αἴρω, airō): This word means to lift up or carry away. The instruction is not to try to retrieve or carry off any possessions, underlining the need for immediate action.

Why Matthew 24:17 matters

  • Matthew 24:17 clears up that Jesus is not speaking about ordinary times, but about a moment of extreme urgency when hesitation could be dangerous.
  • The verse emphasizes that personal safety is more important than material possessions in a crisis.
  • This instruction fits into Jesus’ larger teaching in Matthew 24 about being alert and ready for sudden events, showing the seriousness of the warnings He gives.

Where else these words appear

“housetop” Greek G1430 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

“down” Greek G2597 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

“take” Greek G142 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.