Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

MATTHEW 24:18KJV
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Matthew 24:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:18 mean?

Matthew 24:18 pictures someone working away from home when a dangerous moment arrives. Jesus tells that person not to go back for clothing, showing how urgent the escape will be.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples about a time of trouble. After addressing someone on a housetop in verse 17, he turns to someone in a field. The instruction reaches people wherever they happen to be when the warning comes.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:18

  • “clothes” — ἱμάτιον (himation): The word can refer to an outer garment or cloak. A worker might have left such a garment elsewhere while working, making the picture of going back for it understandable.

Why Matthew 24:18 matters

  • The instruction belongs to a particular warning about danger in Judea. In Matthew 24:15–16, Jesus connects the flight with seeing “the abomination of desolation” standing in “the holy place.”
  • The verse places speed ahead of retrieving possessions. Even clothing, a useful and ordinary belonging, is not a reason to turn back.
  • The field and the housetop in verse 17 show that the warning covers people in different places during ordinary activities. Jesus gives each person the same immediate direction: leave without stopping to collect belongings.

Where else these words appear

“field” Greek G68 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

“back” Greek G3694 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

“return” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“clothes” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.