And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

MATTHEW 24:30KJV
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Matthew 24:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:30 mean?

Matthew 24:30 describes a future moment when a visible sign of Jesus (“the Son of man”) will appear in the sky, causing all the peoples of the earth to mourn as they witness Him coming with great power and glory on the clouds. This verse points to a dramatic, unmistakable event that will be seen by everyone, not hidden or secret.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the end times and what will happen before His return. The verse uses vivid language to show that Jesus’ coming will be public and awe-inspiring, and that it will provoke a strong emotional response from all nations. The “sign” and the “clouds of heaven” draw from Old Testament imagery, signaling that this is a moment of divine authority and fulfillment.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:30

  • “Sign” (σημεῖον, sēmeion): This Greek word often means a miraculous or significant marker. Here, it suggests something unmistakable that identifies Jesus’ return, not just a vague symbol.
  • “Tribes” (φυλαί, phylai): This word refers to groups or nations, emphasizing that the event will affect all people worldwide, not just a local audience.
  • “Mourn” (κόψονται, kopsontai): The Greek verb carries the sense of deep grief or lament, not just casual sadness. It highlights the seriousness and emotional impact of witnessing this event.
  • “Clouds” (νεφέλαι, nephelai): In biblical imagery, clouds often represent God’s presence and majesty. The use of this word here connects Jesus’ return to divine authority and fulfillment of prophecy.

Why Matthew 24:30 matters

  • Matthew 24:30 clarifies that Jesus’ return is described as a visible, public event, countering ideas that it will be hidden or known only to a few.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ coming to Old Testament themes, helping readers see continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.
  • By mentioning the mourning of “all the tribes of the earth,” the verse underscores the global scope and significance of this event, not limiting it to one nation or group.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G2875 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
  • Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

“clouds” Greek G3507 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
  • Luke 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“tribes” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“appear” Greek G5316 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;