Matthew 24:29

Matthew 24:29, in plain English

After the tribulation, Jesus says the sun will go dark, the moon will stop shining, stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. The whole universe will tremble.

Why it's here

The Old Testament prophets used similar dramatic language to describe God's major interventions in history. Whether literal or symbolic, the message is clear: something world-changing is happening.

Who's speaking

Jesus uses the language of ancient prophecy to paint a picture of cosmic upheaval accompanying His return.

Where it sits in the story

Imagine the sky going dark, the stars falling. It's the most dramatic scene imaginable, and it's the backdrop for the most important moment in history.

The scholarly reading

Jesus describes cosmic upheaval following the tribulation: the sun darkened (skotisthēsetai), moon without light, stars falling (pesountai), and heavenly powers shaken (saleuthēsontai). This language draws from Isaiah 13:10, 34:4, and Joel 2:31, using prophetic cosmic imagery for divine judgment.

Language and setting

Whether this language is literal or symbolic (as in Old Testament prophetic convention where cosmic imagery signifies political and spiritual upheaval) is debated. Both readings point to divine intervention disrupting the created order.

Voice

Jesus quotes and synthesizes multiple Old Testament prophetic passages to describe the events surrounding His return.

Significance

Jesus describes the cosmos itself responding to His return: sun goes dark, moon fails, stars fall, heaven shakes. Creation itself trembles before the coming King.

27For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

28Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’

30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.