Matthew 24:39

Matthew 24:39, in plain English

They had no idea what was coming until the flood swept them all away. Jesus says His return will catch people the same way. The message is clear: don't be caught sleeping.

Why it's here

The lesson isn't about being afraid. It's about being awake and aware. Jesus wants you to live with your eyes open, ready for His return.

Who's speaking

Jesus drives home the comparison and applies it directly to His own return.

Where it sits in the story

The flood didn't send an invitation. Neither will Jesus' return. The difference between Noah and his neighbors wasn't luck — it was awareness and preparation.

The scholarly reading

The people 'did not know' (ouk egnōsan) until the flood came and 'swept them all away' (ēren hapantas). The verb airō ('to carry away') describes the total, irreversible nature of the judgment. Jesus applies the parallel directly: 'so will be the coming of the Son of Man.'

Language and setting

The key word is 'oblivious' (ouk egnōsan) — they had no awareness. This is not about wickedness per se but about catastrophic unawareness that makes preparation impossible.

Voice

Jesus completes the Noah parallel with its devastating conclusion and explicit application to His return.

Significance

They didn't see it coming until it was too late. The flood swept them all away. Jesus says: don't be caught unaware. My return will be exactly like that for those who aren't watching.

37As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.

39And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

40Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.

41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.

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.