What does Matthew 24:12 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:12 is a part of the discourse in which Jesus responds to the questions from his disciples about the end times and the signs of His coming.

The verse states: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Within this context, the phrase indicates that as lawlessness and moral decay increase, the fervent love that individuals have for one another will significantly diminish.

On a literal level, this predicts a time marked by widespread moral decline which will result in a chilling of genuine compassion and care among people.

On a deeper level, this can be seen as a warning that societal immorality can erode even the strongest bonds of love and community, challenging the perseverance of faith and compassion among believers.

Historical Context

Matthew 24, also known as the Olivet Discourse, was spoken by Jesus when He was on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem.

It is placed in the narrative shortly before His crucifixion. During that time, the Jewish people were living under Roman occupation and faced a combination of political oppression, social tension, and religious corruption.

The religious leaders of the time, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, were often more concerned with legalistic practices than with genuine love for others.

Jesus was foretelling not only the destruction of Jerusalem (which occurred in AD 70) but also alluding to conditions preceding His second coming.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach this verse from unique perspectives.

Preterists might see this as a description of the social decay present in the first century leading up to the destruction of the Temple.

Futurists, on the other hand, may consider the verse as a prophecy concerning a progressive deterioration of society's moral fabric that is still to be fulfilled or is being fulfilled in modern times.

In general, theologians might agree that this verse speaks to the condition of human hearts in a fallen world and the dangers of allowing external sin to diminish internal love.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Matthew 24:12 may involve a self-reflective inquiry into how one's love for others is affected by the surrounding world.

It serves as a reminder to believers to remain vigilant in their love and kindness, to resist becoming desensitized by the prevalence of sin, and maintain a spirit of compassion despite moral decay in society.

This could translate into engaging in community services, actively resisting apathy, and finding ways to strengthen love and empathy within personal relationships and the broader community.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: Paul discusses perilous times and people being lovers of their own selves, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
• Revelation 2:4: A rebuke to the church in Ephesus for having forsaken its first love.
• 1 John 2:15-17: John warns against loving the world and the things in the world, indicating that doing so can lead to a departure from the love of the Father.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term translated as "iniquity" is ἀνομία (anomia), which means lawlessness or disregard for God's law.

The phrase "shall wax cold" comes from the Greek verb ψυγήσεται (psygnēsetai), which implies a cooling or a decrease in temperature, metaphorically describing a reduction in love or fervor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, other ancient cultures have myths and narratives that warn against moral decline and its impacts on society.

For instance, in Roman mythology, the age of gold transitions into the age of iron, indicating a decline from an age of peace and prosperity to one of war and hardship.

In religious contexts, similar themes appear in Hinduism and Buddhism, where moral decline is linked to the Kali Yuga or age of vice, and the decline of the Dharma, respectively.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of "love waxing cold" can be examined through studies in psychology and sociology regarding the effects of prolonged exposure to violence and moral degradation on human empathy and behavior.

Research on desensitization suggests that continuous exposure to negative stimuli might lead to a numbing of emotional responses, paralleling the idea of love growing cold as iniquity abounds.

Commentaries

Commentators offer different insights into Matthew 24:12.

Some, like John Wesley, focus on the loss of fervent charity and love among people as a sign of the end.

Others, like Albert Barnes, emphasize the challenges that lawlessness poses to the Christian's perseverance in love.

Contemporary scholars often discuss the relevance of this warning to modern society and the need for intentional cultivation of love and empathy.