What does Matthew 24:38 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:38 uses a simile to draw a comparison between the behavior of the people in the days before the Biblical flood and the future conduct of mankind before the Second Coming of Christ.

The verse implies that people were carrying on with life as usual, oblivious to the impending judgment. They were engaged in everyday activities such as eating, drinking, socializing, and celebrating marriages.

However, their preoccupation with these activities rendered them unaware of or indifferent to the warning signs of the coming disaster.

The use of Noe (Noah) entering the ark as the pivotal event highlights the stark difference between the righteous, who heed God's warning, and the general populace who continued their lives heedless of the warning.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the Mount of Olives, also known as the Olivet Discourse, which is found in Matthew chapters 24 and 25.

The discourse follows Jesus' departure from the temple and is prompted by questions from His disciples about the signs of His coming and of the end of the age.

It is generally dated to the first century AD, in a period of Jewish history dominated by Roman occupation of Judea.

The reference to the days of Noah brings the listeners to a story deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, in which Noah is one of the patriarchs who found grace in the eyes of the Lord before the world was destroyed by a flood due to widespread wickedness.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse serves as a warning to remain spiritually vigilant.

The days of Noah are characterized as a period of spiritual blindness and decadence, and a parallel is made to alert Christians that such times will precede the second advent of Christ.

The key insight is the suddenness of judgment and the need for preparedness, which, in Christian eschatology, means living a life in accordance with Jesus' teachings, continually watchful for His return.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Matthew 24:38 is the emphasis on spiritual readiness.

For individuals, it suggests living one's life in a way that they are always prepared for the unforeseen, which can include unexpected personal tribulations or the eschatological belief in Jesus' return.

For communities and churches, it encourages the cultivation of a culture of vigilance and spiritual discipline, reminding believers that while engagement in life's activities is necessary, it should not come at the expense of their spiritual well-being or their relationship with God.

Cross-References

• Genesis 6:5-7 – "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
• Luke 17:26-27 – "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
• 2 Peter 3:10 – "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the wording presents a sense of normalcy and routine.

The words for "eating" (ἐσθίω – esthiō) and "drinking" (πίνω – pinō) imply the regular consumption of food and drink.

The phrases "marrying" (γαμέω – gameō) and "giving in marriage" (γαμίζω – gamizō) refer to the acts of getting married and arranging marriages, signifying the ongoing life events and social contracts of the time.

The emphasis is on the people's engagement in everyday life and their lack of concern for the future judgment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The reference to Noah's time parallels ancient flood myths found in various cultures, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh from Mesopotamian mythology and the story of Manu in Hindu scriptures. These myths also feature a great flood, a divine warning, and a single righteous figure or family being spared.

While each myth has its own unique elements, they all share themes of divine judgment, human fallibility, and the redemption of a select few.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of geology and paleoclimatology often challenge literal interpretations of the global flood narrative.

Many scientists regard flood stories as mythological interpretations of regional or local flood events.

While the theme of the verse is eschatological and not scientific, its reference to past events can lead to discussions on how oral traditions and historical phenomena are remembered and interpreted through religious texts.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have widely commented on Matthew 24:38.

Many agree that the verse underscores the normalcy of life prior to sudden catastrophe and the need for vigilance.

Some, like John Gill, interpret the "eating and drinking" as overindulgence, while others see it as the mere routine of life.

Contemporary commentaries often explore the eschatological implications, suggesting that just as Noah's contemporaries were unprepared, so too could modern societies be caught unaware by Christ's return.

They stress the need for constant readiness and adherence to faith in a rapidly changing world.