UTN uW Translation Notes:

Matthew 24 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

10. Jesus teaches about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46) * The disciples ask Jesus about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age (24:1–3) * Jesus teaches about the destruction of the temple (24:4–35) * Things that will happen in the time before the destruction of the temple (24:4–14) * Things that will happen immediately before the destruction of the temple (24:15–28) * The coming of the Son of Man (24:29–31) * When these things will happen (24:32–35) * Jesus teaches about the end of the age (24:36–51) * No one knows when this will happen (24:36–41) * The need to be alert (24:42–44) * The parable of the faithful slave and the evil slave (24:45–51)

When Jesus speaks about which topics

When the disciples speak to Jesus in 24:3, they ask about two things: first, they want to know when the temple will be destroyed, and second, they want to know about the sign of Jesus’ coming and of the end of the age. Christians disagree about when Jesus is speaking about which topic. He could:1. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple in 24:35 and then go on to speak about his second coming (the outline above follows this view)2. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple in 24:28 and then go on to speak about his second coming3. speak about the destruction of the temple as a foreshadowing of the final tribulation in 24:4–28 and 24:32–35 and speak about his second coming in 24:29–31Since Christians disagree over when Jesus is speaking about which topic, if possible format your translation so that several interpretations are possible.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The destruction of the temple

The temple in Jerusalem was a very impressive, large building. Despite that, Jesus predicted that it would be destroyed within the lifetime of those who heard him. In fact, about 40 years later, a Roman army conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.

The end of the age

The disciples ask Jesus about “the end of the age,” which both they and Jesus imply is also the time of Jesus’ second coming. The end of the age is the moment when God changes how things are in the present time to how they will be forever after Jesus’ second coming. Consider how you might naturally refer to this time in your translation.

The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

In 24:30, Jesus indicates that he, the Son of Man, will “come” on the clouds of heaven. However, he does not indicate the location to which he will “come.” Christians debate whether Jesus is describing his return to earth or his enthronement in heaven. If possible, your translation should allow for both possibilities. See the notes on this verse for translation options.

“This generation” in 24:34

In 24:34, Jesus says that what he has described will happen before “this generation” passes away. Many interpretations have been proposed for the group of people to which “this generation” refers:1. The people who were alive while Jesus was speaking these words2. The people who would be alive when the signs of the end began3. People who are like those who did not believe while Jesus was on earth4. Jewish people in general throughout history5. Humans in generalSince the word that Jesus uses primarily refers to people who are alive at the same time, if possible use a word or phrase that refers to such a group of people. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include some interpretations of the word in a footnote.

The days of Noah

In 24:37–39, Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man with the time period of Noah. When Noah was alive, God told him to warn people that an enormous flood was coming. Noah built a large boat named an ark so that he, his family, and many animals could float on the water and survive the flood. However, people did not listen to Noah, and when the flood finally happened, everyone else died. Jesus says that the coming of the Son of Man will similarly surprise people who have not listened to his warnings. Just as the flood began suddenly, so the coming of the Son of Man will begin suddenly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include information about Noah in a footnote.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The proverb about the corpse and the vultures

In 24:28, Jesus uses or invents a proverb that states that wherever a corpse is, there vultures will gather. He could be using this proverb to indicate that:1. the coming of the Son of Man will be very obvious, just as a corpse is obvious because of the vultures that gather near it2. people and groups of people that are spiritually dead will certainly be judged and punished, just as a corpse is devoured by vultures3. believers who have died (the corpse) will come back to life with the aid of angels (the vultures)Since Christians debate how Jesus wishes to apply this proverb, it is best to preserve the proverb without explaining its meaning. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: writing-proverbs)

The parable of the faithful slave and the evil slave

In 24:45–51, Jesus tells a story about how a slave might react to being put in charge of the rest of the household when the master goes on a journey. If the slave is wise and faithful, he will do what his master asked him to do. Then, when the master returns, the slave will be rewarded. On the other hand, if the slave is evil, he will abuse the other slaves and feast with drunk people. Jesus tells this story to make his disciples think about how they should behave during the time before his second coming. They should be like the wise and faithful slave, not the evil slave. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does, but be sure that your readers understand how to apply the story. (See: figs-parables)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in teaching that Jesus gives to his disciples. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: figs-yousingular)