Mat 24:38-43 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 38. For as in the days , etc. The things mentioned here denote attention to the affairs of this life, rather than to what was coming on them. It does not mean that these things were wrong, but only that such was their actual employment, and that they were regardless of what was coming upon them. (l) "until the day"

Matthew 24:38-43

Verse 38. For as in the days, etc. The things mentioned here denote attention to the affairs of this life, rather than to what was coming on them. It does not mean that these things were wrong, but only that such was their actual employment, and that they were regardless of what was coming upon them.

(l) "until the day" Gen 6:2 Verse 39. And knew not. That is, they knew not the exact time, until it came upon them. So, says he, it shall be when the Son of man shah come. They shall not know the precise time until he comes, and then they shall be found engaged in the ordinary business of life unconcerned. Verse 40. Then shall two be in the field, etc. The calamity shall come suddenly. There shall be no escape for those whom it overtakes.

One shall be taken. The word taken may mean, either to be taken away from the danger, i.e. rescued, as Lot was, Lk 17:28,29 or to be taken away by death. Probably the latter is the meaning. Verse 41. Two women, etc. Grinding in the East was performed, as it is now, chiefly by hand. The mill-stones were about two feet in diameter, and half a foot in thickness. The lower one was fixed, and the upper one was turned by a handle, or crank. This was done by two persons, who sat opposite to each other. One took hold of the mill-handle, and turned it half way round; the other then seized it, and completed the revolution. This was done by women; by servants of the lowest order; and was a very laborious employment. See Ex 11:5 Job 31:10, Isa 47:2, Jud 16:21. The meaning of this verse is similar to the former, of two persons sitting near to each other, one shall be taken, and the other left. The calamity would be sudden, and would come upon them before they were aware. Verse 42. Watch. Be looking for his coming. Be expecting it as near; as a great event; as coming in an unexpected manner. Watch the signs of his coming, and be ready.

(m) "therefore" Lk 12:39, Rev 3:3, 16:15 Verse 43. But know this, etc. If a man knew the hour, or about the hour, when a robber would come, he would be ready for him. So you know not the exact hour, but you know it is near, when the Son of man will come. He will come suddenly, as a thief comes, without giving previous warning, 1Thes 5:2, 2Pet 3:10, Rev 3:3, 16:15.

Goodman. Mt 20:11.

Thief. A robber. A thief, with us, means one who takes goods without doing violence --secretly, silently. The original word means one who does it by housebreaking, or by highway violence, Lk 10:30.

Broken up. Broken into--either by the doors or windows.

In what watch. In which of the four quarters of the night. Mt 14:25.