Bible Strands
Matthew 24:16
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Olivet Discourse, issuing a command immediately after the abomination of desolation appears in the holy place. He speaks at the onset of the tribulation to direct physical evacuation.
The words — φευγέτωσαν (pheugetōsan) translates literally as "they should flee" and functions as a present active imperative demanding urgent, continuous flight. The preposition εἰς (eis) specifies direction into the mountains as the designated place of refuge.
The thread — This directive runs directly into Luke 21:21, which repeats the command for inhabitants of Judea to flee to the mountains. It follows the same urgent escape pattern found in Genesis 19:15, where divine messengers hurry individuals away from impending judgment.
Why it lands — The text commands immediate departure for those in Judea without delay or hesitation. It requires readers to prioritize survival over property and to act decisively when divine warning is given.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains:
Cross-references
- Genesis 19:15 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”
- Luke 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.
- Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
- Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
- Exodus 9:20 Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,
- Jeremiah 37:11 When the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army,
- Jeremiah 6:1 “Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.