Jesus says this to his followers after answering the Pharisees who asked when the kingdom of God shall come.
Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
Luke 17:24 For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.
For as the lightning flash shines, flashing from outside this under the sky into that under a sky, so the Son of the Man will be on that day of his.
The Greek noun "lightening" is followed by a verb made from the same word so this starts with something like "lightening flash, flashing." The phrases "from outside this under the sky" and "to that one under sky" are describe the lightening coming from beyond the sky we can see into this world. Words are added in our Biblical translations to make it seem like it is talking about different parts of the sky. They seem to miss Jesus's point that he comes from outside of our world, from beyond this sky.
The last "in his day" phrase doesn't exist in the Greek in half of our oldest manuscripts.
Jesus was a flash of information from a moment of time.
For as the lightning, that(IW) lighteneth(WF) out of the one part(IW) under (MW) heaven(CW), shineth unto the [other part(IP)] under (MW) heaven(CW); so shall also(OS) the Son of (MW) man be in his (MW) day.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, "flashing."
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "part" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "heaven" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The word, "heaven," is a religious concept, but this word just means "sky."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "other part" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The word, "heaven," is a religious concept, but this word just means "sky."
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "also" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "man" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "day" is not shown in the English translation.
For the Son of Man in his (MW) day will be like the lightning, which(IW) flashes(WF) and(IW) lights up (MW) the sky from one(CW) end(IW) to the other(IW) (MP).
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "day" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "which" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, "flashing."
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "and" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "under" at the beginning of the sentence is not shown in the English translation. "
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "one."
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "end" doesn't exist in the source.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "other" doesn't exist in the source.
- MP - Missing Phrase - The phrase "under a sky so much" exists in the source.
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." "For" is better because another common word is also used for "because."
as -- The Greek word translated as "as" indicates a match with a person or thing, "the very thing, which," "the same as."
the-- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
lightning, -- - "Lightening" is "a flash of lightning," "lightning," and the "light of a lamp. " It is a metaphor for the "flashing" of the eyes. (This word is translated in the Bible as lightning three out of four times it appears, but the description of it rising and setting in Matthew 24:27 makes it seem like Jesus uses it to describe the shining of the sun.)
that -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than as a participle.
lighteneth -- (WF) "Lighteth" is the verb form of the noun "lightning", which means "lighten", "hurl lightnings", "flash like lightning", and "illuminate". It is in the form of an adjective, "flashing like lightning". This word only appears twice in the NT, both in Luke, the first time here. This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, "flashing."
out of -- The Greek preposition translated as "out of" means "out of" or "from." The word also means "beyond," "on," "in," "since," or "by" based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of "it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
the one -- The word translated as "the one" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
part-- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
under -- The word translated as "under" primarily means "by," "under," or "with." Its primary meaning is "under" both in the sense of moving under, being under, and being under different forms of compulsion.
heaven, -- (CW) The word translated as "heaven" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It was used to indicate the realm of higher concepts such as ideals and values. It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article.
shineth -- The word translated as "shines" is better translated as "shines out" or "illuminates." It does not contain either the words "give" or "light." The Greek word used here is the source of our word "lamp."
unto -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
other part- -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as this phrase in the Greek source.
under -- The word translated as "under" primarily means "by," "under," or "with." Its primary meaning is "under" both in the sense of moving under, being under, and being under different forms of compulsion.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
heaven, -- (CW) The word translated as "heaven" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It was used to indicate the realm of higher concepts such as ideals and values. It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article.
so -- The word translated in KJV as "so" is in its adverbial form, so it means "in this manner," "so, "so much," or "so excessively."
shall -- -- This helping verb "shall " indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
also -- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as this in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Son - The word translated as "son" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. More about it in this article.
of -- This word "of" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
man - The Greek word for "man" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples."
be - The verb "be" here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics. The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions. It is the future tense.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "on," "within," "among" "by" (near), "by" (as an instrument), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. About time, it means "during the time," "in the time," "within," and "in." With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for."
his -- The word translated as "his" is the Greek word correctly translated as third-person "his/him" in English. The word appears after the noun so the sense is "of his."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
day. -- The Greek word translated as "day" also means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." "For" is better because another common word is also used for "because."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Son - The word translated as "son" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. More about it in this article.
of -- This word "of" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
man - The Greek word for "man" means "man," "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men," "people," and "peoples."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "on," "within," "among" "by" (near), "by" (as an instrument), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. About time, it means "during the time," "in the time," "within," and "in." With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for."
his -- The word translated as "his" is the Greek word correctly translated as third-person "his/him" in English. The word appears after the noun so the sense is "of his."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
day. -- The Greek word translated as "day" also means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
will -- -- This helping verb "will" indicates the verb is in the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be - The verb "be" here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics. The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions. It is the future tense.
like -- The Greek word translated as "like " indicates a match with a person or thing, "the very thing, which," "the same as."
the-- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
lightning, -- - "Lightening" is "a flash of lightning," "lightning," and the "light of a lamp. " It is a metaphor for the "flashing" of the eyes. (This word is translated in the Bible as lightning three out of four times it appears, but the description of it rising and setting in Matthew 24:27 makes it seem like Jesus uses it to describe the shining of the sun.)
which - (IW) This word is not in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than as a participle.
flashes -- (WF) "Flashes" is the verb form of the noun "lightning", which means "lighten", "hurl lightnings", "flash like lightning", and "illuminate". It is in the form of an adjective, "flashing like lightning". This word only appears twice in the NT, both in Luke, the first time here. This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, "flashing."
and -- (IW) These is no "and" here. It is added because the previous participle was changed from an adjective form to an active verb in translation.
lights up -- The word translated as "lights up" is better translated as "shines out" or "illuminates." It does not contain either the words "give" or "light." The Greek word used here is the source of our word "lamp."
missing "under" -- (MW) The untranslated word under" primarily means "by," "under," or "with." Its primary meaning is "under" both in the sense of moving under, being under, and being under different forms of compulsion.
the-- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
sky , -- The word translated as "sky" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It was used to indicate the realm of higher concepts such as ideals and values. It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article.
from -- The Greek preposition translated as "from" means "out of" or "from." The word also means "beyond," "on," "in," "since," or "by" based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of "it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
one -- (CW) The word translated as "one" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." This is not the word usually translated as "one."
end -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
to -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. When not preceding a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
other-- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
missing "under the sky so much" -- -- (MP) The words here aren't translated with their correct meanings and forms.
ὥσπερ [13 verses](adv/prep) "As" is hosper, which means "the very man who," "the very thing, which," "the same as," "wherefore," and "although."
γὰρ [205 verses](partic) "For" comes from gar which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question, it means "why" and "what."
ἡ [821 verses](article sg fem nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ἀστραπὴ [4 verses](noun sg fem nom) "Lightning" is from astrapê, which means "a flash of lightning," "lightning," and the "light of a lamp. " It is a metaphor for the "flashing" of the eyes.
ἀστράπτουσα [1 verse) NT, first use NT) ( part sg pres act fem nom ) "That lighteth" is astraptō, which means "lighten", "hurl lightnings", "flash like lightning", and "illuminate".
ἐκ [121 verses] (prep) "Out of" is ek , which means 1) [of motion] "out of," "from," "by," "away from;" 2) [of place] "beyond," "outside of," "beyond;" 3) [of succession] "after," "from;" 4) [of rest] "on," "in," 5) [of time] "since," "from," "at," "in;" 7) [of materials] "out of," "made from;" 7) cause, instrument, or means "by." It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.-- The Greek preposition translated as "from" means "out of" or "from." The word has a number of different meanings based upon its context, but it indicates separation "from" something rather than being a part "of "it like "of" does. It is also used to describe the author or means "by" which something is done, especially with passive verbs.
τῆς [821 verses](article sg fem gen) "The one part" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ὑπὸ [29 verses](prep) "Under" is hypo (hupo), which means [with genitive] "from under (of motion)," "down under," under, beneath," "by" in the sense of a cause or agency, "under," or "with," "under the cover or protection of," "of the agency of feelings, passions," "expressing subjection or dependence," "subordinate," "subject to;" [with accusative] "towards" and "under" (to express motion), "under" (without a sense of motion), "subjection," "control," "dependence," of Time, "in the course of," "during," "about," as an adverb, "under," "below," beneath, the agency or influence under which a thing is done"by," "before,' and "under," (with genitive and passive verbs of cause).
τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
οὐρανὸν [111 verses] (noun sg masc acc) "Heaven" is the Greek ouranos, which means "heaven as in the vault of the sky," "heaven as the seat of the gods," "the sky," "the universe," and "the climate." It was not the religious concept of heaven.
εἰς [325 verses](prep) "Into" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "in" (a position), "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."With verbs of speaking, it is the person spoken "to." With time, a limit "until," or a duration "for," "throughout," or a date, "on," "at." Used with ek, it means "from...to."
τὴν [821 verses](article sg fem acc) "The other part" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
ὑπ᾽ [29 verses](prep) "Under" is hypo (hupo), which means [with genitive] "from under (of motion)," "down under," under, beneath," "by" in the sense of a cause or agency, "under," or "with," "under the cover or protection of," "of the agency of feelings, passions," "expressing subjection or dependence," "subordinate," "subject to;" [with accusative] "towards" and "under" (to express motion), "under" (without a sense of motion), "subjection," "control," "dependence," of Time, "in the course of," "during," "about," as an adverb, "under," "below," beneath, the agency or influence under which a thing is done"by," "before,' and "under," (with genitive and passive verbs of cause). -- The word translated as "of" primarily means "by," "under," or "with." Its primary meaning is "under" both in the sense of moving under, being under, and being under different forms of compulsion.
οὐρανὸν [111 verses] (noun sg masc acc) "Heaven" is the Greek ouranos, which means "heaven as in the vault of the sky," "heaven as the seat of the gods," "the sky," "the universe," and "the climate." It was not the religious concept of heaven. The word is plural, "skies.-- (CW) The word translated as "heaven" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It was used to indicate the realm of higher concepts such as ideals and values. It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article. CW --Confusing Word -- The word, "heaven," is a religious concept, but this word just means "sky."
λάμπει, [3 verses](verb 3rd sg pres ind act) "Shineth" is lampo, which means "to shine forth," "to ring loud and clear," and "to illuminate."
οὕτως [54 verses](adv) "So" is houtos, an adverb that means "in this way," "therefore," "so much" ("for" w/gen.), "to such an extent," "so very," "so excessively," and "that is why. With an imperative "just," "without more ado." At beginning of a story, "once upon a time."
ἔσται [614 verses](verb 3rd sg fut ind min) "Shall" is eimi, which means "to be," "to exist," "to be the case," of circumstance and events "to happen," and "is possible." With the possessive (genitive) object, it means "is descended from," "is the type of," "belongs to," "is made of," "is a duty of," "is at the mercy of," or " is dependent on." With an indirect (dative) object, it means "have" where the subject and object are reversed. "It is to him" becomes "it is his" or "he has it." With the preposition,"into" (εἰς), the sense is "consist of." When the verb "to be" appears early in the clause before the subject, the sense is more like "it is" or, in the plural, "there are."
ὁ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
υἱὸς [158 verses](noun sg masc nom) "Son" is huios, which means a "son," and more generally to refer to any descendant, of any generation. It can refer to male sons or descendants of both sexes, but not purely female descendants. It can and often does refer to adults who are not "children." When it refers to "sons" specifically, it should be translated that way, but when it can be applied to both sexes, the less familiar "descendant" is better than "children," especially since this word can refer to adults. It is often a reference to the role of "heir." but Jesus uses another word that specifically means "heir." Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual.-
τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --
ἀνθρώπου [209 verses] (noun sg masc gen) "Of man" is anthropos, which is "man," and, in plural, "mankind." It also means "humanity" and that which is human and opposed to that which is animal or inanimate. Used as a form of address, it is a bit contemptuous, "sir."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with" (in the sense of nearness). With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τη [821 verses](article sg fem dat) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ημερα [85 verses](noun sg fem dat) "Day" is hemera, which, as a noun, means "day" "a state or time of life," "a time (poetic)," "day break" and "day time." It is also and also has a second meaning, of "quiet," "tame (animals)," "cultivated (crops)," and "civilized (people)."
αὐτοῦ [142 verses](adv/adj sg masc gen) "His/" is autou, which means is the singular adjective used as the genitive pronoun, which is used as a possessive form or the object of prepositions and sometimes verbs as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord." In its adverbial form, this means "just here" or "exactly there." This form is often used as the object of a preposition, him." This form of an object of a preposition means a movement away from something or a position away from something else. The time sense of a genitive object is that the event occurred within a specified time. Though the form is masculine, it refers to masculine words, not people. The masculine form is used to refer to people in general, not just men.
The last "in his day" doesn't exist in the Greek. It was added in the Vulgate to tie this verse more clearly to Luke 17:22 possibly for dogmatic reasons. This versions and the version in Matthew 24:27 say slightly different things.
The verse is an example of Jesus use of light as a metaphor for knowledge.