A long section about "the end of the world" or, more precisely, "the culmination of an era."
Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Matthew 24:29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
Immediately, however, along with the oppression of those days there, the sun will be made dark and the moon will not give that light of hers and the stars will fall from the sky and the power of the sky will be rocked.
There are lots of signs when things are going bad.
While this phrase seems very apocalyptic in translation, it seems less so in Greek. What is hidden is that this verse refers to omens occurring at different times of trouble, not to one time after a specific event. The verse describes solar and lunar eclipses and meteors falling, all of which are considered bad omens. This fits with the previous verse, Matthew 24:28, because the birds were also considered birds of omen.
The phrase about the sun and the moon is from Isa 13:10 in the Greek Old Testament, the Septuagint (see the Greek version here: Isa 13:10). Jesus referred to Isa 13:8 two verses ago in Matthew 24:9. Though Jesus shows his ability to directly quote the Old Testament in Greek, sometimes he just paraphrases it as he does here using its keywords.
This Greek word translated as "light" is not the common word for "light" but one that Jesus only uses twice, here and in the parallel in Mark. There is likely an OT source for this word as well, but the verses from Isaiah use the more common Greek word for light. This seems to be a reference to the Greek of Joel 2:10 (the Greek version is here) another apocalyptic verse. In the OT, this Greek word is translated from the Hebrew nogahh. The word translated as "light" in Isa 13:10 above is a different word, 'owr. So the use of this uncommon word was a conscious choice on the part of Jesus.
- MW - Missing Word -- The conjunction meaning "but" is not shown in the English
- MW - Missing Word -- The article "the" before "days" is not shown in English.
- MW - Missing Word -- Another article "the" before "light" is not shown in the English.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "light" is better translated as "brightness" to conform with its use in the OT and so it isn't confused with the common word for "light."
- MW - Missing Word -- Another article "the" before "heaven" is not shown in English.
- WN -- Wrong Number -- The Greek word for "heaven" is singular but translated as plural.
- MW - Missing Word -- The conjunction meaning "but" is not shown in the English
- MW - Missing Word -- The article "the" before "days" is not shown in English.
- MW - Missing Word -- Another article "the" before "light" is not shown in English.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "light" is better translated as "brightness" to conform with its use in the OT and so it isn't confused with the common word for "light."
- MW - Missing Word -- Another article "powers" is not shown in English.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "heavenly" is not an adjective but a noun.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "bodies" doesn't exist in the source.
Immediately -- "Immediately" is from an adverb that means "straight," "simple," "straightway," forthwith," "immediately," "directly," and "at once."
missing "but" -- (MW) The untranslated word usually translated as "but" appears here. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
after (prep) "With" is meta, which means "with," "in the midst of," "among," "between," "in common," "along with," "by the aid of," "in one's dealings with," "into the middle of," "coming into," "in pursuit of," "after," "behind," "according to," "after," "behind," and "next afterward." -- "After" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of." It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
tribulation -- The Greek word translated as "tribulation" means "pressure," which is translated as a metaphor for "oppression." Since it primarily means pressure in the sense of "crushing" (and "castration"), it is a more colorful word than the words we used to describe a time of difficulty. Prior to Christ's use, it appears in Greek literature more as a scientific term than a social description.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
those -- The word translated as "those" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." Note that the use of this word could indicate that Jesus was referring to a time in a specific physical location, rather than a time in history.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
days -- The Greek word translated as "days" means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
sun -- "Sun" is the noun, which means the "sun," "life," "day," "sunshine," "the sun's heat," "brightness," and the sun-god.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the following verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
darkened, "Darkened" is from the verb form of the word for "darkness" that means "to make dark," and, in the passive, as it appears here "to be darkened," and "to be blinded."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
moon -- "Moon" is the noun that means "moon," "full moon," "month," and is the name of the goddess of the moon.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It makes a negative statement of fact. Adding "really" to the sentence captures the same idea.
give The verb translated as "give" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give."
her -- The word translated as "her" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English. This word follows the word light so "of hers."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
light, -- (WW) "Light" is from a noun that means "light," "splendor," and "luster," but it is not the root word usually translated as "light." It is a more complex worth with the sense of "brightness" and "shining." It is used as a metaphor for glory, pride, and joy. However, this is not the common Greek word translated as "light." This word is only used here and in the parallel in Mark, In the OT, where this word is used a little over a dozen times, it is translated usually as "brightness" and in Joel as "shining" where it is a reference to the Hebrew word nogahh.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
stars -- The word translated as "stars" means "star" but it is also the term for "shooting stars," which is the sense here.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
fall -- The word translated as "shall...fall" is the verb that means "fall" generally and has a lot of related uses like the English word.
from -- The word translated as "from" means "from" or "out of" in location and when referring to a source.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated wordis the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
heaven, -- The word translated as "heaven" means sky, the climate, and the universe. More about the word in this article. While Jesus often uses it in the plural when referring to it as the throne of God, here it is singular.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
powers -- "Powers" is from a word that describes abilities and capacities, so "power," "might," "influence," and "force." It does not carry the sense of authority over others, either people or laws. In describing the "influence" of the sky, the sense is people's confidence in the sky for its ability to predict the future.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
heavens -- (WN) Heavens" is from the same word as "heaven" used above and, again, it is singular, not plural, so "the sky." The opposite problem appears in the parallel verse of Mark 13:25 where the Greek is plural and it is translated as singular.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the following verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
shaken: -- "Shaken" is a Greek verb that means "to cause to rock," "to make vibrate," "to be shaken," "to waver," "to totter," "to move up and down," "to roll," and "to toss."
Immediately -- "Immediately" is from an adverb that means "straight," "simple," "straightway," forthwith," "immediately," "directly," and "at once."
missing "but" -- (MW) The untranslated word usually translated as "but" appears here. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
after (prep) "With" is meta, which means "with," "in the midst of," "among," "between," "in common," "along with," "by the aid of," "in one's dealings with," "into the middle of," "coming into," "in pursuit of," "after," "behind," "according to," "after," "behind," and "next afterward." -- "After" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of." It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
distress -- The Greek word translated as "distress " means "pressure," which is translated as a metaphor for "oppression." Since it primarily means pressure in the sense of "crushing" (and "castration"), it is a more colorful word than the words we used to describe a time of difficulty. Prior to Christ's use, it appears in Greek literature more as a scientific term than a social description.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
those -- The word translated as "those" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." Note that the use of this word could indicate that Jesus was referring to a time in a specific physical location, rather than a time in history.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
days -- The Greek word translated as "days" means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
sun -- "Sun" is the noun, which means the "sun," "life," "day," "sunshine," "the sun's heat," "brightness," and the sun-god.
will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the following verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
darkened, "Darkened" is from the verb form of the word for "darkness" that means "to make dark," and, in the passive, as it appears here "to be darkened," and "to be blinded."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
moon -- "Moon" is the noun that means "moon," "full moon," "month," and is the name of the goddess of the moon.
will -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It makes a negative statement of fact. Adding "really" to the sentence captures the same idea.
give The verb translated as "give" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give."
its -- The word translated as "its " is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English. This word follows the word light so "of hers."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
light, -- (WW) "Light" is from a noun that means "light," "splendor," and "luster," but it is not the root word usually translated as "light." It is a more complex worth with the sense of "brightness" and "shining." It is used as a metaphor for glory, pride, and joy. However, this is not the common Greek word translated as "light." This word is only used here and in the parallel in Mark, In the OT, where this word is used a little over a dozen times, it is translated usually as "brightness" and in Joel as "shining" where it is a reference to the Hebrew word nogahh.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
stars -- The word translated as "stars" means "star" but it is also the term for "shooting stars," which is the sense here.
will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
fall -- The word translated as "shall...fall" is the verb that means "fall" generally and has a lot of related uses like the English word.
from -- The word translated as "from" means "from" or "out of" in location and when referring to a source.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." 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 sky, the climate, and the universe. More about the word in this article. While Jesus often uses it in the plural when referring to it as the throne of God, here it is singular.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
missing "powers" -- (MW) The untranslated word "powers" is from a word that describes abilities and capacities, so "power," "might," "influence," and "force." It does not carry a sense of authority over others, either people or laws. In describing the "influence" of the sky, the sense is people's confidence in the sky for its ability to predict the future.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
heavenly -- (WF) Heavenly" is from the same word as "sky" used above and, so "the sky." It is not an adjective but a noun.
bodies -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "bodies" in the Greek source.
will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the following verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
shaken: -- "Shaken" is a Greek verb that means "to cause to rock," "to make vibrate," "to be shaken," "to waver," "to totter," "to move up and down," "to roll," and "to toss."
Εὐθέως [16 verses](adverb) "Immediately" is eutheos,which as an adverb, it means "straight," "simple," "straightway," forthwith," "immediately," "directly," and "at once."
δὲ [446 verses](conj) Untranslated is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").
μετὰ [103](prep) "After" is meta, which means "with," "in the midst of," "among," "between," "in common," "along with," "by the aid of," "in one's dealings with," "into the middle of," "coming into," "in pursuit of," "after," "behind," "according to," and "next afterward."
τὴν [ 821 verses](article sg fem acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
θλίψιν [9 verses](noun sg fem acc) "Tribulation" is thlipsis, which means "pressure," "crushing," and "castration." It is a metaphor for "affliction"and "oppression." Earlier in Matthew 24:9, it was translated as "afflicted."
τῶν [ 821 verses](article pl fem gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ἡμερῶν [96 verses](noun pl fem gen) "Of... days" 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)." --
ἐκείνων [107 verses](adj pl fem gen) "Those" is ekeinos which means "the person there," "that person," "that thing," "in that case," "in that way," "at that place," and "in that manner."
“ὁ [ 821 verses](article sg masc nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
ἥλιος [8 verses](noun sg masc nom) "Sun" is helios, which means the "sun," "life," "day," "sunshine," "the sun's heat," "brightness," and the sun-god.
σκοτισθήσεται, [2 verses](verb 3rd sg fut ind pass) "Shall... be darkened" is skotizo, which means "to make dark."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." -
ἡ (article sg fem nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
σελήνη [3 verses](noun sg fem nom) "Moon" is selene, which means "moon," "full moon," "month," and is the name of the goddess of the moon.
οὐ [440 verses](conj) "Not" is from ou which is the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The other negative adverb, μή applies to will and thought; οὐ denies, μή rejects; οὐ is absolute, μή relative; οὐ objective, μή subjective.
δώσει [147 verses](verb 3rd sg fut ind act) "Shall...give" is didomi, which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe."
τὸ [ 821 verses](article sg neut acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
φέγγος [2 verses](noun sg neut acc) "Light" is pheggos, which means "light," "splendor," "luster," "moonlight," "day," and "light" as a metaphor for glory, pride, and joy.
αὐτῆς, [720 verses](adj sg fem gen) "Her" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." -
οἱ [ 821 verses](article pl masc nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ἀστέρες [2 verses](noun pl masc nom) "Stars" is aster, which means "star," "shooting star," and "meteor" and is used lyrically to refer to flame, light, and fire. It was also used, as in English, to refer to "illustrious" people.
πεσοῦνται [36 verses](verb 3rd pl fut ind mid) "Fall" is from the verb pipto, which means "to fall," "to fall down," "to be cast down," and "to fall upon."
ἀπὸ [190 verses](prep) "From" is from apo, a preposition of separation which means "from" or "away from" from when referring to place or motion, "from" or "after" when referring to time, "from" as an origin or cause.
τοῦ [ 821 verses](article sg masc gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
οὐρανοῦ [111 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Heaven" is from 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."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." -
αἱ [ 821 verses](article pl fem nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
δυνάμεις[21 verses]( noun pl fem nom ) "Power" is dynamis, which means "power," "might," "influence," "capacity," "elementary force," "force of a word," and "value of money." Elemental forces are forces such as heat and cold.
τῶν [ 821 verses](article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
οὐρανῶν [111 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Of the heavens" is from 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."
σαλευθήσονται.” [4 verses](verb 3rd pl fut ind pass) "Shaken" is from saleuô, which means "to cause to rock," "to make vibrate," "to be shaken," "to waver," "to totter," "to move up and down," "to roll," and "to toss."
"Sun" also means "brightness" and "be darken" also means "be blinded."
"At the same time," he said. "However..."
He paused, holding up a hand for patience, while he took a sip from a water.
"With the pressure of the times in those places," he explained in a matter of fact tone. "The sun is going to get darker.
He passed his right hand before his face and closed his right eye.
"Also, the moon isn't really going to give its light," he continued.
He passed his left hand in front of his face and closed his left eye.
'Also, shooting stars are going to fall from the sky," he said, dragging both hands down with their fingers spead to simulate meteors falling.
"And the influence of the sky is going to be shaken," he added casually.