Definition: And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Matthew 24:39. It's a really important and often misunderstood passage. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the end times – the time when things are changing dramatically and will be very difficult. It’s essentially saying that the events surrounding Jesus’ return (his second coming) will be incredibly chaotic and devastating. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And knew not until the flood came…” This is the key part. The writers are talking about a period of intense upheaval and destruction before Jesus returns. The flood is a symbol of judgment, chaos, and purification. “…and took them all away.” This means that during this time – before Jesus returns – things will be incredibly bad. It’s not just a little inconvenience; it's a massive, overwhelming disaster. Think of a huge storm, floods, fires, and widespread destruction. “So shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” This is where it gets really potent. Jesus is telling us that this period of chaos and destruction will be exactly like the events that happened before his return. It's a prophecy about the end times – a time of significant upheaval and judgment. What does this mean for us today? This verse isn’t about literal floods or massive disasters. It’s a warning to believers to: Be prepared: It encourages us to be ready for what's coming, even if we don't fully understand it. Pray: It emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance during difficult times. Focus on spiritual matters: It suggests that our focus should be on growing in our faith and living a righteous life, as these things will be most important during this time. Important Note: The meaning of this verse is often debated among theologians. Some see it as a literal prophecy about a massive flood, while others interpret it more symbolically – as a period of intense spiritual testing and judgment. In short, the verse warns us that the events leading up to Jesus' return will be incredibly challenging, and we should prepare ourselves spiritually. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss what the flood symbolizes? Provide some examples of how this verse might apply to our lives today?