then
The word "then" serves as a temporal marker, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of Matthew 24, Jesus is describing a future time of tribulation. The Greek word used here is "τότε" (tote), which often signifies a specific moment following a preceding event. This highlights the urgency and immediacy of the action that follows, emphasizing the need for readiness and awareness among believers.

let those who are in Judea
"Judea" refers to the southern region of ancient Israel, a significant area in biblical history. The phrase "those who are in Judea" specifically addresses the inhabitants of this region. Historically, Judea was the center of Jewish life and worship, home to Jerusalem and the Temple. The instruction is particularly relevant to the Jewish audience of Jesus' time, who would have understood the geographical and cultural implications. The Greek term "Ἰουδαία" (Ioudaia) underscores the local and immediate context of the prophecy, while also serving as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance applicable to all believers.

flee
The word "flee" is translated from the Greek "φεύγω" (pheugō), meaning to escape or seek safety. This imperative verb conveys a sense of urgency and necessity. In the biblical narrative, fleeing is often associated with divine warning and protection, as seen in the accounts of Lot escaping Sodom or the Israelites leaving Egypt. The call to flee is not merely physical but also spiritual, urging believers to seek refuge in God amidst trials and tribulations.

to the mountains
Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize places of refuge, divine encounter, and revelation. The Greek word "ὄρος" (oros) is used here, which can denote both literal and figurative high places. Historically, mountains provided natural fortresses and were places of safety from invaders. Spiritually, mountains are where God reveals Himself, as seen in Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai or Jesus' transfiguration. This phrase encourages believers to seek higher ground, both physically and spiritually, during times of crisis, trusting in God's protection and guidance.

(16) Then let them which be in Judsea.--The words were acted on when the time came. Eusebius (Hist. Eccl. iii. 5) records that the Christians of Judaea, acting "on a certain oracle," fled, in A.D. 68, to Pella, a town on the northern boundary of Peraea. So Josephus (Wars, iv. 9, ? 1; v. 10, ? 1) more generally relates that many of the more conspicuous citizens fled from the city, as men abandon a sinking ship. The "mountains" may be named generally as a place of refuge, or may point, as interpreted by the event, to the Gilead range of hills on the east of Jordan.

Verse 16. - Then; i.e. when they shall see "the abomination of desolation," etc. Them which be in Judaea. Not only in Jerusalem, but in its vicinity, as most exposed to danger from the invading army. Flee into (ἐπὶ, over) the mountains. The Christians seem to have taken this advice when the city was attacked by Costius Gallus, about A.D. , some three or more years before the siege under Vespasian. Gallus had appeared before the walls, and apparently had every hope of taking the city, when, for some reason not certainly known (either owing to a supposed defeat, or ignorance of his own success, or the advice of his generals), he suddenly withdrew his forces (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:19, 6, 7). The Christians, bearing Christ's warning in mind, and having, as we may conjecture, seen the predicted sign, took the opportunity of flight from the doomed city, and made their escape to Pella, a town of Decapotis, southeast of Bethshean, and the ruins of which are known now by the name of Fahil. Euschius probably refers to this migration ('Hist. Eccl.,' 3:5), narrating that, owing to a certain revelation given to holy men among them, the whole body of the Church, before the war, removed across the Jordan to Pella, and dwelt there in safety during those troublous times. We probably, however, do not know the exact time of the flight, as we are ignorant of what was the warning of imminent danger which rendered this hurried proceeding necessary.

Parallel Commentaries ...


then {let}
τότε (tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Judea
Ἰουδαίᾳ (Ioudaia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2449: Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.

flee
φευγέτωσαν (pheugetōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5343: To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mountains.
ὄρη (orē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3735: A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).


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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:16 Then let those who are in Judea (Matt. Mat Mt)