CINXE.COM
Matthew 24:20 Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 24:20 Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_24_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 24:20 - The Abomination of Desolation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/24-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/24-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/24-19.htm" title="Matthew 24:19">◄</a> Matthew 24:20 <a href="/matthew/24-21.htm" title="Matthew 24:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But pray that your flight might not be in winter, nor on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish laws prohibit travel].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And pray that you won't have to escape in winter or on a Sabbath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Pray that it will not be winter or a day of worship when you flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Pray to God that you will not have to run away during the winter or on a Sabbath! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pray that it may not be in winter or on a Sabbath when you flee, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But pray ye that your flight may not be in the winter, neither on the sabbath:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"But pray that your flight may not be in winter, nor on the Sabbath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and pray that your flight may not be in winter, nor on a Sabbath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But pray that your flight might not be in winter, nor on a Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and pray ye that your flight may not be in winter, nor on a sabbath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And pray that your flight be not in winter, nor in the sabbath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But pray that your flight may not be in winter, or on the Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight not be in winter or on the sabbath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Pray that your flight may not be in winter, nor on the sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/24.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But pray that your escape will not be in winter, neither on the Sabbath.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/24.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/24.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/24.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And pray that your flight be not in winter, nor on the sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/24.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />be sure to pray that your flight be not in the winter, nor on the sabbath-day:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"But pray that your flight may not be in winter, nor on the Sabbath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/24.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And pray, that your flight be not in winter, nor on a sabbath;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/24.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Pray that your flight be not in the winter, nor on the sabbath:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/24-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7193" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">The Abomination of Desolation</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuchesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">Pray</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5437.htm" title="5437: phygē (N-NFS) -- Flight, fleeing. From pheugo; a fleeing, i.e. Escape.">flight</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">will not occur</a> <a href="/greek/5494.htm" title="5494: cheimōnos (N-GMS) -- From a derivative of cheo, meaning a storm; by implication, the rainy season, i.e. Winter.">in the winter</a> <a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4521.htm" title="4521: sabbatō (N-DNS) -- The Sabbath, a week. ">on the Sabbath.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-18.htm">Mark 13:18</a></span><br />Pray that this will not occur in the winter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-23.htm">Luke 21:23</a></span><br />How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/16-29.htm">Exodus 16:29</a></span><br />Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. On the seventh day, everyone must stay where he is; no one may leave his place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Nehemiah 13:19</a></span><br />When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-22</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-23.htm">Isaiah 66:23</a></span><br />From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Acts 1:12</a></span><br />Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-10</a></span><br />There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/8-22.htm">Genesis 8:22</a></span><br />As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-29.htm">2 Kings 19:29</a></span><br />And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-12.htm">Ezekiel 20:12</a></span><br />I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/23-3.htm">Leviticus 23:3</a></span><br />For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/15-32.htm">Numbers 15:32-36</a></span><br />While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-14.htm">Deuteronomy 5:14</a></span><br />but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a></span><br />If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But pray you that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:</p><p class="hdg">neither.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/16-29.htm">Exodus 16:29</a></b></br> See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Acts 1:12</a></b></br> Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/24-16.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/matthew/24-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-8.htm">Winter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-56.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/matthew/28-1.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/matthew/24-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/13-18.htm">Winter</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">what and how great calamities shall be before it;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">the signs of his coming to judgment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">And because that day and hour are unknown,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Pray that your flight</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of believers, especially in times of distress or impending danger. In the context of <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Matthew 24</a>, Jesus is speaking about the coming tribulations and the need for His followers to be spiritually prepared. Prayer is a means of seeking divine guidance and protection. The act of fleeing suggests urgency and the need for immediate action, reflecting the suddenness of the events described in the surrounding verses.<p><b>will not occur in the winter</b><br>Winter in the region of Judea can be harsh, with cold temperatures and difficult travel conditions. This phrase highlights the practical difficulties that would be faced if the flight were to occur during this season. Historically, travel during winter would have been more challenging due to the lack of modern infrastructure and the potential for inclement weather. This concern for the physical well-being of His followers shows Jesus' compassion and understanding of human needs.<p><b>or on the Sabbath.</b><br>The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition, as commanded in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a>). Travel and work are traditionally restricted on this day, which would complicate any urgent need to flee. This phrase underscores the cultural and religious context of Jesus' audience, who would have been familiar with the Sabbath laws. It also reflects the tension between adhering to religious practices and responding to immediate threats. The mention of the Sabbath may also serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual readiness, as the day is set apart for reflection and connection with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, providing prophetic teaching to His disciples about future events, including the destruction of the temple and the end times.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to understand His prophetic words.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/winter.htm">Winter</a></b><br>A season mentioned by Jesus, symbolizing a time of hardship and difficulty, which could hinder escape or travel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath</a></b><br>A day of rest in Jewish tradition, which could present challenges for travel due to cultural and religious restrictions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/flight.htm">Flight</a></b><br>Refers to the act of fleeing or escaping, particularly in the context of the coming tribulations Jesus describes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer.htm">The Importance of Prayer</a></b><br>Jesus instructs His followers to pray about the timing of their flight, emphasizing the necessity of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_cultural_context.htm">Understanding Cultural Context</a></b><br>Recognizing the significance of the Sabbath in Jewish culture helps us understand the practical challenges Jesus' audience would face, reminding us to consider cultural and historical contexts in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_for_tribulation.htm">Preparedness for Tribulation</a></b><br>Jesus' warning encourages believers to be spiritually and practically prepared for difficult times, trusting in God's provision and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sensitivity_to_god's_timing.htm">Sensitivity to God's Timing</a></b><br>The mention of winter and the Sabbath highlights the importance of being attuned to God's timing and the circumstances He allows, encouraging believers to remain flexible and responsive to His leading.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_rest_and_readiness.htm">Balancing Rest and Readiness</a></b><br>While the Sabbath is a day of rest, Jesus' teaching reminds us that there are times when action is necessary, urging believers to balance rest with readiness to act when God calls.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_constantine_move_sabbath_to_sunday.htm">Did Constantine shift the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/were_women_told_about_jesus'_body.htm">Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2).</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_heal_on_the_sabbath.htm">Matthew 12:9-14: Why does Jesus seem to disregard the command to rest on the Sabbath by healing someone, reportedly violating Exodus 20:8-10?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_was_the_stone_at_the_tomb.htm">Where was the stone when the women arrived at the tomb?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Pray ye that your flight</span> <span class= "bld">. . .</span>--Rules were given for flight where the conditions lay within their own power. Other incidents which lay outside their will might lawfully be the subjects of their prayers. It is characteristic of St. Matthew, as writing for Jews, that he alone records the words "nor on the Sabbath day." Living as the Christians of Judaea did in the strict observance of the Law, they would either be hindered by their own scruples from going beyond a Sabbath day's journey (about one English mile), which would be insufficient to place them out of the reach of danger, or would find impediments--gates shut, and the like--from the Sabbath observance of others.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pray ye that,</span> etc. (<span class="greek">προσεύχεσθε</span> <span class="greek">ἵνα</span>). He bids them pray to and worship God, in order that he may give them a favourable time for flight. The clause introduced with the final particle does not directly denote the subject of the petition, as our version gives the impression, but rather the aim of the petitioners (Morison). <span class="cmt_word">Not in the winter.</span> He spake of personal hindrances in the last verse; here he speaks of external circumstances over which man has no control, except by prayer. The weather in winter, which means the rainy season, might render the roads impassable, and would, of course, prevent any hope of obtaining food by the wayside from cornfield or fruit tree. <span class="cmt_word">The sabbath day,</span> which precluded any work or the use of beast of burden, and restricted a journey to something less than a mile. We must remember that until the final catastrophe the Christians observed such Mosaic restrictions (see <a href="/exodus/16-29.htm">Exodus 16:29</a>; <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Acts 1:12</a>). A flight for such a short distance would have been of no avail under the imperious circumstances which rendered escape advisable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/24-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Pray</span><br /><span class="grk">προσεύχεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(proseuchesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flight</span><br /><span class="grk">φυγὴ</span> <span class="translit">(phygē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flight, fleeing. From pheugo; a fleeing, i.e. Escape.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not occur</span><br /><span class="grk">γένηται</span> <span class="translit">(genētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the winter</span><br /><span class="grk">χειμῶνος</span> <span class="translit">(cheimōnos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5494.htm">Strong's 5494: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of cheo, meaning a storm; by implication, the rainy season, i.e. Winter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[or]</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(mēde)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the Sabbath.</span><br /><span class="grk">σαββάτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(sabbatō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4521.htm">Strong's 4521: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Sabbath, a week. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/24-20.htm">Matthew 24:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/24-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 24:20 Pray that your flight will not be (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/24-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 24:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 24:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/24-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 24:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 24:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>