When Will the Rapture Happen?
When Will the Rapture Happen? The Bible teaches that Christ's return is imminent but the exact timing is unknown — 'no man knoweth the day nor the hour.'
Key verse: Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that Christ's return is imminent but the exact timing is unknown — 'no man knoweth the day nor the hour.'
The Bible teaches that Christ's return is imminent but the exact timing is unknown — 'no man knoweth the day nor the hour.'
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." — Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus said, 'But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only' (Matthew 24:36). 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes the event: 'The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds.' Christians hold different views on timing relative to the tribulation: pre-tribulation (before), mid-tribulation (during), and post-tribulation (after). Pre-tribulationists point to 1 Thessalonians 5:9: 'God hath not appointed us to wrath.' Post-tribulationists note Matthew 24:29-31 placing Christ's gathering after tribulation. Regardless of the position, all agree on the event's reality and the call to readiness. Jesus said, 'Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not' (Luke 12:40).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The End Times?
What the Bible teaches about prophecy, the second coming of Christ, and the end of the world.
Key Scripture References
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds."
"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the event when Christ returns to catch up believers — both living and dead — to meet Him in the air.
What Is the Great Tribulation?
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on earth, described primarily in Revelation, preceding Christ's return.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
What Is the Tribulation?
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
Who Is the Antichrist?
The Antichrist is a future world leader who will oppose Christ, deceive the nations, and demand worship during the tribulation.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “When Will the Rapture Happen?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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