But pray ye that these things happen not in winter.
προσευχεσθε δε ινα μη γενηται η φυγη υμων χειμωνος
6 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Should the escape occur during the winter, the harshness of the season would impede those seeking to escape. Allegorically, how unfortunate is the one who attempts to flee in winter; we are called to abandon sin with fervor, symbolizing repentance, rather than approaching it with a spirit of indifference and stagnation—the very essence of fleeing in the cold.
Matthew records the instruction to pray that your escape does not occur in winter or on the Sabbath. Mark, however, omits the reference to the Sabbath. Luke does not include this phrasing at all, but he offers a warning that seems to clarify what is less clear in the first two accounts. Luke states: But watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and lest that day come upon you suddenly. For it will come like a snare on all who dwell upon the earth. Therefore, remain vigilant at all times and pray that you may be able to flee from all these upcoming tribulations. The focus here is on the same flight that Matthew indicates should not occur in winter or on the Sabbath.
The reference to winter symbolizes the worries of the world, which Luke describes, while the mention of the Sabbath pertains to drunkenness and gluttony. Life's worries are burdensome as winter, and drunkenness can obscure and burden the heart with fleeting pleasures and excess. These vices are referred to in connection with the Sabbath because the Jewish people have historically engaged in indulgence on that day, overlooking the true essence of the spiritual Sabbath. Yet, even if Matthew and Mark interpreted these words differently than Luke, there remains no cause for doubt or confusion. Our purpose is not to interpret the Gospels but to uphold their integrity against claims of deceit or fabrication. The remainder of Matthew's account aligns with Mark's and does not raise any issues. Certain overlapping elements with Luke appear not in this specific teaching of the Lord but in other contexts, even though the fundamental flow of the dialogue remains consistent. It is plausible that Luke, in recounting his memories, preemptively included what the Lord expresses here in Matthew. It is also possible that these teachings were delivered by the Lord on two occasions: once as recorded by Matthew and again as noted by Luke.
Winter yields no harvest, and the Sabbath offers no toil (cf. Matt. 24:20). Do not let yourself become ensnared in such a state—when you possess neither fruit nor labor. Seek in prayer that you may be spared from captivity, whether during harsh times like winter or moments of inactivity such as the Sabbath. This implies that neither outside pressures nor your own lethargy should lead you away from the service of the Lord your God.
While it is certain that adversity will arise and you may need to escape, continue to pray that such trials do not fall upon you in the midst of winter or interrupt your repose on the Sabbath. Winter represents a season of rest from the labors of summer, and the Sabbath, the seventh day, is a designated time for rest when no work is performed.
Believers possess unique petitions to present during this trial, as it is written, Pray lest your flight come in winter or on the Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). Through these words, the Savior cautions us to remain vigilant and not be caught off guard by impending events. We must avoid becoming complacent in our devotion, like the Jews on the Sabbath, and not allow ourselves to be consumed by earthly concerns, as one might during a winter tempest.
In describing a series of alarming events, the Lord focused on the imminent judgment of God concerning Jerusalem. He stated that the certainty of its destruction is at hand, referencing Daniel's prophecy about the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. He advised that anyone seeking salvation should flee swiftly from Judea, as those who choose to remain will face unprecedented tribulation, unlike anything seen since the world's inception. False messiahs will arise, but His warning is clear: do not be deceived by them. The Son of Man will come forth as lightning, not confined to a specific location or appearance, but as the embodiment of God’s judgment. His glorious revelation will be made manifest at the culmination of the age.
At that time, many will perish by the sword, while those who survive will be captured and dispersed among all nations, with the subdued Jerusalem remaining under the control of the Gentiles until the culmination of the Gentile era. Pray that these events do not occur during winter or on the Sabbath, as this could hinder your swift escape.
Greek text, 6 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS