Lexical Summary phugé: Escape, flight, fleeing Original Word: φυγή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flight. From pheugo; a fleeing, i.e. Escape -- flight. see GREEK pheugo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pheugó Definition flight NASB Translation flight (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5437: φυγήφυγή, φυγῆς, ἡ (φεύγω), from Homer down, flight: Matthew 24:20; Mark 13:18 Rec. Topical Lexicon Occurrence in the New Testament Matthew 24:20 is the single New Testament passage employing this term: “Pray that your flight will not occur in winter or on the Sabbath”. Spoken by Jesus during the Olivet Discourse, it describes the urgent evacuation that will follow “the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15). Prophetic Setting Jesus is addressing disciples on the Mount of Olives about events that will befall Jerusalem and culminate in His return. The command to pray concerning the timing of their flight links human responsibility (prayerful dependence) with divine sovereignty over historical events. It echoes Old Testament judgments where God’s people were urged to flee impending wrath (Genesis 19:17; Jeremiah 6:1). Historical Background 1. First-century Judea was bounded by strict Sabbath-day travel limits (Acts 1:12). A flight on that day could leave faithful Jews torn between obedience to Mosaic Law and the necessity of rapid escape, intensifying distress. Many scholars see partial fulfillment in the Roman siege of Jerusalem (A.D. 66-70), when Christians traditionally heeded Jesus’ warning and escaped across the Jordan to Pella. Yet the scope of the discourse points beyond 70 A.D. to a final tribulation preceding Christ’s visible return (Matthew 24:29-31). Theological Themes • Vigilance: The term stresses readiness for sudden upheaval (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Cross-Biblical Motifs of Flight • Deliverance of the righteous (Psalm 55:6-8). Ministry Significance 1. Pastoral Preparation: Church leaders should prepare believers for persecution and instability, teaching both spiritual readiness and prudent planning (Proverbs 22:3). Practical Application for Believers Today • Pray for favorable conditions in times of crisis, trusting God’s care over details. Key Biblical References for Further Study Genesis 19:17; Psalm 55:6-8; Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 51:6; Matthew 24:15-22; Luke 21:21-23; Acts 8:1-4; Revelation 12:6. Forms and Transliterations φυγη φυγή φυγὴ φυγήν φυγής φυή φυήν φυλάγματα φυλάγματά phuge phugē phyge phygē phygḕLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |