Matthew 24:36, which states, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only," [1] correlates to the Jewish wedding custom where the groom's father was the sole authority in determining the exact time for the wedding procession and the consummation of the marriage. [2] [3] [4] [5] This cultural practice provides a profound symbolic framework for understanding Jesus' teaching about the timing of His Second Coming. [2] [3] [6]

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI: In ancient Jewish wedding traditions, the marriage process involved several distinct stages. [7] [8] The first stage was the betrothal, or kiddushin (also called erusin), which was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement. [7] [8] [9] During this period, the groom would return to his father's house to prepare a living space for his bride, often by building an addition onto his father's home. [3] [4] [8] [9] The duration of this preparation was not fixed; it could last for months or even over a year. [3] [4] Crucially, the groom himself did not decide when the new home was ready or when the wedding would take place. [3] [4] [5] Instead, his father would inspect the progress and, only when satisfied with his son's work, would give permission for the groom to go and "fetch" his bride. [3] [4] [5] [9] This meant that the bride, though betrothed and preparing herself, would not know the precise day or hour of her groom's arrival. [3] [4] [5] [9] His arrival was often unannounced, typically at night, and heralded by a shout and a trumpet call. [3] [4] [5] [9]

Jesus used this well-understood Jewish wedding imagery to illustrate the unknowable timing of His return. [2] [3] [4] [6] Just as the groom's father held the sole knowledge of the wedding day, so too does the Heavenly Father alone know the exact "day and hour" of the Son's return. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] This parallel emphasizes that while signs of His coming may be evident, the precise moment remains a divine secret. [2] [3] [6] The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 further reinforces this, depicting bridesmaids who must be prepared with oil for their lamps, as they do not know when the bridegroom will arrive. [2] [3] [10] The implication for believers is to "keep watch" and "be ready" at all times, living faithfully in anticipation of His unexpected return. [2] [3] [10] This understanding prevents speculation about dates and encourages constant spiritual preparedness. [2] [3]