Mark 13:19

KJV

For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} in those {G1565} days {G2250} shall be {G2071} affliction {G2347}, such {G5108} as {G3634} was {G1096} not {G3756} from {G575} the beginning {G746} of the creation {G2937} which {G3739} God {G2316} created {G2936} unto {G2193} this time {G3568}, neither {G2532}{G3364} shall be {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there will be worse trouble at that time than there has ever been from the very beginning, when God created the universe, until now; and there will be nothing like it again.

Berean Standard Bible

For those will be days of tribulation unmatched from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never to be seen again.

American Standard Version

For those days shall be tribulation, such as there hath not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never shall be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:19 is a profound declaration by Jesus Christ, delivered within His Olivet Discourse, foretelling a future period of unparalleled global distress. This verse describes a time of intense affliction, explicitly stating that its severity will surpass any suffering experienced from the very beginning of creation up to that point, and will never be equaled thereafter. It serves as a stark warning of the unique and extreme nature of the eschatological tribulation preceding the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, found in [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"). The disciples' questions in [Mark 13:3-4](/mark/13-3-4 "Mark 13:3-4 - Disciples' Questions")—prompted by Jesus' prediction of the Temple's destruction in [Mark 13:2](/mark/13-2 "Mark 13:2 - Prediction of Temple Destruction")—set the stage for His detailed exposition on the signs of the end of the age and His second coming. Following descriptions of initial "birth pains" like false Christs, wars, and natural disasters ([Mark 13:5-8](/mark/13-5-8 "Mark 13:5-8 - Beginning of Sorrows")), and the persecution of believers ([Mark 13:9-13](/mark/13-9-13 "Mark 13:9-13 - Persecution of Believers")), Jesus introduces the "abomination of desolation" ([Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation")) as the immediate precursor to this unprecedented "affliction." Mark 13:19 thus marks the climax of this period of intense suffering, emphasizing its unique severity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prophecy was delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and the magnificent Temple. The Jewish people of the first century lived under Roman occupation, with a strong messianic expectation for a deliverer who would restore Israel's sovereignty. They were familiar with Old Testament prophetic warnings of "days of trouble" or "tribulation" (e.g., [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - Time of Trouble")). Jesus' words, however, transcend immediate political or historical events, speaking of a cataclysmic period rooted in divine judgment that would surpass even the traumatic events of the Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. While the fall of Jerusalem was a significant historical tribulation, Jesus' language points to an ultimate, global eschatological event, using hyperbolic language to convey its unparalleled nature.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God over history**, revealing that even the most extreme future events are within His foreknowledge and ultimate control. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **unprecedented suffering**, emphasizing that the eschatological tribulation will be a unique period of hardship, distinct in its intensity and scope from all prior afflictions. This theme serves as a stark warning and a call to spiritual vigilance. Thirdly, it is part of the broader theme of **eschatological warning and preparation**, urging believers to remain watchful, faithful, and enduring amidst trials, knowing that these events precede the glorious return of the [Son of Man](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). The discourse, including this verse, serves to prepare disciples for future challenges and to discern the signs of the times.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** This term, derived from a verb meaning "to press" or "to crush," denotes intense pressure, distress, tribulation, or anguish. In the New Testament, it frequently describes the hardships, persecutions, and suffering faced by believers (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World's Tribulation")). Here, it is used to describe a period of suffering so severe that it is unparalleled in human history.
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ'_):** This word signifies a commencement, origin, or the first point in time or order. In this context, it refers to the very start of creation, emphasizing the vast sweep of history against which the coming "affliction" is measured. It underscores the unparalleled nature of the prophesied distress, contrasting it with all that has occurred since the world began.
* **created (Greek, _ktízō'_):** Meaning "to fabricate" or "to found originally," this verb refers to the act of creation. Paired with "God" and "creation," it highlights the divine origin of the world and sets the ultimate historical benchmark for the severity of the coming tribulation. The suffering will be so extreme that it will surpass anything known since God Himself initiated all existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in those days shall be affliction,"**: This phrase introduces the core subject of the verse: a future period ("in those days") characterized by intense suffering or distress ("affliction"). The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that this statement provides a reason or explanation for the preceding warnings and calls to flee.
* **"such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time,"**: This clause emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the coming affliction. It explicitly states that no suffering of comparable magnitude has occurred since the very moment God brought the universe into existence, up to the present time of Jesus' discourse. This sets an extremely high bar for the severity of the prophesied events.
* **"neither shall be."**: This concluding phrase further intensifies the declaration, asserting that this particular period of affliction will not only be unparalleled in the past but will also never be surpassed or equaled in any future time. It underscores the unique, climactic, and ultimate nature of this eschatological tribulation.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of Jesus' prophecy. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the superlative language "such as was not from the beginning of the creation... neither shall be." This exaggeration is not meant to be taken as a literal, mathematical impossibility that no single individual suffering could ever be worse, but rather to emphasize the unique, comprehensive, and unparalleled nature of this specific period of global distress and divine judgment. It functions as a rhetorical device to shock and warn the audience about the extreme severity of what is to come. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Apocalyptic Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of future events that are cataclysmic and world-altering, characteristic of prophetic literature dealing with the end times. The stark contrast between "the beginning of the creation" and "this time" (and "neither shall be") also creates a sense of **Temporal Contrast**, highlighting the unique position of this tribulation within the entire sweep of salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:19 unveils a crucial aspect of God's eschatological plan: a divinely ordained period of unprecedented tribulation that serves as a climactic point in human history before the ultimate consummation. This suffering is not random but is part of the "birth pains" leading to the new creation and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The theological implication is that God, in His sovereignty, allows and even ordains such periods of intense suffering, not as an act of arbitrary cruelty, but often as a means of judgment, purification, and ultimately, to bring about His redemptive purposes. This verse forces us to grapple with the reality of divine wrath and the severity of sin, while simultaneously pointing to the ultimate triumph of God's will.

* [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Trouble")
* [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")
* [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Great Tribulation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:19, while describing a future event of immense scale, offers profound insights for believers today. It calls us to a sober and realistic understanding of the world's trajectory and the reality of suffering, both now and in the future. Rather than fostering fear, this prophecy should cultivate spiritual preparedness, deep trust in God's ultimate control, and a renewed sense of urgency for the gospel. We are reminded that our present troubles, while real, are framed within a larger divine narrative that includes a period of unparalleled global distress. This perspective can help us endure current difficulties with greater resilience, knowing that God is sovereign over all history, including its most challenging chapters. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on faithfulness and perseverance, and to be a people who are not surprised by trials but are rooted in the unshakeable hope of Christ's return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "unprecedented affliction" shape my understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate spiritual preparedness and resilience in anticipation of future challenges?**
* **How does the knowledge of future tribulation motivate me to share the hope of the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "affliction" mentioned in Mark 13:19?**

Answer: The "affliction" (Greek: _thlîpsis_) refers to a period of intense, unparalleled distress and suffering that Jesus prophesied would occur before His second coming. While it has historical echoes in events like the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, Jesus' hyperbolic language ("such as was not from the beginning of the creation... neither shall be") points to an ultimate, global, and eschatological tribulation that transcends any single historical event. It is often understood as the "Great Tribulation" described in other New Testament passages, a time of divine judgment and severe hardship upon the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:19, with its stark prophecy of unparalleled affliction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the suffering itself, but in the glorious return of Jesus Christ as the triumphant King and Deliverer. This intense period of tribulation, far from being a random catastrophe, is precisely the "birth pangs" ([Mark 13:8](/mark/13-8 "Mark 13:8 - Beginning of Sorrows")) that precede the new creation ushered in by Christ's second advent. Jesus Himself is the one who foretells this suffering, demonstrating His omniscience and authority over history, and He is also the one who promises to shorten those days for the sake of the elect ([Mark 13:20](/mark/13-20 "Mark 13:20 - Days Shortened for the Elect")). The very purpose of this unprecedented distress is to prepare the way for the revelation of the [Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Coming of the Son of Man"), who will gather His elect from the four winds ([Mark 13:27](/mark/13-27 "Mark 13:27 - The Gathering of the Elect")). Thus, the "affliction" of [Mark 13:19](/mark/13-19 "Mark 13:19 - Unparalleled Affliction") is not an end in itself, but a terrible, yet necessary, prelude to the triumphant reign of Christ, who will ultimately bring an end to all suffering and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Joel 2:2

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Mark 10:6

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.