Mark 13:7

KJV

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for [such things] must needs be; but the end [shall] not [be] yet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3752} ye shall hear {G191} of wars {G4171} and {G2532} rumours {G189} of wars {G4171}, be ye {G2360} not {G3361} troubled {G2360}: for {G1063} such things must {G1163} needs be {G1096}; but {G235} the end {G5056} shall not be yet {G3768}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off, don't become frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come.

Berean Standard Bible

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.

American Standard Version

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:7, embedded within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serves as a crucial prophetic statement to His disciples regarding the signs preceding His return and the culmination of the age. In this verse, Jesus foretells the inevitability of global conflicts and widespread reports of war, yet He emphatically commands His followers not to be alarmed. He clarifies that these tumultuous events are divinely ordained precursors, necessary steps in God's sovereign plan, but they do not signify the immediate arrival of the ultimate end. This passage offers both a sober warning about future global unrest and a profound call to peace and trust for believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:7 is an integral part of Jesus' prophetic discourse, often paralleled in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, is Jesus' direct response to the disciples' questions in [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples' Question") concerning the timing of the temple's destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus begins by warning against deception ([Mark 13:5-6](/mark/13-5-6 "Mark 13:5-6 - Warning Against Deception")) before listing a series of escalating signs. Wars and rumors of wars are presented as the first category of these signs, explicitly distinguished from the "end" itself, serving as "the beginning of sorrows" or "birth pangs" as also noted in [Matthew 24:8](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - The Beginning of Sorrows"). This verse sets the tone for understanding that while significant, these initial disturbances are not the final act but rather indicators of a larger, unfolding divine drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse was given to His disciples in the context of first-century Judea, a region under Roman occupation, frequently experiencing political instability, revolts, and the constant threat of military conflict. The disciples, steeped in Old Testament prophetic traditions, would have been familiar with prophecies of coming judgment and messianic deliverance, often associated with cosmic and geopolitical upheaval. The concept of "wars and rumors of wars" would resonate deeply with their lived experience and historical memory, which included the recent Roman subjugation of Judea and ongoing tensions. Furthermore, the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would bring immediate, decisive judgment upon the nations and establish His kingdom would make the disciples eager for signs of the "end." Jesus' teaching here recalibrates their expectations, emphasizing that the path to the ultimate end involves a period of ongoing, necessary global unrest, rather than an immediate, singular cataclysm.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Necessity**, highlighting that these events "must needs be" ([Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - Wars Must Be"))—they are not random occurrences but part of God's predetermined plan, leading to His ultimate purposes. Secondly, it emphasizes **Discernment and Steadfastness** for believers. Amidst global turmoil, the command "be ye not troubled" ([Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - Do Not Be Troubled")) calls for a calm, faith-filled response rather than panic or fear, encouraging a posture of trust in God's control. Finally, the verse clearly establishes a **Distinction Between Initial Signs and the Final End**. By stating "but the end shall not be yet" ([Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - The End Is Not Yet")), Jesus teaches patience and perseverance, warning against premature conclusions or speculative timelines, and redirecting focus from the signs themselves to the ultimate, certain return of the Son of Man ([Mark 13:26](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Son of Man Coming")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _throéō_):** This word (G2360) means to wail, to clamor, or by implication, to frighten. In this context, Jesus' command "be ye not troubled" directly addresses the disciples' potential for agitation, terror, or confusion in the face of disturbing news about wars. It is a call to maintain inner peace and composure, rather than succumbing to panic or emotional distress.
* **must needs be (Greek, _deî_):** Derived from G1163, this term conveys a sense of divine obligation or necessity. It implies that these events are not accidental or random but are part of what is required to happen according to God's purpose and prophetic timeline. The phrase "must needs be" (δεῖ γενέσθαι, _dei genesthai_) indicates a divine imperative, a preordained sequence of events that God has determined will unfold.
* **end (Greek, _télos_):** This word (G5056) refers to the point aimed at as a limit, the conclusion of an act or state, or the ultimate result or purpose. In Mark 13:7, "the end" signifies the final culmination of the age, the ultimate prophetic event that marks the full establishment of God's kingdom and the return of Christ. Jesus clarifies that while wars are necessary precursors, they are not this ultimate conclusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars,"**: This opening clause, introduced by "And" (G1161, _dé_), establishes the condition under which the subsequent instruction applies. "Wars" (G4171, _pólemos_) refers to actual military conflicts, while "rumours of wars" (G189, _akoḗ_ of G4171, _pólemos_) denotes reports or widespread talk of impending or ongoing conflicts, even if not directly experienced. Jesus anticipates a global climate of conflict and apprehension, a continuous state of geopolitical unrest that will characterize the period leading up to His return.
* **"be ye not troubled:"**: This is a direct imperative from Jesus, a command to His disciples. The Greek verb "troubled" (G2360, _throéō_) implies being agitated, terrified, or thrown into confusion. Jesus explicitly instructs His followers to resist succumbing to fear, panic, or emotional distress in response to these disturbing global events. This command underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty amidst chaos.
* **"for such things must needs be;"**: This clause provides the divine rationale for the preceding command. The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason. The phrase "must needs be" (G1163, _deî_ and G1096, _gínomai_) conveys a sense of divine necessity or inevitability. These wars and rumors of wars are not random or unforeseen; they are part of God's preordained plan, a necessary stage in the unfolding of His prophetic timeline. This understanding should provide comfort and stability to believers.
* **"but the end shall not be yet."**: This final clause serves as a crucial clarification and warning against premature conclusions. The adversative conjunction "but" (G235, _allá_) highlights a contrast. While these events are necessary, they are not the ultimate "end" (G5056, _télos_), the final culmination of the age. The adverb "not yet" (G3768, _oúpō_) emphasizes that a period of time will elapse between these initial signs and the final, decisive events of Christ's return, teaching patience and vigilance rather than immediate expectation of the consummation.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells future events—wars and rumors of wars—that will characterize the period leading up to His return. This prophetic utterance serves to both inform and prepare His disciples. There is also a clear use of **Contrast** in the verse, particularly in the shift from the expectation of global turmoil ("wars and rumours of wars") to the command for inner peace ("be ye not troubled"), and then again in distinguishing the necessary occurrence of these signs from the ultimate "end" ("but the end shall not be yet"). This contrast highlights the difference between earthly chaos and divine order, and between preliminary signs and final fulfillment. The phrase "must needs be" functions as a statement of **Divine Necessity**, underscoring the sovereign will of God behind these events, removing them from the realm of mere chance. Finally, the verse contains an **Imperative** ("be ye not troubled"), a direct command from Jesus that calls for a specific response of faith and composure from His followers in the face of distressing global circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:7 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's sovereignty over history and the proper posture of believers in a turbulent world. It teaches that even the most chaotic human events, such as wars, are not outside of God's knowledge or control; rather, they are part of His predetermined plan, serving as necessary precursors to the ultimate culmination of His redemptive purposes. This divine necessity provides a theological anchor, preventing despair or panic by assuring believers that all things are working according to God's will. The command "be ye not troubled" underscores the New Testament emphasis on peace that transcends understanding, a peace rooted in trust in God's faithfulness amidst global unrest. It calls for spiritual resilience and a focus on the eternal rather than being consumed by temporal anxieties, while simultaneously fostering vigilance and discernment of the times without falling into speculative eschatology.

* [Matthew 24:6](/matthew/24-6 "Matthew 24:6 - Parallel Olivet Discourse")
* [Luke 21:9](/luke/21-9 "Luke 21:9 - Parallel Olivet Discourse")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:7 offers timeless guidance for believers navigating a world perpetually marked by conflict and uncertainty. In an age saturated with news of international tensions, regional wars, and political instability, Jesus' words serve as both a prophetic warning and a pastoral comfort. Instead of succumbing to fear, anxiety, or despair when confronted with such reports, we are called to a posture of unwavering faith and inner peace. This does not mean indifference to suffering or a lack of engagement with global issues, but rather an understanding that these events, while tragic, are not random but fit within God's overarching, sovereign plan. Our primary focus should not be on predicting exact timelines or becoming consumed by speculative eschatology, but on living faithfully, proclaiming the Gospel, and being prepared for the Lord's certain return. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's control, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to be instruments of hope and reconciliation in a troubled world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' command "be ye not troubled" challenge your natural reactions to global crises and unsettling news?**
* **In what ways can understanding the "divine necessity" of these events (that they "must needs be") strengthen your faith and reduce anxiety?**
* **How does the distinction between "signs" and "the end" impact your personal expectations and preparations for Christ's return?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of peace and trust in God amidst the "wars and rumours of wars" in our current world?**

### FAQ

**Does "wars and rumours of wars" mean that the end is always near, or that we should expect constant conflict until Jesus returns?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - Wars and the End") indicates that "wars and rumours of wars" are a recurring and necessary feature of the time leading up to His return, but they do not signify the immediate "end." He explicitly states, "but the end shall not be yet." This suggests that a period characterized by such conflicts will persist, serving as a general sign of the age, rather than each instance being a definitive marker of the immediate culmination. They are "birth pangs" ([Matthew 24:8](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - The Beginning of Sorrows")), indicating the beginning of a process, not its conclusion. Believers are called to be vigilant and discerning, understanding these as part of God's sovereign plan, but not to fall into panic or precise timeline predictions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 13:7 describes a future characterized by global conflict, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in the wars themselves, but in the steadfastness and ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom amidst such turmoil. Jesus, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), foretells these disturbances not to instill fear, but to prepare His followers for His certain return as the reigning King. The "must needs be" points to God's sovereign plan, culminating in Christ's final victory over all opposing powers, including war and strife ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). The command "be ye not troubled" echoes Jesus' repeated calls for peace in the New Testament, a peace He Himself bestows ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")), a peace that transcends worldly understanding because it is rooted in His finished work on the cross and His resurrection power. Ultimately, the "end" that is "not yet" will usher in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), and where Christ will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). Thus, Mark 13:7, while acknowledging present realities, directs our gaze to the glorious future consummation brought about by Christ, the Alpha and Omega ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega")).

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

Luke 21:9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by.

Luke 21:11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Matthew 24:6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 24:7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Acts 17:3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Matthew 18:7

¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!