Mark 13:8

KJV

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} nation {G1484} shall rise {G1453} against {G1909} nation {G1484}, and {G2532} kingdom {G932} against {G1909} kingdom {G932}: and {G2532} there shall be {G2071} earthquakes {G4578} in divers {G2596} places {G5117}, and {G2532} there shall be {G2071} famines {G3042} and {G2532} troubles {G5016}: these {G5023} are the beginnings {G746} of sorrows {G5604}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For peoples will fight each other, and nations will fight each other, there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the beginning of the `birth pains.'

Berean Standard Bible

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

American Standard Version

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:8, a crucial verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delineates specific global upheavals that will precede His glorious return and the consummation of the age. It describes increasing geopolitical strife, widespread natural disasters like earthquakes and famines, and general societal distress. Crucially, Jesus characterizes these events not as the end itself, but as "the beginnings of sorrows," employing the powerful imagery of intensifying birth pangs that signify a purposeful, progressive process leading to a definitive, divine conclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:8 is embedded within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, His extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives. This discourse is a direct response to His disciples' awe at the Temple's grandeur and their subsequent questions regarding its destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age, as recorded in [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples' Questions to Jesus"). Having predicted the Temple's complete desolation in [Mark 13:2](/mark/13-2 "Mark 13:2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction"), Jesus then warns against deception before outlining a series of escalating global signs. It is vital to note that Jesus explicitly distinguishes these initial signs from the final consummation, labeling them merely "the beginnings of sorrows." This discourse finds significant parallels in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - Signs of the End"), underscoring its profound importance in New Testament eschatology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, first-century Jews living under Roman occupation, would have been familiar with the concept of "birth pangs of the Messiah" (Hebrew: *chevlê hammāšîaḥ*). This rabbinic teaching posited that a period of intense suffering, chaos, and tribulation would precede the arrival of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. The "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" would resonate with the frequent revolts and conflicts within the Roman Empire and between various ethnic groups. Earthquakes, famines, and pestilences were not uncommon occurrences in the ancient world, but Jesus' prophecy points to an unprecedented increase in their frequency and intensity as indicators of the approaching end. His words would have served as both a warning and a call to spiritual discernment for a people keenly awaiting messianic fulfillment.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Eschatological Signs**, serving as divine indicators that humanity is progressing towards the culmination of history. Secondly, the phrase "beginnings of sorrows" introduces the theme of **Progressive Intensity**, using the potent imagery of labor pains to convey that these signs will increase in frequency and severity, signaling the imminent "birth" of a new age. This theme is further emphasized by Jesus' subsequent call for vigilance and endurance, as seen in [Mark 13:33](/mark/13-33 "Mark 13:33 - Jesus' Call to Watchfulness"). Thirdly, despite the depicted chaos, the verse implicitly affirms **Divine Sovereignty**, assuring believers that these events are not random but are part of God's predetermined plan, unfolding according to His perfect timing. Finally, these signs serve as a **Call to Endurance and Vigilance**, urging believers not to be terrified or misled, but to remain steadfast in faith and actively prepare for Christ's return.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to waken," "to rouse," or "to raise up," carries a sense of active, sometimes forceful, emergence or initiation. In the context of "nation shall rise against nation," it denotes a dynamic, aggressive, and perhaps unexpected surge of conflict. It suggests an active, hostile movement rather than a passive state of opposition, emphasizing the escalating nature of the global strife.
* **nation (Greek, _éthnos'_):** While broadly meaning "a race" or "a tribe," *éthnos* in the New Testament often refers specifically to non-Jewish peoples, or "Gentiles." The repetition of "nation against nation" (and "kingdom against kingdom") underscores a widespread, global conflict, not limited to a single region or people group. It points to a breakdown of international peace and a surge in ethnic or nationalistic hostilities.
* **sorrows (Greek, _ōdín'_):** This is a crucial term, literally meaning "a pang or throe, especially of childbirth." Its use here transforms the generic idea of "troubles" into a vivid **metaphor** of labor pains. This implies that the preceding events (wars, earthquakes, famines, troubles) are not random afflictions but are part of a purposeful, progressive process. Like birth pangs, they will increase in frequency and intensity, signaling the imminent "birth" of a new era—the full establishment of God's kingdom and Christ's return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom":** This clause prophesies widespread geopolitical unrest and military conflict. "Nation" (éthnos) implies ethnic or tribal strife, while "kingdom" (basileía) refers to larger political entities or empires. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive and escalating nature of these conflicts, indicating a breakdown of global order and an increase in international warfare.
* **"and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles":** This part broadens the scope of distress to include natural calamities and general societal upheaval. "Earthquakes in divers places" suggests an increase in seismic activity across various regions, while "famines" point to widespread food shortages and resulting suffering. "Troubles" (tarachḗ) is a broader term encompassing general disturbances, commotions, or social unrest, indicating a pervasive sense of anxiety and disorder.
* **"these [are] the beginnings of sorrows":** This concluding phrase is the interpretive key to the entire verse. Jesus explicitly states that the preceding events are not the culmination but merely the "beginnings" (*archḗ*, meaning commencement or first stage) of "sorrows" (*ōdín*, birth pangs). This powerful **metaphor** signifies that these signs will intensify in frequency and severity, much like labor contractions, leading up to the ultimate "birth" of the new age and Christ's return, but are not the end itself.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** of "beginnings of sorrows," which directly translates to "birth pangs." This vivid imagery is profoundly significant, transforming the understanding of these distressing events from random calamities into purposeful, escalating signs. Just as birth pangs intensify and become more frequent as labor progresses towards a birth, so too will these global conflicts, natural disasters, and societal troubles increase in severity and regularity as the time of Christ's return draws near. This metaphor provides both a warning and a framework for understanding the prophetic timeline. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism** in the phrase "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." This rhetorical device emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the predicted global conflict, highlighting its pervasive impact across all levels of human society. The entire verse functions as a form of **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, providing specific indicators for future events, thereby preparing Jesus' disciples and subsequent generations for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of the fallen world and God's sovereign plan for its redemption. The "beginnings of sorrows" underscore the reality of a creation groaning under the weight of sin, experiencing the consequences of humanity's rebellion. Yet, these signs are not arbitrary chaos; they are divinely ordained signals, part of a purposeful progression towards the consummation of God's kingdom. They testify to God's ultimate control over history, even amidst apparent global disorder, and serve as a powerful reminder that the present age is temporary, moving inexorably towards its divinely appointed end. For believers, these signs are not a cause for despair but a call to spiritual alertness and a confirmation that God's promises, including the return of His Son, are indeed unfolding.

* [Matthew 24:7](/matthew/24-7 "Matthew's Parallel Account of End Times Signs")
* [Luke 21:10-11](/luke/21-10-11 "Luke's Account of Wars, Earthquakes, Famines, and Plagues")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation Groaning in Travail")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:8 offers a profound call to spiritual readiness and discernment for believers living in any age, but particularly as we observe the increasing global instability and distress. Rather than inciting fear or panic, Jesus' words invite us to view these "beginnings of sorrows" as signposts, guiding us to understand the times and to live with intentionality. They remind us that the world's brokenness is not random but part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative leading to Christ's glorious return. This understanding should motivate us to prioritize the eternal, to deepen our reliance on God's unwavering sovereignty, and to live as ambassadors of the Gospel in a world desperately searching for hope. It calls us to cultivate spiritual endurance, to resist being overwhelmed by the world's troubles, and to actively participate in God's redemptive mission, knowing that the "birth" of the new creation is drawing nearer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the "beginnings of sorrows" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in a chaotic world?**
* **In what ways can a deeper understanding of prophetic signs motivate you to live with greater urgency and purpose for the Gospel?**
* **How does the imagery of "birth pangs" encourage perseverance and hope amidst global distress?**

### FAQ
**Are these signs unique to the end times, or have they always occurred?**

Answer: While wars, earthquakes, and famines have been part of human history since the Fall, Jesus' prophecy in Mark 13:8 emphasizes their *escalation* and *frequency* as a unique characteristic of the period preceding His return. The key lies in the phrase "beginnings of sorrows," which uses the Greek word *ōdín*, meaning "birth pangs." This powerful metaphor suggests that these events will intensify in both number and severity, much like labor contractions before a birth. So, it's not merely their occurrence, but their increasing intensity and global reach that marks them as specific signs of the approaching end of the age, distinguishing them from ordinary historical calamities.

**Should believers fear these signs?**

Answer: No, believers should not fear these signs. Jesus explicitly states in the broader Olivet Discourse that His followers should not be alarmed ([Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - Do Not Be Alarmed")). Instead, these "beginnings of sorrows" are meant to serve as a call to spiritual vigilance, discernment, and steadfastness. They are indicators that God's prophetic timetable is unfolding, prompting believers to live with greater purpose, share the Gospel with urgency, and persevere in faith. As [Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Your Redemption Draws Near") puts it in a parallel passage, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." These signs are a reminder that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the coming King and His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:8, with its depiction of escalating global distress and the powerful metaphor of "birth pangs," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not just in the anticipation of His second coming, but profoundly in His redemptive work. The "sorrows" described are a stark reminder of the brokenness of a world groaning under the weight of sin, a world that desperately needs a Savior. Jesus, the Lamb of God, entered into this world of conflict, famine, and trouble, ultimately taking upon Himself the greatest sorrow—the agony of the cross—to bear the sin of humanity ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His death and resurrection initiated the "birth" of the new covenant and the spiritual kingdom, providing the only lasting peace in a world riddled with strife ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). The "birth pangs" of the present age are therefore leading to the glorious "birth" of the new heavens and new earth, a reality made possible by Christ's triumph over sin and death ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). He is the one who ultimately overcomes the world's troubles ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")), and His return will bring an end to all sorrows, ushering in an eternal reign of righteousness and peace where God will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

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

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Matthew 24:8

All these [are] the beginning of sorrows.

Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

Jeremiah 49:24

Damascus is waxed feeble, [and] turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on [her]: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.

Haggai 2:22

And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Isaiah 19:2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.