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“Signs of the Beginning of Sorrows”· Matthew 24:4–14
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
and many people's love will grow cold because of increased distance from Torah.
Berean Standard Bible
Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
American Standard Version
And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.
World English Bible Messianic
Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
Young's Literal Translation
and because of the abounding of the lawlessness, the love of the many shall become cold;
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Historical interpretation
Twelve Centuries of Reception
15 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an out-spreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
But as the conquering power of things evil is on the increase-which is the characteristic of the last times -things good are now not allowed either to be born, so corrupted are the seminal principles; or to be trained, so deserted are studies; nor to be enforced, so dined are the laws.
Morally; He who shall see that glorious second coming of the word of God into his soul, must needs suffer in proportion to the measure of his proficiency assaults of opposing influences, and Christ in him must be hated by all, not only by the nations literally understood, but by the nations of spiritual vices. And in such enquiries there will be few who shall reach the truth with any fulness, the more part shall be offended and fall therefrom, betraying and accusing one another because of their disagreement respecting doctrines, which shall give rise to a mutual hatred. Also there shall be many setting forth unsound words concerning things to come, and interpreting the Prophets in a manner in which they ought not; these are the false Prophets who shall deceive many, and who shall cause to wax cold that fervour of love which was before in the simplicity of the faith. But he who can abide firmly in the Apostolic tradition, he shall be saved; and the Gospel being preached to the minds of all shall be for a testimony to all nations, that is, to all the unbelieving thoughts of the soul.
Such was Nicolaus, one of the seven deacons, who led astray many by his pretences. And Simon Magus who, armed with diabolic works and words, perverted many by false miracles.
For in the last days false prophets shall be multiplied, and such as corrupt the word; and the sheep shall be changed into wolves, and love into hatred: for through the abounding of iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. For men shall hate, and persecute, and betray one another. And then shall appear the deceiver of the world, the enemy of the truth, the prince of lies, [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12] whom the Lord Jesus "shall destroy with the spirit of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His lips; and many shall be offended at Him. But they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" [Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 24:1-51] and afterwards shall be the voice of a trumpet by the archangel; and in that interval shall be the revival of those that were asleep. And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, with a great concussion above the clouds, with the angels of His power, [Matthew 16:27] in the throne of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver of the world, and to render to every one according to his deeds. "Then shall the wicked go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous shall go into life eternal," [Matthew 25:46] to inherit those things "which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, such things as God has prepared for them that love Him;" [1 Corinthians 2:9] and they shall rejoice in the kingdom of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
After this again, what is more grievous than all, they shall not have so much as the consolation from love. Then indicating, that these things will in no degree harm the noble and the firm, He saith, Fear not, neither be troubled. For if ye show forth the patience that becomes you, the dangers will not prevail over you.
And if thou art minded to learn these things more distinctly, I mean, the famines, the pestilences, the earthquakes, the other calamities, peruse the history about these things composed by Josephus, and thou wilt know all accurately. Therefore Himself too said, "Be not troubled, for all must be;" and, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved;" and, "The gospel shall surely be preached in all the world." For when weakened and faint at the fear of what had been said, He braces them up by saying, Though ten thousand things be done, the gospel must be preached in every part of the world, and then shall the end come.
"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you."
In good season did He introduce their ills, having a consolation from the common miseries; and not in this way only, but also by His adding, that it is "for my name's sake. For ye shall be hated," He saith, "of all men for my name's sake. Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and many false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
This is the greater evil, when the war is intestine too, for there were many false brethren. Seest thou the war to be threefold? from the deceivers, from the enemies, from the false brethren. See Paul too lamenting over the same things, and saying, "Without were fightings, within were fears;" and, "perils among false brethren," and again, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
After this again, what is more grievous than all, they shall not have so much as the consolation from love. Then indicating, that these things will in no degree harm the noble and the firm, He saith, Fear not, neither be troubled. For if ye show forth the patience that becomes you, the dangers will not prevail over you. And it is a plain proof of this, that the word shall surely be preached everywhere in the world, so much shall ye be above the things that alarm you. For, that they may not say, how then shall we live? He said more, Ye shall both live and preach everywhere. Therefore He added moreover, "And this gospel shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come," of the downfall of Jerusalem.
Or otherwise; The disciples when they heard these things which were spoken of Jerusalem might suppose that they should be beyond reach of harm, as though what they now heard was the sufferings of others, while they themselves should meet with nothing but prosperous times, He therefore announces the grievous things which should befal them, putting them in fear for themselves. First He had bid them be on their guard against the arts of false teachers, He now foretels to them the violence of tyrants. In good season He thus introduces their own woes, as here they will receive consolation from the common calamities; and He held out to them not this comfort only, but also that of the cause for which they should suffer, showing that it was for His name's sake, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Having named two sources of opposition, that from seducers, and that from enemies, He adds a third, that from false brethren; And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. See Paul bewailing these same things, Without were fightings, within were fears; (2 Cor. 7:5. 2 Cor. 11:26. v. 13.) and in another place; In perils among false brethren, of whom he says, Such are false Apostles, deceitful workers.
And He adds, what is still more cruel, that such false Prophets shall have no alleviation in charity; Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Then that they should not say, How then shall we live among so many evils? He promises not only that they should live, but that they should teach every where. And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.
That before the taking of Jerusalem the Gospel was preached every where, hear what Paul says, Their sound is gone out into all the earth; (Rom. 10:18.) and see himself travelling from Jerusalem into Spain. And if one had so large a province, think how much all must have done. Whence writing to certain, he says of the Gospel, It bears fruit, and increases in every creature under heaven. (Col. 1:6.) And this is the strongest proof of Christ's power, that in thirty years or a little more, the word of the Gospel filled the ends of the world. Though the Gospel was preached every where, yet all did not believe, whence He adds, For a witness unto all nations, in accusation, that is, of such as believe not, they who have believed bearing witness against them that believed not, and condemning them. And in fit season did Jerusalem fall, namely, after the Gospel had been preached throughout the world; as it follows, And then shall the consummation come, i. e. the end of Jerusalem. For they who have seen Christ's power shining forth every where, and in brief space spread over the whole world, what mercy did they deserve when they continued still in ingratitude?
The sign of the Lord’s coming is that the gospel will be preached throughout the entire world, leaving no one any excuse. We believe that this has already been accomplished or is about to be accomplished, since it appears to me that there remains no nation that does not know the name of Christ. Even if they haven’t been visited by an evangelist themselves, certainly they have heard about the Christian faith from neighboring countries.
These all are the beginnings of sorrows, is better understood of pains of labour, as it were the conception of the coming of Antichrist, and not of the birth.
Observe, He says, the love of many, (Rom. 8:35.) not 'of all,' for in the Apostles, and those like them, love would continue, as Paul speaks, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
And the sign of the Lord's second coming is, that the Gospel shall be preached in all the world, so that all may be without excuse.
(Verse 12, 13.) And since iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who perseveres to the end, he will be saved. He did not deny the faith of all, but of many. For many are called, but few are chosen. For in the apostles and those like them, charity will remain, of which it is written: 'Many waters cannot quench love' (Song of Solomon 8:7). And even Paul himself said: 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?' tribulation, or distress, or famine (Rom. VIII, 35)? and so on.
(Ep. 199, 46.) But that this preaching the Gospel of the kingdom in all the world was accomplished by the Apostles, we have not any certain evidence, to prove. There are numberless barbarous nations in Africa, among whom the Gospel is not even yet preached, as it is easy to learn from the prisoners who are brought from thence. But it cannot be said that these have no part in the promise of God. For God promised with an oath not the Romans only, but all nations to the seed of Abraham. But in whatever nation there is yet no Church established, it must needs be that there should be one, not that all the people should believe; for how then should that be fulfilled, Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake, unless there be in all nations those who hate and those; who are hated? That preaching therefore was not accomplished by the Apostles, while as yet there were nations among whom it had not begun to be fulfilled. The words of the Apostle also, Their sound hath gone out into all the world, though expressed as of time past, are meant to apply to something future, not yet completed; as the Prophet, whose words he quotes, said that the Gospel bore fruit and grew in the whole world (Ps. 19:4.), to show thereby to what extent its growth should come. If then we know not when it shall be that the whole world shall be filled with the Gospel, undoubtedly we know not when the end shall be; but it shall not be before such time.
As the capture of Jerusalem approached, many rose up, calling themselves Christians, and deceived many; such Paul calls false brethren, John Antichrists.
That is, true love towards God and our neighbour, in proportion as each surrenders himself to iniquity, in that proportion will the flame of charity in his heart be extinguished.
Whoso shall endure unto the end, i. e. to the end of his life; for whoso to the end of his life shall persevere in the confession of the name of Christ, and in love, he shall be saved.
For the Lord knew that the hearts of the disciples would be made sad by the destruction of Jerusalem, and overthrow of their nation, and He therefore comforts them with a promise that more of the Gentiles should believe than of the Jews should perish.
But the whole passage might be referred to the end of the world. For then shall many be offended, and depart from the faith, when they see the numbers and wealth of the wicked, and the miracles of Antichrist, and they shall persecute their brethren; and Antichrist shall send false Prophets, who shall deceive many; iniquity shall abound, because the number of the wicked shall be increased; and love shall wax cold, because the number of the good shall diminish.
For what desert so many evils are to be brought upon Jerusalem, and the whole Jewish province the Lord shows, when He adds, Then shall they deliver you up,&c.
(non occ.)c. But it is possible to maintain both applications of the passage, if only we will take this diffusion of Gospel preaching in a double sense. If we understand it of fruit produced by the preaching, and the foundation in every nation of a Church of believers in Christ, as Augustine (in the passage above quoted) expounds it, then it is a sign which ought to precede the end of the world, and which did not precede the destruction of Jerusalem. But if we understand it of the fame of their preaching, then it was accomplished before the destruction of Jerusalem, when Christ's disciples had been dispersed over the four quarters of the earth. Whence Jerome says, (Hieron. in loc.) I do not suppose that there remained any nation which knew not the name of Christ; for where preacher had never been, some notion of the faith must have been communicated by neighbouring nations.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 24:12, a poignant declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, prophesies a profound moral and spiritual decline preceding His return. It warns that as lawlessness escalates, the natural consequence will be a widespread spiritual apathy, causing the love of many—both within and outside the believing community—to diminish and grow cold. This verse serves as a crucial signpost for the end times, highlighting the corrosive effect of sin on human compassion, faith, and relationships.
Context
Literary Context
Matthew 24:12 is embedded within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, His detailed prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Preceding this verse, Jesus describes various tribulations, including false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the persecution of believers (Matthew 24:4-11). Verse 12 then introduces a moral and spiritual decay that will accompany these physical and social upheavals, providing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between increasing lawlessness and the cooling of love. The subsequent verse, Matthew 24:13, emphasizes the necessity of perseverance amidst such conditions, underscoring the spiritual battle that believers will face.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus' discourse was given to His Jewish disciples within the context of first-century Judea, a region under Roman occupation and marked by significant political and religious tension. The concept of "lawlessness" (anomia) would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience familiar with the Mosaic Law and the prophetic warnings against deviation from God's commands. The idea of love "waxing cold" speaks to a deterioration of the communal bonds and spiritual fervor that characterized the ideal of God's covenant people. While Jesus' immediate audience was Jewish, His prophecies extend beyond their immediate historical horizon, describing conditions that would characterize the broader human experience leading up to the eschatological climax. The cultural backdrop of a society grappling with moral decay and the erosion of traditional values provides a timeless framework for understanding the verse's implications.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader book of Matthew. First, it underscores the theme of Eschatological Signs, providing a moral indicator alongside physical and social ones that point to the end times. Second, it highlights the pervasive nature of Sin and Lawlessness, portraying a world increasingly rebellious against divine order, a theme also seen in Jesus' warnings about the "evil generation" (Matthew 12:39). Third, it addresses the critical theme of Spiritual Decline and Apathy, particularly the diminishing of love, which is foundational to both the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). Finally, it implicitly sets the stage for the theme of Perseverance and Endurance for believers, as they must guard their hearts and maintain their love in the face of widespread spiritual coldness, as further emphasized in Matthew 24:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness." This term signifies not merely isolated acts of sin, but a pervasive state of "lawlessness" – a deliberate disregard for God's moral and divine law. It implies a rebellion against established order and a rejection of righteous standards, moving beyond mere transgression to a systemic defiance.
Meaning "to increase (transitively or intransitively)." This verb indicates a quantitative increase, suggesting that lawlessness will not just be present but will multiply, become widespread, and grow in intensity and prevalence. It paints a picture of an overwhelming tide of wickedness.
A primary verb meaning "to breathe (voluntarily but gently)...to chill (figuratively)." This vivid imagery describes a gradual but definite loss of warmth, passion, and vitality. Applied to "love," it suggests a fading of spiritual fervor, compassion, and charitable affection, akin to a fire dying down to embers or water freezing.
Verse Breakdown
"And because iniquity shall abound"
This clause establishes the causal link. The increasing prevalence and intensity of "iniquity" (lawlessness, rebellion against God's moral order) is presented as the foundational problem. This is not just a general increase in sin, but a deliberate and widespread rejection of divine standards, creating an environment hostile to righteousness and spiritual warmth.
"the love of many shall wax cold"
This clause describes the direct and inevitable consequence of abounding lawlessness. The "love" (agape, G26 – referring to divine, self-sacrificial love) of "many" (G4183 – indicating a significant, widespread number, not necessarily all) will diminish, lose its warmth, and become apathetic. This chilling effect can manifest as a loss of fervent devotion to God, a decline in compassion and charity towards fellow believers, and a general indifference to the suffering or needs of humanity. The spiritual temperature of society, and even within the church, will drop significantly.
Literary Devices
Matthew 24:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic warning. Most prominently, it utilizes Cause and Effect, directly linking the abounding of iniquity to the chilling of love. This creates a logical and sobering progression, emphasizing that moral decay has tangible spiritual consequences. The phrase "wax cold" is a powerful instance of Imagery, evoking the sensation of warmth dissipating, like a fire losing its heat or a body losing its vitality. This sensory detail effectively communicates the spiritual apathy and indifference that will characterize the period. Furthermore, the verse uses Figurative Language to describe an abstract concept (love) with a physical attribute (temperature), making the spiritual decline more concrete and impactful. The term "many" can also be seen as a form of Generalization, indicating a widespread phenomenon rather than an isolated incident, thereby underscoring the severity and breadth of the predicted moral decay.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 24:12 serves as a stark reminder of the intrinsic connection between a society's moral state and its spiritual health. The abounding of "anomia" (lawlessness) directly correlates with the decline of "agape" (divine love), illustrating that a rejection of God's order inevitably leads to a breakdown in human relationships and spiritual vitality. This prophecy underscores the fragility of love in a fallen world and highlights the spiritual battle believers face to maintain their fervor amidst increasing darkness. It also speaks to the nature of the "last days" as a period of intense spiritual warfare, where the very essence of Christian discipleship—love—will be under assault.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 24:12 is not merely a prophecy about a distant future; it is a profound call to introspection and spiritual vigilance for believers in every age. In a world where lawlessness, moral relativism, and digital anonymity can foster indifference, the warning to guard our hearts against spiritual coldness is more relevant than ever. This verse challenges us to actively cultivate and preserve the warmth of our love for God and for one another, recognizing that our spiritual fervor is a vital defense against the chilling effects of a fallen world. It encourages us to be counter-cultural agents, demonstrating radical compassion and unwavering commitment to truth and love, even when it is unpopular or difficult. Our perseverance in love becomes a powerful testimony to the enduring grace of God in an increasingly cold world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "iniquity shall abound" specifically mean in this context?
In this context, "iniquity shall abound" refers to a widespread and increasing prevalence of "anomia" (ἀνομία), which literally means "lawlessness" or "without law." It signifies more than just an increase in individual sins; it points to a systemic disregard for divine and moral law, a pervasive spirit of rebellion against God's established order and righteous standards. This abounding lawlessness creates an environment where moral boundaries are blurred, and ethical foundations erode, directly impacting the spiritual climate.
Is the "love of many" referring only to believers, or to humanity in general?
The phrase "the love of many" (G4183, polýs) is generally understood to refer to a widespread phenomenon affecting a significant portion of humanity. While it certainly includes the potential for spiritual apathy within the professing church, it is not exclusively limited to believers. The "love" (G26, agápē) here encompasses both the divine, self-sacrificial love that characterizes Christian discipleship and the broader human compassion and benevolence that can exist in society. As lawlessness abounds, it corrodes both the sacred love for God and neighbor within the church, and the general empathy and concern for others in the wider world, leading to a global chilling of human affection and spiritual warmth.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Matthew 24:12 describes a sobering reality of moral and spiritual decline, its ultimate fulfillment and hope are found in Christ. The "abounding iniquity" that Jesus prophesied is precisely what He came to conquer. He is the embodiment of perfect love, who, unlike the "love of many" that "shall wax cold," demonstrated unwavering, self-sacrificial love on the cross (John 15:13). Jesus Himself is the ultimate answer to lawlessness, for He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, empowers believers to maintain fervent love even amidst a cold world, enabling them to bear the fruit of love (Galatians 5:22) and to be a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). Thus, for those who endure in Christ, the chilling prophecy of Matthew 24:12 is met with the warming, transforming power of His abiding presence and everlasting love (Romans 8:38-39).