Matthew 24:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} then {G5119} shall be {G2071} great {G3173} tribulation {G2347}, such as {G3634} was {G1096} not {G3756} since {G575} the beginning {G746} of the world {G2889} to this {G2193} time {G3568}, no {G3761}, nor ever {G3364} shall be {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there will be trouble then worse than there has ever been from the beginning of the world until now, and there will be nothing like it again!

Berean Standard Bible

For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.

American Standard Version

for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:21, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, prophesies an unparalleled period of global distress and suffering, referred to as the "great tribulation." This future event, described by Jesus as more severe than any previous or subsequent period in human history, serves as a solemn warning of the intense trials that will precede His glorious return, underscoring the urgency of spiritual preparedness and steadfast faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:21 is a central declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a detailed prophetic address delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. This discourse, spanning [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom"), directly responds to the disciples' questions in [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions"): "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Prior to verse 21, Jesus outlines a series of escalating signs, including false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the persecution of believers ([Matthew 24:4-14](/matthew/24-4-14 "Matthew 24:4-14 - Signs of the End")). The immediate precursor to this verse is the mention of the "abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet" ([Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")), which signals the onset of this intense period, prompting a call for immediate flight from Judea. Verse 21 then emphatically describes the unprecedented nature of the suffering that follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prophecy was delivered to Jewish disciples in first-century Judea, a region under Roman occupation. The reference to the "abomination of desolation" would have resonated deeply with them, recalling the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BC, as recorded in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation"). This historical precedent provided a framework for understanding future sacrilege and severe persecution. While some aspects of Jesus' prophecy found a partial fulfillment in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in AD 70—a catastrophic event for the Jewish people—the hyperbolic language of verse 21, "such as was not since the beginning of the world... no, nor ever shall be," suggests a scope far beyond any localized historical calamity. The cultural understanding of suffering and divine judgment, deeply rooted in Old Testament narratives of exile and restoration, would have prepared the disciples for the concept of a climactic period of distress preceding God's ultimate intervention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and broader biblical eschatology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Unparalleled Suffering**, emphasizing the unique intensity and global scale of the coming tribulation, distinguishing it from all other periods of distress. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Prophecy**, as Jesus, with absolute authority, foretells these future events, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human history and His predetermined plan for the ages. This prophetic certainty serves as both a warning and a foundation for hope. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Vigilance and Endurance**, calling believers to spiritual preparedness and steadfastness in the face of severe trials, as seen in Jesus' subsequent exhortations to watchfulness and perseverance ([Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")). Finally, it implicitly points to the theme of **Ultimate Deliverance**, as this period of tribulation is not an end in itself but a precursor to the glorious return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, a hope articulated throughout the New Testament, especially in the book of [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** G2347. This word literally means "pressure" or "oppression," conveying the idea of being crushed or squeezed. In a figurative sense, it refers to distress, anguish, or severe trouble. When used in the New Testament, it often denotes suffering that believers endure for their faith, but here, qualified by "great" and its unparalleled nature, it signifies an ultimate, intense period of global distress and persecution.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** G3173. This adjective means "big" or "large," used here in a superlative sense to emphasize the immense scale and severity of the "tribulation." It intensifies the meaning of _thlîpsis_, indicating a degree of suffering that is not merely significant but truly monumental and unprecedented in human history.
* **shall be (Greek, _ésomai'_):** G2071. This is the future tense of the Greek verb "to be" (eimi), indicating a definite future occurrence. Its use here underscores the certainty of the prophecy; this "great tribulation" is not a possibility but a decreed event that "will be" or "shall come to pass." The accompanying G1096 (_gínomai_) also present in the Strong's data for "shall be" further emphasizes the idea of something coming into being or happening.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For then shall be great tribulation,"**: This opening clause establishes the cause-and-effect relationship ("For then") with the preceding events, particularly the "abomination of desolation." It definitively declares the future existence of an unparalleled period of "great tribulation," signifying intense pressure, distress, and suffering. The use of "shall be" (future tense) emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of this event.
* **"such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time,"**: This phrase immediately qualifies the "great tribulation" as unique and unprecedented in human history. It asserts that from the very dawn of creation up to Jesus' present moment, no period of suffering has matched or will match the intensity and scope of this coming tribulation. This hyperbolic language emphasizes its ultimate severity.
* **"no, nor ever shall be."**: This concluding phrase powerfully reinforces the uniqueness of the tribulation. It acts as a double negative, strengthening the denial ("no, nor ever"), definitively stating that even after this period, there will never again be a time of such profound and widespread distress. This confirms its singular place in God's redemptive timeline, marking it as the climactic period of suffering before the culmination of His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrase "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." This exaggerated language is not meant to be taken as a literal, measurable comparison of suffering in every single detail, but rather to emphasize the absolute and unprecedented nature of this future tribulation, setting it apart as uniquely severe. This **prophecy** itself is a key device, as Jesus foretells future events with divine authority, demonstrating His omniscience and the certainty of God's plan. The verse also implicitly uses **contrast**, setting this "great tribulation" apart from all previous and future periods of distress, thereby highlighting its singular significance in eschatological events. The solemn and absolute tone creates a sense of **urgency** and gravity, compelling the listener to consider the weight of these future realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:21 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the culmination of human history. The "great tribulation" is not merely a random period of suffering but a divinely ordained, climactic outpouring of God's wrath upon a rebellious world, while also serving to purify and refine His people. It is a time when the forces of evil will reach their zenith, yet it ultimately serves God's sovereign purpose to bring about the end of the age and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This unparalleled suffering underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance, while simultaneously highlighting the ultimate triumph of God's justice and mercy. For believers, it is a call to steadfastness and hope, knowing that even in the darkest hour, God remains in control and will bring His plans to fruition.

* [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Trouble")
* [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - Jacob's Trouble")
* [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Great Tribulation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:21 serves as a stark reminder that history is moving towards a divinely appointed climax, a period of unparalleled distress that will test the faith of all who dwell on earth. This prophecy should not incite fear or despair in the believer, but rather a profound sense of spiritual urgency and a renewed commitment to living a life of faith and obedience. Understanding the severity of this future tribulation compels us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our hope is firmly anchored in Christ alone, who is our refuge and strength. It also calls us to actively participate in His mission, sharing the gospel with a world desperately in need of the hope and salvation found only in Him, before the intensifying pressures of the end times make such witness even more challenging. Our response to this prophecy should be one of prayerful vigilance, steadfast endurance, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He will ultimately bring about a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophecy of "great tribulation" in Matthew 24:21 shape your understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your personal sense of spiritual preparedness for the future?**
* **Considering the unparalleled nature of this tribulation, how might this motivate you to share the hope of Christ with others more earnestly?**

### FAQ

**What is the "great tribulation" mentioned in Matthew 24:21, and when will it occur?**

Answer: The "great tribulation" is a future period of intense, unparalleled suffering and distress that Jesus prophesied would occur before His second coming. The language "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" indicates its unique severity, distinguishing it from any past or future event. While some scholars interpret elements of Jesus' Olivet Discourse as having a dual fulfillment (referring initially to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70), the emphatic nature of [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation") strongly suggests a future, global event. This period is widely understood to be the climactic outpouring of God's judgment on a rebellious world, often linked with the events described in the book of [Revelation](/revelation/6-17 "Revelation 6:17 - The Great Day of Wrath"), particularly the judgments poured out upon the earth before the return of Christ. Its precise timing within end-times chronology is debated among various theological perspectives (e.g., pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation rapture views), but all agree on its unprecedented nature and its role as a precursor to Christ's glorious return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 24:21 vividly describes a future period of unparalleled global suffering, its ultimate significance is found in its Christ-centered fulfillment. The very purpose of this tribulation, though severe, is to bring about the culmination of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the glorious return of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who foretells this distress, but the sovereign Lord who will bring it to an end. It is Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who by His sacrificial death has secured salvation for all who believe, offering refuge and hope amidst any tribulation. The suffering of the tribulation serves to purify His church and expose the futility of a world without God, ultimately preparing the way for Christ's triumphant reign. Just as He endured the ultimate tribulation on the cross, bearing the sin of the world ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")), He will return as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom where there will be [no more tears or pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"). Thus, the "great tribulation" is a dark valley that leads directly to the dawn of Christ's eternal light and perfect reign, underscoring His ultimate victory over sin, death, and all suffering.

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.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Luke 19:43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: