TRV
“Signs of the Beginning of Sorrows”· Matthew 24:4–14
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
You will hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off; see to it that you don't become frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come.
Berean Standard Bible
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.
American Standard Version
And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.
World English Bible Messianic
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And ye shall heare of warres, and rumours of warres: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to passe, but the end is not yet.
Young's Literal Translation
and ye shall begin to hear of wars, and reports of wars; see, be not troubled, for it behoveth all these to come to pass, but the end is not yet.
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Eight Centuries of Reception
11 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.
They that are deceived are many, because wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. (Mat. 7:13.) This one thing is enough to detect the Antichrists and seducers that they shall say, I am Christ, which Christ Himself is no where read to have said: for the works of God, and the word which He taught, and His power, were enough to produce belief that He is Christ. For every discourse which professes to expound Scripture faithfully, and has not the truth, is Antichrist. For the truth is Christ, that which feigns itself to be the truth is Antichrist. So also all virtues are Christ, all that feigns itself to be virtue is Antichrist; for Christ has in Himself in truth all manner of good for the edification of men, but the devil has forged resemblances of the same for the deceiving of the saints. We have need therefore of God to help us, that none deceive us, neither word nor power. It is a bad thing to find any one erring in his course of life; but I esteem it much worse not to think according to the most true rule of Scripture.
To hear the shouts raised in the battles, is to hear wars; to hear rumours of wars, is to hear accounts of wars waged afar off.
Or otherwise; As the body sickens before the death of the man, so it must needs be that before the consummation of this world the earth should be shaken, as though it were palsied, with frequent earthquakes, the air should gather a deadly quality and become pestilential, and that the vital energy of the soil should fail, and its fruits wither. And by consequence of this scarcity, men are stirred up to robbery and war. But because war and strife arise sometimes from covctousness, and sometimes from desire of power and empty glory, of these which shall happen before the end of the world a yet deeper cause shall be assignable. For as Christ's coming brought through His divine power peace to divers nations, so it shall be on the other hand, that when iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, and God and His Christ shall desert them; wars shall be again when actions which beget wars are not hindered by holiness; and hostile powers when they are not restrained by the Saints and by Christ shall work unchecked in the hearts of men, stirring up nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. But if, as some will have it, famine and pestilence are from the Angels of Satan, these shall then gather might from opposite powers, when the salt of the earth, and the lights of the world, Christ's disciples, shall be no longer, destroying those things which the malice of dæmons hatches. Ofttimes in Israel famines and pestilences were caused by sin, and removed by the prayers of the Saints. (1 Kings 17:1. Jer. 14. James 5:17, 18.) Well is that said, In divers places, for God will not destroy the whole race of men at once, but judging them in portions, He gives opportunity of repentance. But if some stop be not put to these evils in their commencement, they will progress to worse, as it follows, These all are the beginnings of sorrows, that is, sorrows common to the whole world, and those which are to come upon the wicked who shall be tormented in most sharp pains.
This must come to pass before we can see the perfection of that wisdom which is in Christ; but not yet shall be that end which we seek, for a peaceful end is far from those men.
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.
For the war, saith He, shall be twofold that of the deceivers, and that of the enemies, but the former far more grievous, as coming upon them in the confusion and turmoils, and when men were terrified and troubled. For indeed great was the storm then, when the Roman power was beginning to flourish, and cities were taken, and camps and weapons were set in motion, and many were readily believed.
But of wars in Jerusalem is He speaking; for it is not surely of those without, and everywhere in the world; for what did they care for these? And besides, He would thus say nothing new, if He were speaking of the calamities of the world at large, which are happening always. For before this, were wars, and tumults, and fightings; but He speaks of the Jewish wars coming upon them at no great distance, for henceforth the Roman arms were a matter of anxiety. Since then these things also were sufficient to confound them, He foretells them all.
Then to show that He Himself also will assail the Jews with them, and war on them, He speaks not of battles only, but also of plagues sent from God, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, showing that the wars also He Himself permitted to come upon them, and that these things do not happen for no purpose according to what has been before the accustomed course of things amongst men, but proceed from the wrath on high.
Therefore He saith, they shall come not by themselves or at once, but with signs. For that the Jews may not say, that they who then believed were the authors of these evils, therefore hath He told them also of the cause of their coming upon them. "For verily I say unto you," He said before, "all these things shall come upon this generation," having made mention of the stain of blood on them.
Then lest on hearing of the showers of evils, they should suppose the gospel to be broken through, He added, "See, be not troubled, for all things must come to pass," i.e which I foretold, and the approach of the temptations will set aside none of the things which I have said; but there shall indeed be tumults and confusion, but nothing shall shake my predictions.
Then since He had said to the Jews, "Ye shall not see me, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord;" and the disciples supposed that together with the destruction would be the end also; to set right this secret thought of theirs, He said, "But the end is not yet." For that they did suspect even as I said, you may learn from their question. For, what did they ask? When shall these things be? i.e. when shall Jerusalem be destroyed? And what is the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?
But He answered nothing directly to this question, but first speaks of those other things that are urgent, and which it was needful for them to learn first. For neither concerning Jerusalem straightway, nor of His own second coming, did He speak, but touching the ills that were to meet them at the doors. Wherefore also He makes them earnest in their exertions, by saying, "Take heed that no man deceive you; for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ."
Afterwards, when He hath roused them to listen about these things (for, "take heed," saith He, "that no man deceive you"); and having made them energetic, and prepared them to be watchful, and hath spoken first of the false Christs, then He speaks of the ills of Jerusalem, assuring them ever by the things already past, foolish and contentious though they were, of those which were yet to come.
But by "wars and rumors of wars," He meaneth, what I before said, the troubles coming upon them. After this, because, as I have already said, they supposed after that war the end would come, see how He warns them, saying, "But the end is not yet. For nation," He saith, "shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." Of the preludes to the ills of the Jews doth He speak. "All these are the beginning of sorrows," that is, of those that befall them.
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."
But of wars in Jerusalem is He speaking; for it is not surely of those without, and everywhere in the world; for what did they care for these? And besides, He would thus say nothing new, if He were speaking of the calamities of the world at large, which are happening always. For before this, were wars, and tumults, and fightings; but He speaks of the Jewish wars coming upon them at no great distance, for henceforth the Roman arms were a matter of anxiety. Since then these things also were sufficient to confound them, He foretells them all.
Then lest on hearing of the showers of evils, they should suppose the gospel to be broken through, He added, "See, be not troubled, for all things must come to pass," i.e which I foretold, and the approach of the temptations will set aside none of the things which I have said; but there shall indeed be tumults and confusion, but nothing shall shake my predictions.
Then since He had said to the Jews, "Ye shall not see me, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord;" and the disciples supposed that together with the destruction would be the end also; to set right this secret thought of theirs, He said, "But the end is not yet." For that they did suspect even as I said, you may learn from their question. For, what did they ask? When shall these things be? i.e. when shall Jerusalem be destroyed? And what is the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Here He speaks of the battles which should be fought at Jerusalem; when He says, Ye shall hear wars, and rumours of wars.
And because this might alarm the disciples, He continues, See that ye be not troubled. And because they supposed that the end of the world would follow immediately after the war in which Jerusalem should be destroyed, He corrects their suspicions concerning this, These things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
And to show that He also should fight against the Jews, He tells them not only of wars, but of calamities inflicted by Providence, And there shall be pestilences, and famines, and earthquakes in divers places.
And these things shall not happen according to the order of nature before established among men, but shall come of wrath from heaven, and therefore He said not that they should come only, or come suddenly, but adds significantly, These all are the beginnings of troubles, that is, of the Jewish troubles.
That is, Think not that the day of judgment is at hand, but that it is reserved against another time; the sign of which is plainly put in what follows, For nation shall rise against-nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
Figuratively; Kingdom rising against kingdom and pestilence of that discourse which spreadeth as a plague-spot, and hunger of hearing the word of God, and commotion throughout the earth, and separation from the true faith, my be rather understood of the heretics, who fighting among themselves give the victory to the Church.
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.
(Verse 6.) For you will hear of battles and rumors of battles: see that you are not troubled. For these things must happen; but the end is not yet. Therefore, when we see these things happening, let us not think that the day of judgment is imminent, but that it is reserved for that time, whose sign is clearly set forth in the following events.
(Ep. 199. 25.) To this enquiry of the disciples the Lord makes answer, declaring all things which were to come to pass from that time forwards, whether relating to the destruction of Jerusalem, which had given occasion to their enquiry; or to His coming through the Church, in which He ceases not to come to the end of time; for He is acknowledged as coming among His own, while new members are daily born to Him; or relating to the end itself when He shall appear to judge the quick and the dead. When then He describes the signs which shall attend these three events, we must carefully consider which signs belong to which events, lest perchance we refer to one that which belongs to another.
Our Lord and Redeemer announces beforehand the evils that precede the perishing world, so that the things to come may disturb us less because they have been foreknown. For missiles that are foreseen strike less forcefully; and we endure the evils of the world more tolerably if we are fortified against them by the shield of foreknowledge. For behold he says: "When you hear of wars and seditions, do not be terrified; for these things must happen first, but the end is not yet at once." The words of our Redeemer must be weighed carefully, through which he announces that we will suffer one thing internally, another externally. For wars indeed pertain to enemies, seditions to citizens. Therefore, to indicate that we are troubled both internally and externally, he declares that we suffer one thing from enemies, another from brothers.
RABANUS.b Or, this is a warning to the Apostles not to flee from Jerusalem and Judæa in terror of these things, when they should begin to come upon them; because the end was not immediately, but the desolation of the province, and the destruction of the city and temple should not come till the fortieth year. And we know that most grievous woes, which spread over the whole province, fell out to the very letter.
Nation shall rise against nation, shows the disquietude of men's minds; pestilences, the affliction of their bodies; famines, the barrenness of the soil; earthquakes in dicers places, wrath from heaven above.
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 24:6, a crucial part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, prophesies that His followers will experience a period marked by widespread global conflict, including both literal "wars and rumours of wars." Despite the alarming nature of these events, Jesus issues a direct command not to be troubled, emphasizing that such turmoil is a divinely ordained prerequisite for the end of the age, yet not the end itself. This verse serves as both a prophetic warning and a pastoral reassurance, calling believers to steadfast faith amidst escalating world events.
Context
Literary Context
Matthew 24:6 is embedded within the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching on the Mount of Olives, spanning Matthew 24 and Matthew 25. This discourse was prompted by the disciples' two-part question in Matthew 24:3: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus begins by warning against deception (Matthew 24:4-5) before outlining a series of initial signs, including wars, famines, and earthquakes, which He explicitly labels as "the beginning of sorrows" or "birth pains" in Matthew 24:8. Thus, 24:6 functions as the first specific prophetic sign given, setting the stage for understanding the nature and timing of future events leading up to His return.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, lived under Roman occupation, a period often marked by political unrest, regional conflicts, and the ever-present threat of rebellion and its suppression. The disciples' questions likely reflected contemporary Jewish apocalyptic expectations concerning the Messiah's coming and the establishment of His kingdom, often envisioned as a dramatic, immediate overthrow of oppressive powers. Their understanding of "the end of the world" (or "the end of the age") would have been shaped by Old Testament prophecies of a cataclysmic transition to a new era. Jesus' words, therefore, address both their immediate anxieties and their long-held eschatological hopes, reorienting their understanding of the sequence of events and the nature of the signs that would precede the ultimate consummation. The impending destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, which Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:2, would have been a significant, immediate context for understanding the turmoil He described.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty, emphasizing that even the chaos of global conflict is not random but "must come to pass," part of God's predetermined plan for history. Secondly, it highlights Eschatological Realism, presenting a sober outlook on the future, acknowledging that the world will experience increasing turmoil before the end. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of Discipleship Resilience, calling believers to maintain faith and peace ("see that ye be not troubled") amidst these unsettling signs, rather than succumbing to fear or despair. Finally, it establishes a critical Distinction of Stages in end-time prophecy, clearly differentiating these initial signs from the final "end" (or consummation), preventing premature conclusions about the timing of Christ's return, a theme further developed in Matthew 24:36.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, used in the passive voice, means "to be terrified, alarmed, or disturbed by a great noise or tumult." It conveys a strong sense of internal agitation, panic, or fright. Jesus' command, therefore, is a direct injunction against succumbing to fear or emotional distress in the face of global instability. It implies a deep-seated spiritual composure that believers are to cultivate.
This impersonal verb signifies divine necessity or obligation. It indicates that these events are not accidental or merely contingent, but are part of God's appointed will and cannot be avoided. The phrase "must come to pass" underscores God's ultimate control over history and the predetermined nature of these prophetic signs, reinforcing the certainty of their occurrence as part of His unfolding plan.
This noun refers to the point aimed at as a limit or goal, the conclusion of an act or state, or the ultimate result. In this context, it signifies the final consummation of the age, the ultimate climax of history, and the return of Christ. Jesus' declaration that "the end is not yet" is crucial, as it distinguishes the initial signs of turmoil from the definitive culmination, preventing misinterpretation of precursors as the final events.
Verse Breakdown
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars"
Jesus begins by stating a certainty: His disciples, and subsequent generations, will experience or hear reports of widespread armed conflicts. "Wars" (Greek: pólemos) refers to actual military engagements, while "rumours of wars" (Greek: akoḗ pólemos, literally "hearing of wars") suggests reports, threats, or the widespread apprehension of conflict, indicating a pervasive atmosphere of geopolitical instability and unrest. This is a prophetic foretelling of a recurring feature of the time leading up to His return.
"see that ye be not troubled"
This is a direct imperative, a firm command from Jesus. Despite the alarming nature of the preceding prophecy, believers are explicitly told not to be frightened, agitated, or thrown into panic. This command emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and spiritual composure in the face of global chaos, highlighting that the believer's inner peace should not be dictated by external circumstances.
"for all [these things] must come to pass"
Jesus provides the reason for the command not to be troubled. These events are not random or unexpected; they are divinely ordained and necessary. The phrase "must come to pass" (Greek: deî ginomai) underscores God's sovereign control over human history. These wars and rumors are not deviations from God's plan but integral parts of it, serving as indicators of the approaching end.
"but the end is not yet."
This crucial clarification provides perspective. While the predicted conflicts are certain and necessary, they are not the final climax. Jesus distinguishes these initial signs from the ultimate "end" (Greek: télos), indicating that a period of time, and further developments, will transpire between these "birth pains" and the consummation of the age. This statement serves to temper expectations and prevent premature declarations of the immediate end.
Literary Devices
Matthew 24:6 employs several significant literary devices. Prophecy is central, as Jesus foretells future events, specifically "wars and rumours of wars," demonstrating His divine foresight and authority. The phrase "see that ye be not troubled" functions as a direct Admonition or Imperative, a command given to His disciples, highlighting the pastoral concern embedded within the prophetic message. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Contrast or Antithesis in the concluding clause, "for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet." This juxtaposition clearly distinguishes the preliminary signs from the ultimate culmination, providing a nuanced understanding of eschatological timing. The mention of "rumours of wars" also subtly employs Metonymy, where the "rumours" stand for the widespread anxiety and apprehension caused by the threat of conflict, rather than just the spoken word itself.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 24:6 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty, the nature of prophetic fulfillment, and the call to faithful endurance. It teaches that even the most chaotic and distressing global events are not outside of God's control but are part of His predetermined plan, serving as necessary precursors to the consummation of the age. This understanding should cultivate a deep trust in God's overarching purpose, preventing despair or panic. The verse also underscores the distinction between the "beginning of sorrows" and the ultimate "end," urging believers to be discerning about the signs of the times without falling into sensationalism or date-setting. Instead, it calls for a posture of sober watchfulness combined with unwavering spiritual peace, a peace that transcends worldly turmoil because it is rooted in divine assurance.
Reflection and Application
In a world perpetually marked by conflict and uncertainty, Matthew 24:6 remains strikingly relevant. It calls believers to cultivate a profound inner peace that is not contingent on external circumstances. Rather than succumbing to anxiety or fear when news of wars and global unrest dominates headlines, we are to remember that these events, while tragic, are part of a divinely ordained process. This perspective liberates us from panic and empowers us to live with purpose. It encourages us to be discerning about the times, recognizing that God's prophetic word is being fulfilled, yet simultaneously reminding us that the ultimate end is still to come. This balanced view should motivate us not to retreat in fear, but to press forward with the Great Commission, offering the hope of Christ's peace to a troubled world, knowing that God remains sovereign over all.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 'wars and rumours of wars' signify the immediate end of the world?
No, Jesus explicitly states, "but the end is not yet." While wars and rumors of wars are definite signs of the times, they are described as "the beginning of sorrows" or "birth pains" in Matthew 24:8. They indicate that the world is moving towards its appointed end, but they are not the final climax. Jesus' teaching emphasizes a sequence of events, with these conflicts being early indicators rather than the ultimate culmination. Believers are called to be watchful and discerning, but not to assume the immediate arrival of the absolute end based solely on these signs.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 24:6, while detailing the turmoil preceding the end, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, as the "Prince of Peace" prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, came to bring true peace—not merely the absence of conflict, but reconciliation with God. Even as He foretold a world filled with strife, He promised His disciples a peace that the world cannot give, declaring in 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." This inner peace, the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (as described in Philippians 4:7), is available to believers through their relationship with Him, even amidst the very wars and rumors He predicted. Ultimately, the "end" that is "not yet" in Matthew 24:6 points to Christ's triumphant return, when He will definitively put an end to all conflict and suffering, establishing His eternal kingdom where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, as revealed in Revelation 21:4. Thus, Christ is not only the foreteller of these signs but also the sovereign Lord who orchestrates them and the ultimate source of peace and victory over them.