Matthew 24:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} ye shall {G3195} hear {G191} of wars {G4171} and {G2532} rumours {G189} of wars {G4171}: see {G3708} that ye be {G2360} not {G3361} troubled {G2360}: for {G1063} all {G3956} these things must {G1163} come to pass {G1096}, but {G235} the end {G5056} is {G2076} not yet {G3768}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom"). This discourse was prompted by the disciples' two-part question in [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions About the End"): "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](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - The Beginning of Sorrows"). 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](/matthew/24-2 "Matthew 24:2 - Prediction of Temple Destruction"), 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](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _throéō'_):** 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.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** 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.
* **end (Greek, _télos'_):** 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.

* [Matthew 24:8](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - The Beginning of Sorrows"): "All these are the beginning of sorrows." This verse immediately follows, clarifying that wars are just the initial stage, like birth pains.
* [Mark 13:7](/mark/13-7 "Mark 13:7 - Wars and Rumours of Wars"): "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." A direct parallel account in Mark's Gospel, reinforcing the message.
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace"): "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." Jesus' broader teaching on peace, directly echoing the command not to be troubled.

### 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
* **How does the command "see that ye be not troubled" challenge your natural reactions to global crises and news of conflict?**
* **In what ways can understanding God's sovereignty over these foretold events strengthen your faith and provide inner peace?**
* **How might this verse motivate you to live with greater urgency and purpose in sharing the Gospel, rather than being paralyzed by fear?**

### FAQ
**Does 'wars and rumours of wars' signify the immediate end of the world?**

Answer: 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](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - The Beginning of Sorrows"). 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](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), 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](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace"), "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](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), 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](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow"). 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.

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

Mark 13:7

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.

Mark 13:8

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.

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.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

John 14:1

¶ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Isaiah 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.