Matthew 24:7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

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} famines {G3042}, and {G2532} pestilences {G3061}, and {G2532} earthquakes {G4578}, in divers {G2596} places {G5117}.

For peoples will fight each other, nations will fight each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various parts of the world;

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 24:7 is part of Jesus' extensive prophecy known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In this discourse, Jesus responds to their questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. This verse, along with its immediate surroundings (Matthew 24:6-8), describes a series of global tribulations that Jesus identifies as "the beginning of sorrows," or "birth pangs," signaling the approach of His return but not the immediate end itself.

Key Themes

  • Global Conflict: The phrase "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" vividly portrays widespread geopolitical unrest and warfare. This indicates a period of escalating international and internal conflicts, suggesting a world increasingly embroiled in disputes.
  • Natural Calamities: Jesus specifically mentions "famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." These are devastating natural and health-related disasters that bring widespread suffering.
    • Famines: Periods of severe food shortage, often leading to widespread starvation.
    • Pestilences: Widespread diseases or epidemics (like plagues) that claim many lives.
    • Earthquakes: Geological disturbances that cause destruction and loss of life.
  • Widespread but Localized: The phrase "in divers places" (Greek: kata topous) implies that these events will be widespread across the globe, occurring in various locations, rather than being a single, universal event at any one time.
  • "Beginning of Sorrows": As stated in Matthew 24:8, these events are likened to labor pains—increasing in frequency and intensity, but still preceding the actual birth. They serve as clear indicators for believers to be watchful and understand the times.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "nation" for the Greek word ethnos (ἔθνος), which can refer to an ethnic group, tribe, or nation. The phrase "nation shall rise against nation" therefore encompasses conflicts not only between political states but also between distinct peoples or ethnic groups. The term "pestilences" translates the Greek word loimos (λοιμός), meaning "plague" or "pestilence," referring to widespread infectious diseases. While some ancient manuscripts omit loimos in this specific verse, its inclusion in the KJV reflects a strong textual tradition and aligns perfectly with the context of widespread human suffering.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:7 serves as a profound call to spiritual awareness and perseverance for believers. It reminds us that global instability, natural disasters, and widespread disease are not random occurrences but are part of a larger prophetic framework. Instead of causing fear, these signs should prompt Christians to:

  • Be Watchful: Understand the times and remain spiritually alert, as Jesus commands in Matthew 24:42.
  • Live Faithfully: Persevere in faith and good works, knowing that God remains sovereign amidst chaos.
  • Share the Gospel: Recognize the urgency of spreading the message of hope in Christ, especially as the world faces increasing turmoil. These events can open hearts to the need for a Savior.
These "birth pangs" are a reminder that God's plan is unfolding and that ultimately, a new heaven and a new earth await those who trust in Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 21:11

    And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

  • Revelation 6:8

    And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

  • 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.

  • Zechariah 14:13

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.

  • Acts 11:28

    And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:6

    And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

  • Revelation 6:12

    And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
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