Matthew 24:8

KJV

All these [are] the beginning of sorrows.

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G1161}{G3956} these {G5023} are the beginning {G746} of sorrows {G5604}.

Complete Jewish Bible

all this is but the beginning of the `birth pains.'

Berean Standard Bible

All these are the beginning of birth pains.

American Standard Version

But all these things are the beginning of travail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:8 serves as a pivotal summary statement within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, clarifying the nature of the tumultuous global events He has just described. Rather than signaling the immediate culmination of history, these escalating signs—including wars, famines, and earthquakes—are presented as the initial stages of a prophetic process, akin to the intensifying contractions of labor pains. This verse underscores that while the world will experience increasing distress, these occurrences are not the end in themselves but divinely purposed precursors, indicating the approaching climax of the age and the glorious return of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:8 immediately follows Jesus' enumeration of various signs that would precede His second coming and the end of the age. In response to the disciples' direct inquiry in [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - The Disciples' Question About the End"), Jesus begins by warning against deception and then lists a series of global disturbances: false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, as detailed in [Matthew 24:4-7](/matthew/24-4-7 "Matthew 24:4-7 - Initial Signs of the End"). Verse 8 acts as a crucial interpretative key, clarifying that these widespread and intensifying troubles are not the final act but merely the "beginning" of a larger, more intense period of tribulation. This sets the stage for the more severe trials described later in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been familiar with the concept of "birth pangs" or "Messianic woes" (Hebrew: _chevlei Mashiach_) from Old Testament prophetic traditions and intertestamental literature. This metaphor described the period of intense suffering, tribulation, and upheaval that was expected to precede the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His glorious kingdom. Prophets like Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Travail Pains of Judgment")) and Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 30:6-7](/jeremiah/30-6-7 "Jeremiah 30:6-7 - Jacob's Trouble")) used the imagery of a woman in labor to depict the anguish and distress that would accompany God's judgment and the dawning of a new era. By employing this familiar imagery, Jesus communicates that the initial signs He listed are part of a divinely ordained, painful, but ultimately purposeful process leading to the "birth" of the new age.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:8 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader eschatological teaching of the New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Eschatological Progression**, emphasizing that the end times are not a single event but a process marked by escalating signs. The "beginning of sorrows" indicates a gradual intensification of global distress, moving towards a climactic conclusion. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Chaos**, assuring believers that even in the midst of widespread turmoil, God remains in control, and these events are unfolding according to His predetermined plan. They are not random occurrences but purposeful indicators. Thirdly, the verse introduces the profound **Metaphor of Birth Pangs**, a recurring theme in biblical prophecy that signifies a period of intense suffering and tribulation that precedes a glorious new beginning, much like the pain of childbirth precedes the joy of a new life. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans in Travail"), where creation itself groans in anticipation of its redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **All (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word (G3956) is comprehensive, encompassing every single one of the preceding signs Jesus listed: false Christs, wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. It emphasizes that these are not isolated incidents but a collective and widespread phenomenon, indicating a global state of affairs. The cumulative effect of "all these" points to a pervasive and undeniable pattern of distress.
* **Beginning (Greek, _archḗ'_):** The term (G746) signifies a commencement, a starting point, or the initial stage of something. It is crucial for understanding the chronological placement of these events. Jesus explicitly states that these signs are not the end itself, nor the Great Tribulation, but merely the *initiation* of the prophetic process leading to the end. This distinction is vital, as it prevents misinterpretation of these early signs as the final culmination.
* **Sorrows (Greek, _ōdín'_):** This is the most profound and significant word in the verse (G5604). While translated as "sorrows" in the KJV, its primary meaning is "birth pangs," "labor pains," or "travail." This powerful **metaphor** conveys several layers of meaning:
1. **Intensity:** Just as labor pains increase in frequency and severity, so too will these global disturbances escalate.
2. **Purpose:** Like birth pangs, which are painful but purposeful, leading to the birth of a new life, these "sorrows" are purposeful. They are part of God's plan to bring forth a new age, the kingdom of God in its fullness.
3. **Inevitable Outcome:** The pains indicate that the "birth" is coming, signifying the inevitability of Christ's return and the establishment of His reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these":** This phrase serves as a collective reference to the specific calamities Jesus has just enumerated in [Matthew 24:4-7](/matthew/24-4-7 "Matthew 24:4-7 - Initial Signs of the End"). It highlights the comprehensive nature of the signs—false prophets, wars, famines, and natural disasters—that will characterize the period leading up to the end. The use of "all" underscores that these are not isolated incidents but a pervasive and interconnected pattern of global distress.
* **"[are] the beginning":** This clause clarifies the temporal significance of the preceding events. Jesus explicitly states that these are merely the *start* or *commencement* of a larger prophetic process. They are not the final tribulation or the immediate return of Christ, but rather the initial phase, a prelude to more intense events to come. This provides a crucial interpretive framework, preventing premature declarations of the end based on these early signs.
* **"of sorrows":** This is the most evocative and theologically rich part of the verse. The Greek word for "sorrows" (ōdín) literally means "birth pangs" or "labor pains." This powerful **metaphor** communicates that the escalating global disturbances are akin to the contractions a woman experiences before childbirth. These pains are intense, increasing in frequency and severity, yet they are purposeful, leading to a glorious "birth"—the full establishment of God's kingdom and the return of Christ. It implies that while the process will be painful, it ultimately culminates in joy and new creation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 24:8 is **Metaphor**. The phrase "beginning of sorrows" translates the Greek _archē ōdinōn_, which powerfully uses the **metaphor** of "birth pangs" or "labor pains." This imagery is deeply significant, conveying that the global calamities Jesus describes are not random or aimless suffering, but rather purposeful and escalating events that precede a glorious "birth"—the dawning of the new age and the return of the Messiah. Just as a woman's labor pains intensify and become more frequent as childbirth approaches, so too will these signs of the end grow in severity and regularity. This metaphor also implies a sense of inevitability and a teleological purpose: the pain is temporary and leads to a joyful outcome. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse sets the stage for the more intense and specific descriptions of the Great Tribulation that follow later in the discourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:8 profoundly shapes our understanding of eschatology, presenting a picture of the end times not as a sudden, singular event, but as a progressive unfolding marked by increasing intensity. The "beginning of sorrows" teaches that suffering and upheaval in the world are not outside of God's sovereign plan but are, in fact, part of His ordained process leading to the culmination of history and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This perspective encourages believers to view global turmoil not with despair, but with a discerning eye, recognizing these "birth pangs" as signs that the "birth" of a new, redeemed creation is drawing near. It underscores the biblical theme that glory often follows suffering, and that God uses even the most difficult circumstances to bring about His ultimate purposes, preparing the way for the full revelation of His Son.
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation Groans in Travail")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "Sudden Destruction Like Labor Pains")
* [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Travail Pains of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:8 provides a crucial framework for believers navigating a world increasingly marked by global crises, conflicts, and natural disasters. Instead of succumbing to fear or panic when confronted with these "sorrows," we are called to spiritual discernment and steadfast hope. Understanding these events as "birth pangs" transforms our perspective: they are not arbitrary chaos but purposeful signals of God's unfolding plan, indicating that the time of Christ's glorious return is drawing nearer. This should motivate us to live with greater urgency, vigilance, and faithfulness. It compels us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, to deepen our reliance on God's sovereignty, and to actively participate in His mission of spreading the Gospel, knowing that the "birth" of the new age will bring ultimate redemption and peace. Our response should be one of prayer, perseverance, and passionate proclamation, living as lights in a darkening world, confident in the coming King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "birth pangs" metaphor in Matthew 24:8 shape our perspective on current global events and personal trials?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate spiritual vigilance and discernment in light of these prophetic signs?**
* **How can we maintain and share hope with others when the world seems to be experiencing increasing "sorrows"?**

### FAQ
**Are these "sorrows" a sign that the end of the world is happening right now?**

Answer: No, Jesus explicitly states that "all these are the beginning of sorrows." The Greek word for "beginning" (archē) signifies a commencement or initial stage, not the culmination. While these events indicate that we are living in the prophetic period leading up to the end, they are precursors, like the first contractions of labor, not the final delivery. The Olivet Discourse continues to describe more intense events that will follow these initial signs, culminating in the Great Tribulation and then Christ's return (e.g., [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")). Therefore, these "sorrows" are a sign of the *approaching* end, not the immediate end itself.

**How should believers respond to the increasing frequency and intensity of these "sorrows" in the world?**

Answer: Believers are called to respond not with fear or despair, but with spiritual discernment, vigilance, and unwavering faith. Jesus' purpose in sharing these signs was to prepare His disciples, not to terrify them. We should recognize these events as indicators of God's unfolding plan, prompting us to draw closer to Him in prayer, to live lives of holiness, and to redouble our efforts in sharing the Gospel. As [Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Your Redemption Draws Near") encourages, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." It is a call to spiritual readiness and steadfast hope, knowing that our ultimate redemption is approaching.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:8, with its powerful imagery of "birth pangs," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus and the coming of His kingdom. Just as a woman endures the pain of labor to bring forth new life, Christ Himself endured the ultimate "sorrows" on the cross, suffering the pangs of death and separation from God, to "birth" a new creation and a redeemed humanity. His resurrection is the glorious "birth" of new life, inaugurating the new covenant and securing the promise of eternal life for all who believe. The ongoing "sorrows" of the world, therefore, are not meaningless suffering but are part of the larger cosmic "groaning" described in [Romans 8:18-25](/romans/8-18-25 "Romans 8:18-25 - Future Glory and Creation's Hope"), where creation itself eagerly awaits its liberation and the full revelation of the children of God. These birth pangs are leading to the glorious "birth" of the new heavens and new earth, a reality fully established at Christ's second coming, where He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the "beginning of sorrows" ultimately points to the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus, who will bring forth the consummation of His kingdom, transforming all suffering into everlasting joy.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Deuteronomy 28:59

Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, [even] great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

Isaiah 9:17

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Isaiah 10:4

Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Leviticus 26:18

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.