Matthew 24:7

Matthew 24:7, in plain English

Jesus describes a world in turmoil: nations fighting nations, food shortages, and earthquakes in different places. The world will be shaken, but this is still not the end.

Why it's here

Every generation has seen these things, which is exactly Jesus' point. These troubles are ongoing features of a broken world, not necessarily the final act.

Who's speaking

Jesus describes the difficult conditions His followers will face in the world.

Where it sits in the story

It's a sobering picture, but Jesus shares it not to scare you but to prepare you. When you see these things, remember that He told you about them in advance.

The scholarly reading

Jesus lists specific signs of turmoil: nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines (limoi), and earthquakes (seismoi) in various places. This language echoes Isaiah 19:2 and 2 Chronicles 15:6, employing prophetic stock imagery for divine judgment.

Language and setting

The first century saw numerous famines (cf. Acts 11:28 under Claudius) and earthquakes (Pompeii, 62 AD; Laodicea, 60 AD). These are characteristic of the age between the advents.

Voice

Jesus continues prophesying the signs of the age using traditional prophetic language and imagery.

Significance

Jesus paints a picture of a world in upheaval: international conflict, food shortages, natural disasters. But these are symptoms, not the final diagnosis.

5For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

6You 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.

7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

8All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.