Matthew 24:9

Matthew 24:9, in plain English

Jesus warns that His followers will be handed over for persecution and killed, and will be hated by everyone because of their connection to Him. It's a hard truth, but He tells them in advance.

Why it's here

This has been true throughout Christian history. Followers of Jesus have faced opposition in every generation. Knowing this helps you stand firm when it happens.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks honestly about the cost of following Him, not to discourage but to prepare.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus doesn't sugarcoat what's ahead. Following Him comes with a price. But knowing it in advance means you won't be caught off guard.

The scholarly reading

Jesus prophesies direct persecution of His followers: 'they will deliver you' (paradōsousin) to tribulation (thlipsin) and death. The phrase 'hated by all nations' (ethōn) extends the persecution beyond Israel to a global scope, reflecting the universal spread of the gospel.

Language and setting

The early church experienced exactly this: Stephen was martyred (Acts 7), James was killed by Herod (Acts 12:2), and Roman persecution under Nero and later emperors fulfilled this prophecy repeatedly.

Voice

Jesus shifts from general world conditions to direct warnings about the persecution His followers will face.

Significance

Jesus prepares His disciples for the hardest truth: following Him will cost them. They will be hated, persecuted, and killed — not despite their faith but because of it.

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.

10At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,

11and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

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.