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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 24:21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/40_Mat_24_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 24:21 - The Abomination of Desolation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/24-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/24-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/24-20.htm" title="Matthew 24:20">◄</a> Matthew 24:21 <a href="/matthew/24-22.htm" title="Matthew 24:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/24.htm">New International Version</a> For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. <a href="/nlt/matthew/24.htm">New Living Translation</a> For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. <a href="/esv/matthew/24.htm">English Standard Version</a> For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. <a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For at that time there will be great tribulation, unseen from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. <a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, and never shall be. <a href="/kjv/matthew/24.htm">King James Bible</a> For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/24.htm">New King James Version</a> For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. <a href="/nasb/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall. <a href="/lsb/matthew/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. <a href="/amp/matthew/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again]. <a href="/csb/matthew/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For at that time there will be great tribulation, the kind that hasn&#8217t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again! <a href="/asv/matthew/24.htm">American Standard Version</a> for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. <a href="/cev/matthew/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This will be the worst time of suffering since the beginning of the world, and nothing this terrible will ever happen again. <a href="/erv/matthew/24.htm">English Revised Version</a> for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. <a href="/gwt/matthew/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> There will be a lot of misery at that time, a kind of misery that has not happened from the beginning of the world until now and will certainly never happen again. <a href="/gnt/matthew/24.htm">Good News Translation</a> For the trouble at that time will be far more terrible than any there has ever been, from the beginning of the world to this very day. Nor will there ever be anything like it again. <a href="/isv/matthew/24.htm">International Standard Version</a> because at that time there will be great suffering, the kind that hasn't happened from the beginning of the world until now and certainly won't ever happen again. <a href="/msb/matthew/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. <a href="/net/matthew/24.htm">NET Bible</a> For then there will be great suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the world until now, or ever will happen. <a href="/nheb/matthew/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. <a href="/wbt/matthew/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. <a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> for it will be a time of great suffering, such as never has been from the beginning of the world till now, and assuredly never will be again. <a href="/web/matthew/24.htm">World English Bible</a> for then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for there will then be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor may be. <a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, and never shall be. <a href="/ylt/matthew/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for there shall be then great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world till now, no, nor may be. <a href="/slt/matthew/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For then shall be great pressure, such as has not been from the beginning of the world till now, nor should be.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For there shall be then great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, neither shall be. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until the present, and such as will not be. <a href="/nabre/matthew/24.htm">New American Bible</a> for at that time there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will be. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For then will be great suffering, such as has never happened from the beginning of the world until now, and never will be again. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/24.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For then there will be great suffering, which has not been from the beginning of the world even until now, neither will be.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/24.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> for then shall be great affliction, such as has not been from the beginning of the world till now, nor shall ever be. <a href="/godbey/matthew/24.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world even until now nor ever may be.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/24.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For then the tribulation will be great, such as never was from the beginning of the world, and never more shall be. <a href="/mace/matthew/24.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the desolation will be so dreadful, the like was never seen since the beginning of the world, no, nor ever shall be again. <a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> for it will be a time of great suffering, such as never has been from the beginning of the world till now, and assuredly never will be again. <a href="/worrell/matthew/24.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>for then will be great tribulation, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now; no, nor ever shall be.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/24.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>for there shall be then great affliction, such as has not been from the beginning of the world unto this time, no, nor ever shall be.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/24-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7199" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">The Abomination of Desolation</a> …20Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. 21<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">at that time</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there will be</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megalē (Adj-NFS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/2347.htm" title="2347: thlipsis (N-NFS) -- Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.">tribulation,</a> <a href="/greek/3634.htm" title="3634: hoia (RelPro-NFS) -- Probably akin to ho, hos, and hosos; such or what sort of; especially the neuter with negative, not so.">unmatched</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonen (V-RIA-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">of the world</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">until</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now,</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oud’ (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">never</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">to be seen again.</a> 22If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Daniel 12:1</a> “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. <a href="/revelation/7-14.htm">Revelation 7:14</a> “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. <a href="/joel/2-2.htm">Joel 2:2</a> a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. <a href="/jeremiah/30-7.htm">Jeremiah 30:7</a> How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it. <a href="/revelation/16-18.htm">Revelation 16:18</a> And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake. <a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Mark 13:19</a> For those will be days of tribulation unseen from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never to be seen again. <a href="/luke/21-23.htm">Luke 21:23-24</a> How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. / They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Revelation 3:10</a> Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. <a href="/isaiah/13-9.htm">Isaiah 13:9-13</a> Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it. / For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. / I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. ... <a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Zephaniah 1:15-18</a> That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, / a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers. / I will bring such distress on mankind that they will walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung. ... <a href="/ezekiel/5-9.htm">Ezekiel 5:9</a> Because of all your abominations, I will do to you what I have never done before and will never do again. <a href="/daniel/9-26.htm">Daniel 9:26</a> Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Revelation 6:15-17</a> Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” <a href="/isaiah/24-1.htm">Isaiah 24:1-6</a> Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— / people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. / The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word. ... <a href="/amos/5-18.htm">Amos 5:18-20</a> Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. / It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. / Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.<a href="/psalms/69-22.htm">Psalm 69:22-28</a> Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap… <a href="/isaiah/65-12.htm">Isaiah 65:12-16</a> Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not… <a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15,16</a> For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/matthew/8-6.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-25.htm">Equaled</a> <a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Occurred</a> <a href="/matthew/24-9.htm">Oppression</a> <a href="/matthew/22-13.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Start</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/matthew/24-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/24-9.htm">Tribulation</a> <a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Unequaled</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/27-54.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/mark/1-1.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Equaled</a> <a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Occurred</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Oppression</a> <a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/luke/9-4.htm">Start</a> <a href="/mark/1-32.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/matthew/24-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Tribulation</a> <a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Unequaled</a> <a href="/matthew/24-31.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 24</div>1. <a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">what and how great calamities shall be before it;</a> 29. <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">the signs of his coming to judgment.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">And because that day and hour are unknown,</a> 42. <a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For at that time This phrase indicates a specific period in the future, often interpreted as the end times or the Great Tribulation. It is a continuation of Jesus' discourse on the Mount of Olives, where He discusses the signs of the end of the age. The timing is crucial, as it follows the abomination of desolation mentioned earlier in the chapter, which is a key prophetic marker.there will be great tribulation The term "great tribulation" refers to a period of intense suffering and distress. This is a time of unprecedented hardship, often associated with the final judgment and the wrath of God. It is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in <a href="/daniel/12.htm">Daniel 12:1</a>, which speak of a time of trouble unlike any other. The tribulation is characterized by both natural and supernatural events that will affect the entire world.unseen from the beginning of the world until now This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the tribulation. It suggests that no event in history, no matter how catastrophic, can compare to what will occur during this time. This echoes the language used in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/joel/2-2.htm">Joel 2:2</a>, which describes a day of darkness and gloom that has never been seen before. It underscores the severity and uniqueness of the tribulation period.and never to be seen again The finality of this phrase indicates that the tribulation is a one-time event in human history. It will not be repeated, highlighting its significance in God's redemptive plan. This aligns with the prophetic literature that speaks of a definitive end to human suffering and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as seen in <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>, where God promises to wipe away every tear and eliminate death and pain forever.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is addressing His disciples on the Mount of Olives, providing them with insights into future events. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' discourse, they are seeking understanding about the signs of the end times and the coming of the kingdom. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_mount_of_olives.htm">The Mount of Olives</a> The location where Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, a significant place in biblical prophecy and eschatology. 4. <a href="/topical/g/great_tribulation.htm">Great Tribulation</a> A period of unprecedented suffering and distress that Jesus describes, which will occur before His second coming. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Refers to the entire human experience and history, emphasizing the global impact of the tribulation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophecy.htm">Understanding Prophecy</a> Recognize the importance of biblical prophecy in understanding God's plan for the world. Jesus' words in <a href="/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21</a> remind us to be vigilant and discerning about the times we live in. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_tribulation.htm">Preparation for Tribulation</a> As believers, we are called to prepare spiritually for times of trial and tribulation. This involves deepening our faith, strengthening our relationship with God, and supporting one another in the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ's_return.htm">Hope in Christ's Return</a> Despite the severity of the tribulation, Jesus' prophecy assures us of His ultimate return and victory. Our hope should be anchored in the promise of His second coming and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> The great tribulation challenges us to persevere in our faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to sustain us through difficult times. <a href="/topical/g/global_perspective.htm">Global Perspective</a> The prophecy of a global tribulation encourages us to pray for and support believers worldwide who may be experiencing persecution and hardship.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24</a> <a href="/q/is_matthew_24_21's_disaster_recorded.htm">Is the global disaster described in Matthew 24:21 supported by any record from history or science? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_tribulation.htm">What is the Tribulation?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_tribulation_saints.htm">Who are the Tribulation Saints?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_there_so_many_mass_shootings.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'Lift Up Your Heads'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Such as was not since the beginning . . .--The words come from <a href="/daniel/12-1.htm" title="And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.">Daniel 12:1</a>. One who reads the narrative of Josephus will hardly hesitate to adopt his language, "that all miseries that had been known from the beginning of the world fell short" of those of the siege of the Holy City (Wars, v. 13, ?? 4, 5). Other sieges may have witnessed, before and since, scenes of physical wretchedness equally appalling, but nothing that history records offers anything parallel to the alternations of fanatic hope and frenzied despair that attended the breaking up of the faith and polity of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Nor then. Jesus gives the reason why this precipitate flight (vers. 16-20) was rendered necessary at the moment spoken of in ver. 15. Great tribulation. The miseries suffered in the siege of Jerusalem were stupendous To the skilful and fierce attacks of the Romans from without were added from within dire famine and pestilence, dissensions, violence, and continual bloodshed and murder. Josephus estimates the number of those who fell in the siege and capture of Jerusalem at 1,000,000, the usual population being largely increased by the influx of pilgrims attending the Feast of the Passover, and by thousands of fugitives who had flocked in from the country (Josephus. 'Bell. Jud.,' 6:09, 3). He adds that 97,000 were carried away captive during and after the war. Such as was not...nor ever shall be (<a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Daniel 12:1</a>). This is not mere hyperbole, but sober fact. Josephus ('Bell. Jud.,' Pro锟絤. 4) himself bears similar testimony: "Of all the cities under the dominion of Rome, ours was once the most happy, and afterwards the most utterly miserable. For the misfortunes of all the nations upon earth that have ever happened, if they are compared with the calamities to which the Jews were exposed, will, in my opinion, fall far short." Chrysostom sums up the matter thus: "Whence came there thus upon them wrath from God intolerable, and more sore than all that had befallen aforetime, not in Judaea only, but in any part of the world? Is it not quite clear that it was for the deed of the cross and for this rejection? Mark, I pray thee, the exceeding greatness of the ills, when not only compared with the time before, they appear more grievous, but also with all the time to come. For not in all the world, neither in all time that is past, and that is to come, shall any one be able to say such ills have been. And very naturally; for neither had any man perpetrated, not of these that ever have been, nor those to come hereafter, a deed so wicked and horrible" ('Hom.,' in loc.). The "affliction" spoken of refers not only to bodily sufferings, but to that anguish of mind occasioned by acute apprehension and. expectation of danger, such as was felt in the days before the Flood, and at the time of the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/24-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. at that time τότε (tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. there will be ἔσται (estai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. great μεγάλη (megalē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. tribulation, θλῖψις (thlipsis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2347.htm">Strong's 2347: </a> Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure. unmatched οἵα (hoia) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3634.htm">Strong's 3634: </a> Probably akin to ho, hos, and hosos; such or what sort of; especially the neuter with negative, not so. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. [the] beginning ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. of [the] world κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). until ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. now, νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. [and] οὐδ’ (oud’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. never οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. to be [seen again]. γένηται (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/24-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great oppression (Matt. 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