For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

MARK 13:19KJV
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Mark 13:19 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:19 mean?

Mark 13:19 describes a time of suffering so severe that nothing like it has ever happened since the world was created, nor will it ever happen again. This verse emphasizes the unmatched intensity of the hardship that will take place during those days.

In this part of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, warning them of a coming period of great distress. The setting is a private conversation on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus is answering questions about the end times and the destruction of the temple. The verse uses strong language to stress just how extraordinary and unprecedented this time of trouble will be.

The Greek behind Mark 13:19

  • The word for "affliction" is θλῖψις (thlipsis), which often means intense pressure, distress, or suffering. Here, it highlights the extreme nature of the hardship being described.
  • The phrase "from the beginning" uses ἀπὸ ἀρχῆς (apo archēs), pointing all the way back to the very start of creation. This underscores that the coming suffering is unmatched in all of history.
  • The word for "creation" is κτίσις (ktisis), meaning everything that has been made. This makes clear that the suffering will be greater than anything experienced by all of creation, not just humanity.

Why Mark 13:19 matters

  • Mark 13:19 makes it clear that the suffering Jesus describes is not just another difficult period, but something unique in all of history, which helps readers understand the seriousness of His warning.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus prepares His followers for future challenges, showing that He wants them to be aware and not caught off guard.
  • By comparing the coming affliction to all of creation’s history, the verse emphasizes the need for watchfulness and trust, setting the stage for the hope and endurance Jesus will later encourage.

Where else these words appear

“as” Greek G3634 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Romans 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
  • Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

“created” Greek G2936 · used in 12 verses

  • Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
  • Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
  • Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

“creation” Greek G2937 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
  • Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

“affliction” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.