And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

MATTHEW 24:14KJV
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Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:14 mean?

Matthew 24:14 says that the message about God's kingdom will be announced throughout the entire world as a testimony to every nation, and only after that will the end come. This verse connects the worldwide spread of the gospel with the timing of the end that Jesus is describing.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about the future and the "end of the age." He explains that before the end arrives, the good news about God's reign must reach all peoples, making it clear that the gospel's global proclamation is a key event in God's plan.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:14

  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news" or "message of good tidings." Here, it refers specifically to the announcement about God's kingdom, not just any good message.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, "kingdom"): This term points to God's rule or reign, not just a physical place. The focus is on God's authority being made known.
  • οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē, "world"): This word often means the inhabited world or the known world at the time, not necessarily every corner of the globe as we think of it today. It highlights the broad reach intended for the message.
  • μαρτύριον (martyrion, "witness"): This means a testimony or evidence. The gospel being preached is described as a witness to all nations, showing that its proclamation itself is a sign and evidence to the world.

Why Matthew 24:14 matters

  • Matthew 24:14 clarifies that the spread of the gospel is not just a side effect of Christian activity but a central part of God's plan before the end comes.
  • The verse helps prevent confusion about the "end" by showing it is not random or immediate, but follows the worldwide witness of the gospel.
  • This verse connects the disciples' mission to a much larger story, linking their work to God's global purpose and the fulfillment of Jesus' words about the future.

Where else these words appear

“world” Greek G3625 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

“witness” Greek G3142 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

“come” Greek G2240 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
  • Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.