For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

MATTHEW 24:21KJV
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Matthew 24:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:21 mean?

Matthew 24:21 describes a time of suffering and distress that will be greater than anything the world has experienced before or will ever experience again. Jesus is warning that a unique and unmatched period of trouble is coming, unlike any previous hardship in history.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, responding to their questions about the future and the end of the age. He emphasizes the seriousness and singular nature of the coming tribulation, highlighting that it will surpass all previous disasters or crises. This warning is part of a larger conversation where Jesus prepares His followers for difficult times ahead.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:21

  • The word "tribulation" is θλῖψις (thlipsis), which means intense pressure, distress, or suffering. This word points to more than just general hardship; it suggests a time of severe and overwhelming trouble.
  • The word "great" is μεγάλη (megalē, from μέγας/megas), meaning large, intense, or extraordinary. The Greek here stresses that the tribulation will not just be severe, but truly exceptional in its scale.
  • The phrase "since the beginning of the world" uses κόσμος (kosmos) for "world," which often refers to the entire created order. This highlights that the coming tribulation is being compared to all of human history, not just a local or recent event.

Why Matthew 24:21 matters

  • Matthew 24:21 clarifies that Jesus is not describing an ordinary time of trouble, but a uniquely severe period that stands out from all others in history.
  • This verse helps readers understand the seriousness of Jesus’ warnings in the wider passage, showing that He is preparing His followers for something unprecedented.
  • By comparing the tribulation to all of history, Matthew 24:21 connects Jesus’ words to the larger biblical story, emphasizing the significance of what is to come and why His followers should pay close attention.

Where else these words appear

“as” Greek G3634 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • 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.

“tribulation” 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.

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“ever” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.