Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:12

What does Matthew 24:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:12 means

Jesus explains a crucial consequence of widespread sin: "And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold." This verse links the increase of lawlessness and moral decay directly to a decline in genuine love, indicating spiritual erosion that affects believers' relationships with God and one another. It's a sobering warning that the environment of sin can chill the warmest hearts, underscoring the constant need for personal vigilance and a renewed commitment to Christ's command to love.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And because wrongdoing will be increased, the love of most people will become cold.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and because of the abounding of the lawlessness, the love of the many shall become cold;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and because lawlessness shall prevail, the love of the most shall grow cold;

Context

This verse profoundly reveals the spiritual impact of the preceding warnings, specifically connecting the multiplication of iniquity to a chilling of love among many. It identifies a key internal struggle for believers during the tribulation, highlighting the spiritual battle for their hearts and leading into the encouragement of endurance amidst these challenging conditions.

v.11And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.

v.12This passage

v.13But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 2:10

    Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

  • Revelation 2:4

    But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.

  • James 4:1

    Whence comewars and whence come fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your pleasures that war in your members?

  • James 5:1

    Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Revelation 3:15

    I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

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