Matthew 24:7
What does Matthew 24:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 24:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 24:7 means
Expanding on the theme of global unrest, Jesus details specific manifestations: "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." He also adds that there will be "famines and earthquakes in divers places." These widespread calamities, affecting both human society and the natural world, are not isolated incidents but integrated parts of the unfolding last days. They signify increasing global instability and natural disasters, acting as clear indicators of a world in transition toward the ultimate culmination, yet still distinct from the end itself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For nation will be moved against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and men will be without food, and the earth will be shaking in different places;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in places.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places.
Context
This verse elaborates on the 'wars and rumors of wars' mentioned previously, providing more precise details about the scope of geopolitical and natural disruptions. These specific examples of distress further clarify the nature of the 'beginning of travail' that Jesus is describing, setting the scene for an overarching summary in the very next verse regarding the collective significance of these signs.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 24:19
The earth is utterly broken, the earth is rent asunder, the earth is shaken violently.
- Luke 21:25
And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows;
- Ezekiel 21:27
I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this also shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.
- Acts 11:28
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.
- Acts 2:19
And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:
- Zechariah 14:2
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 24
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 24.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Perseverance
Perseverance is a Christian virtue, a steadfastness in faith and obedience that endures through trials and hardships, trusting in God’s unfailing strength and promises.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Second Coming
The second coming of Jesus Christ is a central hope of believers, signifying His return to earth in power and glory.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.