Mark 13:8
What does Mark 13:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:8 means
Jesus further detailed the nature of the unrest, stating that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." In addition to these widespread conflicts, there would be localized "earthquakes in divers places" and "famines." He characterized these calamitous events as "the beginning of travail" or birth pains. Just as birth pains intensify before a child is born, these escalating global and natural disasters signify the increasing intensity of suffering and the nearing arrival of the new age, culminating in His return.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Nation will go to war with nation, and kingdom with kingdom: there will be earth-shocks in different places; there will be times when there is no food; these things are the first of the troubles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles; beginnings of sorrows <FI>are<Fi> these.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places and famines. These things are the beginning of sorrows.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in [different] places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these things [are the] beginnings of throes.
Context
This verse expands on the general mention of wars from verse 7, adding specific details like national conflicts, earthquakes, and famines. It provides a clearer picture of the worldwide disturbances that will characterize the period before the end. By describing these as "the beginning of travail," Jesus places them in a progressive sequence, leading the reader to anticipate even greater tribulations and more specific signs in the subsequent verses.
v.7And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.
v.8This passage
v.9But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 14:13
And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.
- Isaiah 19:2
And I will stir up the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbor; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:3
When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape.
- Haggai 2:22
and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
- Isaiah 37:3
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of contumely; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
- Psalms 48:6
Trembling took hold of them there, Pain, as of a woman in travail.
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