What Is the Great Tribulation?
What Is the Great Tribulation? The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering described by Jesus and Revelation — God's final judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
Key verse: Matthew 24:21 (KJV)
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering described by Jesus and Revelation — God's final judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering described by Jesus and Revelation — God's final judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
"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 24:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Jesus warned, '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 24:21). Daniel 12:1 prophesied 'a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.' Revelation 6-18 describes this period in detail: seal judgments (chapter 6), trumpet judgments (chapters 8-9), and bowl judgments (chapter 16) — escalating catastrophes including war, famine, pestilence, cosmic disturbances, and demonic activity. The Antichrist rises to power (Revelation 13), demanding worship and persecuting believers. Many scholars identify this as a seven-year period based on Daniel's 70th week (Daniel 9:27), with the 'great' tribulation being the final three and a half years. Despite the horror, multitudes come to faith: 'A great multitude, which no man could number' (Revelation 7:9). The tribulation ends with Christ's glorious return: 'Immediately after the tribulation of those days... they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory' (Matthew 24:29-30).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The End Times?
What the Bible teaches about prophecy, the second coming of Christ, and the end of the world.
Key Scripture References
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
"These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
"There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Tribulation?
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
What Does the Bible Say About the Antichrist?
The Bible describes a coming world leader empowered by Satan who will oppose Christ, deceive the nations, demand worship, and be destroyed at Christ's return.
What Does the Bible Say About the End of the World?
The Bible describes the end of the present age through Christ's return, judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.
What Is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the event when Christ returns to catch up believers — both living and dead — to meet Him in the air.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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