What Is the Great Tribulation — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is the Great Tribulation?" Actually Means
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).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 24:21
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Revelation 7:14
"These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Daniel 12:1
"There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Great Tribulation?
End Times
Tribulation vs. Great Tribulation — Are They the Same?
End Times
The Lake of Fire (Revelation 20)
The lake of fire is the final, eternal judgment for Satan, his angels, death, he
End Times & Prophecy Bible Quiz
The last days, the antichrist, and the coming of the Lord.
What Is the Tribulation?
End Times
Michael and the Dragon (Revelation 12)
Revelation 12 unveils war in heaven — Michael and his angels cast the dragon dow
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.