What Is the Abomination of Desolation?
What Is the Abomination of Desolation? The abomination of desolation is a defiling act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus as a sign of the end times.
Key verse: Daniel 9:27 (KJV)
The abomination of desolation is a defiling act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus as a sign of the end times.
The abomination of desolation is a defiling act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus as a sign of the end times.
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate." — Daniel 9:27 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The phrase 'abomination of desolation' originates in the book of Daniel, where it describes an act of sacrilege that would cause the temple to be desolate. Many see a partial fulfillment in 167 BC, when the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes erected a statue of Zeus in the Jerusalem temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar. Jesus, however, speaks of a still-future abomination of desolation, telling His disciples that when they see it standing in the holy place, they should flee to the mountains. Most futurist interpreters connect this with the Antichrist desecrating a rebuilt temple in the final years before Christ's return, as Paul describes in 2 Thessalonians. Whatever the exact form, it is the climactic act of rebellion that triggers the great tribulation.
Key Scripture References
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate."
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place... Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains."
"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Is the Antichrist?
The Antichrist is a future world leader who will oppose Christ, deceive the nations, and demand worship during the tribulation.
What Is the Great Tribulation?
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on earth, described primarily in Revelation, preceding Christ's return.
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.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Are the Signs of the End Times?
End Times
What Are the Signs of the End Times?
End Times
Bible Verses About the End Times
10 curated KJV verses
Revelation 21:1 Commentary
In-depth study • End Times & Eternity
1 Thessalonians 4:16 Commentary
In-depth study • End Times & Eternity
What Does the Bible Say About the End of the World?
End Times
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Daniel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Daniel on day 257 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Abomination of Desolation?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.