What Is the Great 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.
Key verse: Matthew 24:21 (KJV)
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on earth, described primarily in Revelation, preceding Christ's return.
The Great Tribulation is a future period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on earth, described primarily in Revelation, preceding 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
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus warned of a coming time of trouble 'such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be' (Matthew 24:21). Revelation 6-19 describes this period in detail: seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls of divine judgment poured out on the earth. Events include widespread war, famine, plague, cosmic disturbances, the rise of the Antichrist and False Prophet, the mark of the beast, and the persecution of believers. The tribulation serves multiple purposes in God's plan: it judges unrepentant humanity, purifies believing Israel, breaks Satan's power, and prepares the world for Christ's millennial reign. Christians differ on whether the church will experience the tribulation (post-tribulation view), be removed before it (pre-tribulation rapture), or be taken at its midpoint. Daniel's prophecy of 70 weeks (Daniel 9:24-27) provides the chronological framework many scholars use. The tribulation ends with the battle of Armageddon and Christ's glorious return.
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."
"And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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 Tribulation?
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
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 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 Mark of the Beast (666)?
The mark of the beast is a future identifier described in Revelation 13 that the Antichrist will require for buying and selling — associated with the number 666.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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