What Is the Great Tribulation — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 24:21, sits inside Matthew 24. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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