What Is the Tribulation?
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.
Key verse: Matthew 24:21 (KJV)
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine 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
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The Biblical Answer
The tribulation is described in detail in Revelation chapters 6-19 and prophesied in Daniel 9:27 as a final 'week' (seven years) of God's prophetic timeline. Jesus called it a time of 'great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be' (Matthew 24:21). During this period, God's wrath will be poured out on an unrepentant world through a series of seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments. The Antichrist will rise to global power, demand worship, and persecute those who refuse (Revelation 13). Despite the horror of these events, their purpose is redemptive — many will turn to Christ during the tribulation (Revelation 7:14). The period culminates in the Battle of Armageddon and Christ's victorious Second Coming. Christians debate whether the church will be raptured before, during, or after the tribulation, but all agree that God remains sovereign over history and will ultimately triumph over evil.
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."
"And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, 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 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."
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 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.
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 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.
What Is the Book of Revelation About?
Revelation is the final book of the Bible, containing prophetic visions of the end times, Christ's ultimate victory, and the new heaven and earth.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The last days, the antichrist, and the coming of the Lord.
Bible Verses About Tribulation
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About the End Times
10 curated KJV verses
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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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