Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κηρυχθήσεται
shall be preached
G2784
κηρυχθήσεται
shall be preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
2 of 21
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ὅλῃ
all
G3650
ὅλῃ
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
9 of 21
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκουμένῃ
the world
G3625
οἰκουμένῃ
the world
Strong's:
G3625
Word #:
11 of 21
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μαρτύριον
a witness
G3142
μαρτύριον
a witness
Strong's:
G3142
Word #:
13 of 21
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
nations
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
16 of 21
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
18 of 21
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
Cross References
Revelation 14:6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,Romans 10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Matthew 10:7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.Matthew 9:35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:Matthew 24:6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.Ezekiel 7:10Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
Historical Context
This great commission precedes the end—Christ delays His return to allow gospel spread (2 Peter 3:9). The church's task is proclaiming Christ to every ethnos (people group). This verse motivated two millennia of missions. While interpretation debates exist (completed in 70 AD? future fulfillment?), the missionary imperative remains clear.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' linking the gospel's global spread with His return motivate your evangelism?
- What role are you playing in making disciples of all nations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' prophecy 'this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come' establishes worldwide evangelism before the end. 'Gospel of the kingdom' is the good news that Jesus is King and Savior. 'Preached in all the world' requires global missions—every nation must hear. 'For a witness' means testimony, not necessarily conversion. 'Then shall the end come' links Christ's return to completed evangelization, motivating missionary urgency.