Matthew 24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
3 of 18
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
μεγάλη
great
G3173
μεγάλη
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
5 of 18
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
οἵα
such as
G3634
οἵα
such as
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
6 of 18
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
γένηται
shall be
G1096
γένηται
shall be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπ'
since
G575
ἀπ'
since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
G746
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
10 of 18
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 18
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἕως
to this
G2193
ἕως
to this
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
12 of 18
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
time
G3568
νῦν
time
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
14 of 18
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
Cross References
Daniel 12:1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: 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, every one that shall be found written in the book.Joel 2:2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.Luke 21:24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:1 Thessalonians 2:16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.Joel 1:2Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?
Historical Context
Josephus's account validates the uniqueness claim: 1.1 million Jews died (some estimates higher), 97,000 enslaved, the temple destroyed, the priesthood ended, the sacrificial system terminated, the nation scattered for 1,900 years. Crucifixions, famine, civil war, siege brutality, and final assault created suffering almost beyond description. For covenant Israel, this was indeed unparalleled catastrophe. No subsequent event—not the Holocaust, though horrific—ended the covenant order as AD 70 did.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing AD 70's historical severity deepen appreciation for Jesus's prophetic accuracy?
- What does this "great tribulation" teach about the seriousness of rejecting Christ?
- If AD 70 fulfilled this prophecy, how should that affect interpretations of Revelation's "great tribulation"?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (ἔσται γὰρ τότε θλῖψις μεγάλη οἵα οὐ γέγονεν ἀπ' ἀρχῆς κόσμου ἕως τοῦ νῦν οὐδ' οὐ μὴ γένηται)—The phrase θλῖψις μεγάλη (thlipsis megalē, "great tribulation") is emphatic. The comparative οἵα ("such as") introduces unparalleled severity. The temporal markers stretch from ἀπ' ἀρχῆς κόσμου ("beginning of the world/cosmos") to ἕως τοῦ νῦν ("until now") and οὐ μὴ γένηται ("nor ever shall be")—absolute uniqueness in all history.
Debate exists: Does this describe AD 70 exclusively, or primarily AD 70 with typological connection to future eschatological tribulation (Revelation 7:14)? Preterists see exclusive AD 70 fulfillment. Futurists see dual reference. Daniel 12:1 uses similar language ("time of trouble, such as never was"). Either way, Jesus portrays Jerusalem's fall as the hinge-point of redemptive history—the definitive end of the old covenant order and validation of the new.