Matthew 24:6
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
μελλήσετε
ye shall
G3195
μελλήσετε
ye shall
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
1 of 19
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
πολέμων·
of wars
G4171
πολέμων·
of wars
Strong's:
G4171
Word #:
4 of 19
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολέμων·
of wars
G4171
πολέμων·
of wars
Strong's:
G4171
Word #:
7 of 19
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
ὁρᾶτε
see
G3708
ὁρᾶτε
see
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
8 of 19
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δεῖ
these things must
G1163
δεῖ
these things must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
11 of 19
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
γενέσθαι
come to pass
G1096
γενέσθαι
come to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Luke 21:9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.Psalms 112:7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.2 Thessalonians 2:2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.Luke 21:19In your patience possess ye your souls.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?Luke 22:37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Historical Context
The first century experienced numerous wars—Jewish revolts, Roman conquests, regional conflicts. Each generation since has seen wars that tempted believers to assume the end was imminent. Jesus teaches that while wars characterize the age, they're not necessarily signs of imminent return. Discernment, not sensationalism, marks faithful watchfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance awareness of world events with Jesus' command 'be not troubled'?
- What does understanding wars as part of the age (not necessarily end-signs) teach about patient endurance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' warning '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' addresses the temptation to interpret every crisis as the end. Wars and conflicts, while increasing, don't necessarily signal the immediate end. 'Must come to pass' indicates God's sovereign plan includes human conflict. 'The end is not yet' cautions against premature conclusions. Disciples must maintain spiritual vigilance without paranoid alarm at every world event.