Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Matthew - Chapter 24 - Verse 7

24:7
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Matthew in the Bible foretells of tumultuous times ahead, where nations and kingdoms will be in conflict with one another. This could be a reference to wars and conflicts that will arise between different countries and regions. The mention of famines, pestilences, and earthquakes indicates that these hardships will be widespread and not limited to a particular area. Famine brings about scarcity of food and resources, while pestilences represent the outbreak of diseases and other health crises. Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. The phrase "in divers places" suggests that these events will occur in various locations across the world, affecting people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and challenging nature of the world we live in, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse often points to the concept of eschatology, the study of end times in theology. This verse from the book of Matthew has been interpreted to refer to the signs of the end times, with nations and kingdoms being in conflict, and various natural disasters such as famines, pestilences, and earthquakes occurring widespread. This is often seen as a precursor to the second coming of Christ in Christian theology.

Word studies of the verse also reveal interesting insights. The word translated as "nation" in the original Greek is "ethnos," which can refer to a multitude of people or a nation. The term "kingdom" is translated from the Greek word "basileia," which can mean a royal power or realm. The mention of "famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes" highlights the unrest and instability that will characterize the end times. Diving deeper into the original language can provide a richer understanding of the verse's significance and its implications for believers.

American Standard Version

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.
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