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Matthew 24:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 24:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
Matthew 24:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.
19But woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days!
20And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:
21for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect`s sake those days shall be shortened.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe [it] not.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
← Matthew 24:20Matthew 24:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For then shall be great tribulation, etc.] This is urged as a reason for their speedy flight; since the calamity that would come upon those who should remain in the city, what through the sword, famine, pestilence, murders, robberies, etc. would be such as was not since the beginning of the world, to this time, no, nor ever shall be. The burning of Sodom and Gomorrha, the bondage of the children of Israel in Egypt, their captivity in Babylon, and all their distresses and afflictions in the times of the Maccabees, are nothing to be compared with the calamities which befell the Jews in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. Great desolations have been made in the besieging and at the taking…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“There shall be great tribulation - The word “tribulation” means calamity or “suffering.” Luke Luke 21:24 has specified in what this tribulation would consist: “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 shall be fulfilled.” That is, until the time allotted for the Gentiles “to do it” shall be fully accomplished, or as long as God is pleased to suffer them to do it. The first thing mentioned by Luke is, that they should fall “by the edge of the sword” - that is, would be slain in war, as the sword was then principally used in war. This was most strikingly…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then shall be great tribulation - Have not many things spoken in the chapter, as well as in Mar 13:14 &c., Luk 21:21 &c. a farther and much more extensive meaning than has been yet fulfilled? Matthew 24:22”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“24:21 greater anguish: Similar language is found in Neh 9:37; Jer 11:16; Dan 12:1; Joel 2:1-17. The blatant savagery of the times has been documented by Josephus (see War 5.10.2-3).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 69:22-28; Isa 65:12-16, Isa 66:15, Isa 66:16; Dan 9:26, Dan 12:1; Joe 1:2, Joe 2:2; Zac 11:8, Zac 11:9, Zac 14:2, Zac 14:3; Mal 4:1; Mar 13:9; Luk 19:43, Luk 19:44, Luk 21:24; Th1 2:16; Heb 10:26-29 Matthew 24:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification