What does Matthew 24:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:21 discusses a time of unprecedented turmoil and suffering, referred to as "great tribulation," which is prophesied to occur before the end of the age.

This verse suggests that the hardships and distress experienced during this period will be unmatched by any other event from the beginning of the world up until that time, and will not be surpassed in severity in the future.

This depicts a period of extreme hardship that will test humanity like never before.

The use of hyperbolic language emphasizes the severity and uniqueness of the events described.

Historical Context

Matthew 24 is part of what is often called the Olivet Discourse, which is a private teaching given by Jesus to his disciples on the Mount of Olives.

This discourse is a response to questions about the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age.

The gospel of Matthew, generally believed to have been written between 80-90 A.D., reflects concerns of the early Christian community.

The historical context includes the recent memory of the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D., which was a traumatic event for Jews and early Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse has been interpreted in various ways.

Some view it as a reference to past events, such as the siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Others interpret it as describing future eschatological events, or 'end times,' consistent with Christian premillennialist and dispensationalist teachings.

Amillennialists and postmillennialists, on the other hand, may interpret this tribulation in a non-literal or symbolic sense, as representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the Christian era.

Practical Applications

Despite the apocalyptic tone, this verse serves as a reminder of resilience and hope during times of extreme distress.

It encourages believers to maintain their faith and integrity, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

It also serves as a call to compassion, urging individuals to provide aid and comfort to those facing severe trials and tribulations in their own times.

Cross-References

• Daniel 12:1: "And 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."
• Mark 13:19-20: “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.”
• Revelation 7:14: "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.

And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Language Study

The phrase "great tribulation" is translated from the Greek terms "θλῖψις μεγάλη" (thlipsis megalē). "θλῖψις" (thlipsis) generally means "pressure" or "affliction," while "μεγάλη" (megalē) means "great" or "large." The language underscores the intensity and magnitude of the suffering foretold, indicating an unparalleled period of hardship and distress.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Cultures and religions around the world have their own prophecies and interpretations of a period of great suffering or tribulation. For example, in Hinduism, there is the concept of Kali Yuga, an age of darkness and ignorance.

Many mythologies contain legends of apocalyptic events or great floods that bring about the end of an era, such as the Norse Ragnarök, or the great deluge myths found in several cultures including the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse's reference to unprecedented tribulation could be metaphorically related to natural disasters, climate change, and other ecological crises that have the potential for massive global impact.

These events, which can result in widespread suffering, have parallels to the verse's theme of tribulation, though the scientific community generally does not interpret such phenomena as prophetic fulfillments.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of Matthew 24:21.

Dispensationalist commentators often emphasize a future, literal fulfillment during a seven-year period of tribulation before the second coming of Christ.

Others, such as N.T.

Wright, argue that the verse refers to the historical event of the destruction of the Second Temple and the suffering that accompanied it.

Meanwhile, some scholars, like Dale C.

Allison Jr., recognize the potential for the verse to have a "double fulfillment," initially in the events of the first century and ultimately in future eschatological events.