Bible Strands
Matthew 24:8
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples on the Mount of Olives, responding to their inquiry about the signs preceding his return and the end of the age. He identifies the wars, famines, and earthquakes listed in the preceding verse as the initial phase of a larger divine sequence.
The words — The phrase ἀρχὴ ὠδίνων (archē ōdinōn) literally means "beginning of birth pains." The text states that the calamities just described are not isolated events but the first stage of a progressive process.
The thread — 1 Thessalonians 5:3 applies the same metaphor to sudden destruction striking those who assume permanent peace. 1 Peter 4:17 extends the concept to judgment beginning with God's family, while Deuteronomy 28:59 describes severe plagues as the consequence of covenant rebellion.
Why it lands — The verse demands that a reader stop treating current turmoil as random chaos and instead recognize it as a structured phase of divine action. It requires a sober assessment of one's standing before the inevitable culmination rather than a search for temporary security.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
- 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
- Deuteronomy 28:59 He will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary disasters, severe and lasting plagues, and terrible and chronic sicknesses.
- Isaiah 9:17 Therefore the Lord takes no pleasure in their young men; He has no compassion on their fatherless and widows. For every one of them is godless and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
- Isaiah 10:4 Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
- Leviticus 26:18 And if after all this you will not obey Me, I will proceed to punish you sevenfold for your sins.
- Isaiah 9:12 Aram from the east and Philistia from the west have devoured Israel with open mouths. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
- Isaiah 9:21 Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.