And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' instruction not to be terrified by "wars and commotions" highlights that the original Greek word for "commotions" signifies not just external conflicts, but deep internal unrest and societal breakdown. He's not just warning about battles between nations, but the unsettling collapse of established order, which is a prelude, not the conclusion, to what's coming.
And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the future, specifically about signs that will precede the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem. He warns them not to be alarmed by news of wars and insurrections, explaining that these turbulent events are a necessary prelude to the final culmination, but that the ultimate end will not immediately follow.
Jesus tells us to expect
Shaking the Foundations
Jesus doesn't sugarcoat it. He predicts that before His ultimate return, there will be intense periods of global unrest. He uses the terms "wars" (polemos) and "tumults" (akatastasia).
These aren't just random events. Jesus says they "must first take place." They are part of the unfolding of God's plan, a sign of the world's brokenness and the approach of a new age. Understanding this helps us see these events not as signs of God's absence, but as part of His prophetic word being fulfilled.
In the face of terrifying news, Jesus offers a powerful antidote: "do not be terrified."
The Call to Courage
The natural human response to news of war and societal breakdown is fear. The Greek word Jesus uses, 'ptoeō', implies being struck with sudden fear or alarm – being startled into panic.
But Jesus commands us, "do not be terrified" (mē ptōēte). This isn't a call for stoicism or denial. It's an invitation to rest in God's sovereign control, even when earthly circumstances seem uncontrollable.
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He reminds us that these events are not the end. They are precursors, part of a larger divine timeline. This perspective frees us from paralyzing fear and empowers us to live with courage and faith, knowing that God is still on the throne.
Jesus offers a crucial clarification about the timing of 'the end.'
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Jesus' words "the end is not by and by" (or as the original language suggests, "not immediately") are vital. They serve as a powerful warning against premature eschatological excitement.
This isn't a sign that the final culmination is imminent. Instead, it signals that a series of significant events – wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecutions – will precede the ultimate end. Think of them as the "birth pangs" described in Matthew 24:8.
Understanding this helps us resist the temptation to constantly declare, "This is it! The end is here!" While we should be watchful and aware of the times, we are called to live faithfully in the present, not to live in constant panic about an immediate, but miscalculated, end.
Understand the original words
telos · Greek Noun
In a theological sense, this refers to the climax of the age, the return of Christ, or the final judgment. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan for history.
ptoeō · Greek Verb
To be in a state of extreme fear, dread, or agitation. Jesus commands His followers not to be overcome by such fear even when witnessing global catastrophes, as they are under God’s sovereign control.
Jesus' words about wars and tumults weren't just abstract predictions; they pointed to the very real and terrifying chaos surrounding the First Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of Jerusalem, a pivotal moment for His followers.
c. AD 44
Famine in Judea
A widespread famine struck Judea, a significant 'trouble' prophesied and experienced by the early church, as recorded in Acts 11:28.
AD 60-67— this verse
Jewish-Roman War Begins
The First Jewish-Roman War erupted, marked by widespread revolts, massacres, and intense conflict across Judea and surrounding regions. This period saw immense 'wars and tumults'.
AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome, leading to widespread destruction and unrest. Emperor Nero blamed Christians, increasing persecution.
c. AD 65
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Following the fire, Nero initiated the first major imperial persecution of Christians, fueling the 'tumults' and fear that Jesus foretold.
AD 66-70
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
The Roman legions besieged Jerusalem, culminating in the city's destruction and the Temple's razing. This event was a primary fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.
AD 69
Year of the Four Emperors
Following Nero's suicide, Rome plunged into civil war as four emperors rapidly succeeded each other, highlighting the political instability and 'wars' of the era.
This passage directly parallels Luke 21:9, using the phrase 'wars and rumors of wars' and also stating that these events do not mean the end has immediately arrived.
Mark 13:7Similar to Luke's account, Mark records Jesus warning His disciples not to be alarmed by wars and rumors of wars, emphasizing that these are not the final end.
Jeremiah 4:19-20This Old Testament prophecy describes the prophet's anguish at hearing news of war and destruction, showing that such fears and realities have long been part of God's dealings with His people, a precursor to judgment.
2 Thessalonians 2:3Paul cautions believers against being deceived by talk of the end being near, indicating that significant preceding events, including turmoil, must occur, echoing Jesus' warning in Luke.
Luke 17:20When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus responded that it would not come with 'watchful observation,' directly addressing the expectation of a sudden, observable end that these signs might suggest.
barnesLuke 21:9: "But 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."
Commotions - Insurrections. Subjects rising against their rulers.
pooleLuke 21:9: "But 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."
Ver. 9-11. See Poole on "Matthew 24:6" , See Poole on "Matthew 24:7" , and See Poole on "Mark 13:8" . Time is the best interpreter of prophecies: what shall be seen of these before the end of the world we are yet to observe, but the destruction of Jerusalem is past many hundreds of years since. What commotions were before that, we must learn out o…
Jesus' instruction not to be terrified by "wars and commotions" highlights that the original Greek word for "commotions" signifies not just external conflicts, but deep internal unrest and societal breakdown. He's not just warning about battles between nations, but the unsettling collapse of established order, which is a prelude, not the conclusion, to what's coming.
Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the future, specifically about signs that will precede the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem. He warns them not to be alarmed by news of wars and insurrections, explaining that these turbulent events are a necessary prelude to the final culmination, but that the ultimate end will not immediately follow.
Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the future, specifically about signs that will precede the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem. He warns them not to be alarmed by news of wars and insurrections, explaining that these turbulent events are a necessary prelude to the final culmination, but that the ultimate end will not immediately follow.
"And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”" — Jesus' instruction not to be terrified by "wars and commotions" highlights that the original Greek word for "commotions" signifies not just external conflicts, but deep internal unrest and societal b…
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Last reviewed October 2026