“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just describing a future cosmic event; he's using powerful, prophetic imagery that ancient readers would immediately recognize as signs of divine judgment. These celestial disturbances aren't merely literal lights going out, but symbolic declarations that the old world order is collapsing.
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about when the temple will be destroyed and what signs will precede his coming and the end of the age. He describes a period of intense suffering and distress, distinguishing it from his ultimate return, and uses cosmic imagery to convey the magnitude of the events to come. This verse marks the transition from discussing immediate tribulations to the grand, final signs of his return.
Ever feel like the world is spinning out of control? Jesus describes a future where the very cosmos seems to unravel.
Jesus uses powerful, cosmic imagery – darkened sun, dimmed moon – to describe a pivotal moment. These aren't just random celestial events; they are signs.
Prophets' Language, Future Reality
Think of this as God speaking in the dramatic language of the Old Testament prophets. When they spoke of darkened suns and falling stars, they weren't always predicting immediate, literal astronomical events. Often, it was a way to describe profound upheaval, the fall of nations, or the end of an era.
More Than Just an End
Jesus employs this prophetic language here, but he anchors it to a specific, future reality: His own return. These cosmic signs signal that a major divine intervention is about to occur, marking the culmination of God's plan. It's a transition from earthly turmoil to heavenly glory.
Trouble and suffering seem like the end of the story. But what if they are just the prelude to God's ultimate triumph?
Jesus makes it clear: these dramatic signs happen after a period of intense tribulation. This isn't just about destruction; it’s about God’s ultimate vindication.
From Chaos to Clarity
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For Jesus' followers, facing intense difficulty and persecution, the idea that something follows the tribulation is crucial. The cosmic signs aren't a sign of despair, but a signal that God’s justice and redemptive plan are about to be fully realized.
The Prophets' Promise Fulfilled
Old Testament prophets often spoke of a coming day of the Lord that would bring judgment to the wicked and salvation to the faithful. Jesus is showing that these cosmic disturbances are the dramatic backdrop for the final act of God’s saving work, where His glory will be undeniable.
Understand the original words
thlipsis · Greek Noun
A period of intense suffering, distress, or persecution. Biblically, it often refers to the climactic season of trouble preceding the end of the age and the final judgment.
Jesus' words about cosmic disruption following 'that tribulation' are deeply rooted in the disciples' immediate context of intense suffering and the impending destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, a world-shattering event for them.
c. 70 AD— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman legions, under Titus, conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Second Temple, marking a catastrophic end to the Jewish state and its religious center.
c. 64-68 AD
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome and initiates a brutal persecution, creating intense suffering and fear for early believers.
c. 60-62 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to scapegoat and persecute Christians as a means to deflect blame.
c. 50-60 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively throughout the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities and facing significant opposition and hardship.
This passage describes a cosmic upheaval with the sun and moon being darkened, echoing the imagery of divine judgment and the end of an era found in Mark 13:24.
Matthew 24:29This verse is the parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, offering a nearly identical description of the sun and moon losing their light immediately following a great tribulation, reinforcing the prophetic significance of these signs.
Joel 2:31Joel prophesies that the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord, connecting the celestial signs in Mark to a broader prophetic theme of God's judgment and coming intervention.
Revelation 6:12The Book of Revelation describes a similar darkening of the sun and moon as a seal is opened, presenting a powerful parallel in apocalyptic literature to the cosmic disturbances Mark records as signs of the end times.
calvinMark 13:24-27: "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,"
- And immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of…
wesleyMark 13:24: "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,"
13:24 But in those days - Which immediately precede the end of the world: after that tribulation - Above described.
Jesus isn't just describing a future cosmic event; he's using powerful, prophetic imagery that ancient readers would immediately recognize as signs of divine judgment. These celestial disturbances aren't merely literal lights going out, but symbolic declarations that the old world order is collapsing.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about when the temple will be destroyed and what signs will precede his coming and the end of the age. He describes a period of intense suffering and distress, distinguishing it from his ultimate return, and uses cosmic imagery to convey the magnitude of the events to come. This verse marks the transition from discussing immediate tribulations to the grand, final signs of his return.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about when the temple will be destroyed and what signs will precede his coming and the end of the age. He describes a period of intense suffering and distress, distinguishing it from his ultimate return, and uses cosmic imagery to convey the magnitude of the events to come. This verse marks the transition from discussing immediate tribulations to the grand, final signs of his return.
"“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light," — Jesus isn't just describing a future cosmic event; he's using powerful, prophetic imagery that ancient readers would immediately recognize as signs of divine judgment. These celestial disturbances ar…
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Last reviewed October 2026