And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s not just that wickedness increases, but that the lawlessness itself—the disregard for God's order and truth—will multiply to such an extent that it directly chills the love (the deep affection and commitment) that many have for God and for one another. This isn't merely about people becoming less passionate; it's about the erosion of core devotion caused by a pervasive rebellion against righteousness.
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is describing the signs leading up to the end, detailing increasing persecution of believers, the rise of false prophets, and societal breakdown. In this context, the verse explains that widespread lawlessness and deception will cause the spiritual fervor and affection of many—perhaps even the majority—to diminish, weakening their commitment to God and each other. This chilling effect is a direct consequence of the overwhelming pressures and moral decay Jesus predicts.
Jesus warned that a specific kind of societal decay would fuel a chilling effect on people's hearts. What is this 'lawlessness' and how does it spread?
Jesus describes a future marked by an increase of 'lawlessness.' This isn't just about people breaking rules; it's a deeper spiritual condition where the very foundations of order and morality are eroded.
What 'Lawlessness' Looks Like:
The word used here, 'lawlessness,' points to a state where boundaries are ignored, and right and wrong become blurred. This pervasive atmosphere creates fertile ground for spiritual coldness.
When society's moral compass spins wildly, Jesus predicted a specific emotional and spiritual consequence. What happens to 'love' in such times?
The consequence of widespread lawlessness is a significant cooling of love. This 'love' isn't just romantic affection; it encompasses a broader sense of care, commitment, and warmth towards God and fellow believers.
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How Love Grows Cold:
Jesus highlights that this isn't just a minor dip in feelings; it's a significant 'waxing cold,' a spiritual dampening that affects the 'many'—the majority or a large portion of people.
Understand the original words
anomia · Greek Noun
Literally 'lawlessness'; the state of contempt for or violation of God's revealed law. It signifies a moral rebellion against divine authority.
agapē · Greek Noun
The Greek word denotes a committed, sacrificial, and covenantal love, which is the hallmark of the believer's relationship with God and others.
Jesus' warning about lawlessness and cooling love points to the intense pressure and internal decay that would characterize the period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, a time of unprecedented upheaval for his followers.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' teachings and the events surrounding his death and resurrection lay the foundation for his disciples' future experiences.
c. AD 33-60s
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The gospel spreads rapidly, but believers face increasing opposition from Jewish authorities and Roman powers, leading to internal struggles and external threats.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Rising Lawlessness and Social Unrest
Judea experiences heightened civil unrest, banditry, and religious deception, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability.
AD 66-70
The First Jewish-Roman War
Widespread rebellion against Rome erupts in Judea, leading to devastating conflict and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
c. AD 70 onwards
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Temple's destruction marks the end of an era for Judaism and profoundly impacts Jewish Christians, scattering many believers.
This passage describes difficult times and corrupt people who have a form of godliness but deny its power, mirroring the 'lawlessness' and resulting coldness of love that Jesus predicts.
Hebrews 10:25This verse warns against neglecting to meet together, which is a direct consequence of the 'love of many growing cold' due to difficult circumstances and persecution.
Revelation 3:15-16Jesus rebukes the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm, which is a state of diminished fervor and love, directly reflecting the 'love growing cold' mentioned in Matthew 24:12.
1 John 4:7-8This passage highlights that love is a fundamental characteristic of those who know God, implying that a lack of love and growing coldness is a sign of spiritual distance.
vincentMatthew 24:12: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
Shall abound (πληθυνθῆναι)Lit., shall be multiplied. See Acts 6:1, Acts 6:7; Acts 7:17; Acts 9:31; Hebrews 6:14.Of many (τῶν πολλῶν)The A. V. in omitting the definite article, misses the force of Christ's saying. It is not the love of many people only that shall be chilled, but of the many, the majority, the great body.Wax cold (ψυγήσεται)The verb means originally to breathe or blow; and the picture is that…
calvinMatthew 24:9-14: "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
- Then will they deliver you up to be afflicted, and will kill you; and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name. 10. And then will many be offended, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. 11. And many false prophets will arise, and will deceive many. 12. And because iniquity will abound, the love of many will be cool…
It’s not just that wickedness increases, but that the lawlessness itself—the disregard for God's order and truth—will multiply to such an extent that it directly chills the love (the deep affection and commitment) that many have for God and for one another. This isn't merely about people becoming less passionate; it's about the erosion of core devotion caused by a pervasive rebellion against righteousness.
Jesus is describing the signs leading up to the end, detailing increasing persecution of believers, the rise of false prophets, and societal breakdown. In this context, the verse explains that widespread lawlessness and deception will cause the spiritual fervor and affection of many—perhaps even the majority—to diminish, weakening their commitment to God and each other. This chilling effect is a direct consequence of the overwhelming pressures and moral decay Jesus predicts.
Jesus is describing the signs leading up to the end, detailing increasing persecution of believers, the rise of false prophets, and societal breakdown. In this context, the verse explains that widespread lawlessness and deception will cause the spiritual fervor and affection of many—perhaps even the majority—to diminish, weakening their commitment to God and each other. This chilling effect is a direct consequence of the overwhelming pressures and moral decay Jesus predicts.
"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." — It’s not just that wickedness increases, but that the lawlessness itself—the disregard for God's order and truth—will multiply to such an extent that it directly chills the love (the deep affecti…
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Last reviewed October 2026