Matthew 24:12
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just say "many" people will lose their love; it specifically states "the love of the many" will grow cold. This implies a chilling not just of individual affection, but of a broader, collective love that characterizes a significant portion of the community. It's a warning about a widespread spiritual decline affecting the majority, not just isolated cases.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his return and the end of the age, painting a picture of widespread tribulation, deception, and conflict. This verse follows warnings about false prophets and persecution, highlighting that as lawlessness increases, even the deep affection and commitment of many believers will diminish.
Ever feel like the world's chaos is a cold wind blowing out your spiritual flame? Jesus uses a vivid image to describe this very thing.
Jesus connects the increase of "lawlessness" (ἀνομία) directly to a chilling effect on people's love.
What is "Lawlessness"?
The Chilling Effect
Jesus says the love of 'many' will grow cold. But who exactly are these 'many,' and why does it matter?
The phrase "the love of many" isn't about a small, isolated group. Jesus is pointing to a significant portion of people, potentially the majority.
The Definite Article Matters
A Widespread Phenomenon
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.
This verse speaks directly to the intense pressure and moral decay surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, a period marked by immense upheaval, betrayal, and religious conflict that tested the faith and love of many.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christianity, leading to the formation of the early Church and initial spread of the Gospel.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The fledgling Christian community experiences rapid growth but also faces increasing opposition from Jewish authorities and Roman officials.
c. 48-51 AD
Council of Jerusalem
This council addressed whether Gentile converts needed to follow Mosaic law, highlighting early internal debates and the challenges of expansion.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, initiating the first major state-sponsored persecution of Christians.
c. 64-70 AD
This passage describes widespread signs and portents, including famine and pestilence, which can lead to fear and a cooling of love as people focus on self-preservation.
2 Timothy 3:1-5Paul warns Timothy about difficult times where people will be lovers of self, not lovers of God. This echoes the Matthew verse, as lawlessness and self-interest can cause love for God and others to grow cold.
Hebrews 10:25This verse encourages believers not to forsake meeting together, implying that in times of trouble and increased lawlessness, some might pull away, a symptom of their love growing cold.
Revelation 3:15-16Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, which reflects a state where fervent love for God has cooled due to external pressures and internal complacency.
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…
The verse doesn't just say "many" people will lose their love; it specifically states "the love of the many" will grow cold. This implies a chilling not just of individual affection, but of a broader, collective love that characterizes a significant portion of the community. It's a warning about a widespread spiritual decline affecting the majority, not just isolated cases.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his return and the end of the age, painting a picture of widespread tribulation, deception, and conflict. This verse follows warnings about false prophets and persecution, highlighting that as lawlessness increases, even the deep affection and commitment of many believers will diminish.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs that will precede his return and the end of the age, painting a picture of widespread tribulation, deception, and conflict. This verse follows warnings about false prophets and persecution, highlighting that as lawlessness increases, even the deep affection and commitment of many believers will diminish.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 24:12 is available in the Sola app.
When love grows cold, it impacts everything. Jesus issues this warning not to condemn, but to prepare us.
Jesus's statement about love growing cold isn't just a prediction; it's a profound warning and a call to intentionality.
The Danger of Apathy
Perseverance is Key
Jewish-Roman War Begins
Rising tensions and revolts in Judea against Roman rule lead to widespread conflict and eventual destruction.
70 AD— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman legions conquer Jerusalem, brutally ending Jewish independence and destroying the Second Temple, a pivotal moment in Jewish history and a sign of judgment.
"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." — The verse doesn't just say "many" people will lose their love; it specifically states "the love of the many" will grow cold. This implies a chilling not just of individual affection, but of a broad…
