Matthew 24:8
All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 24:8
All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse uses the powerful metaphor of "birth pains," suggesting that these troubles aren't the end, but the intense, painful prelude to a new beginning. It corrects the idea that these events signify a final destruction, pointing instead to the painful, yet ultimately hopeful, ushering in of a new era.
Jesus has just described a series of escalating disasters, including false Christs, wars, famines, and earthquakes, which will occur before the ultimate end. He tells his disciples that these are not the end itself, but rather the initial signs, like the first pangs of labor, indicating that something far more significant is about to unfold.
Jesus describes intense suffering, not as an end, but as a prelude. What does this metaphor of 'birth pains' reveal about God's ultimate plan?
Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of 'birth pains' (known in Greek as 'odino') to describe the intense and escalating troubles that will precede a significant new beginning.
The Metaphor:
Think of childbirth. The initial pains are real and distressing, but they are a sign that something new and wonderful is about to be born. They aren't the end; they are the process leading to a new life.
God's Redemptive Plan:
Jesus applies this to the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and, by extension, to the ongoing struggles of this age. These calamities, though severe, are not random chaos. They are part of God's unfolding plan, signaling the transition from an old order to a new one – what the Bible calls 'the regeneration' or the 'new creation'. These pains are a sign of the birthing of God's kingdom in its fullness.
Jesus lists wars, famines, and earthquakes. Why does he emphasize that these are just the 'beginning'?
The disciples were asking about the signs of the end, and Jesus details a series of escalating troubles. He wants them to understand that what they are witnessing and hearing about is not the full extent of the suffering to come.
A Growing Intensity:
These events – wars between nations, famines, and earthquakes – are presented as precursors. They are the initial stages, the early contractions. The original Greek word for 'sorrows' or 'pains' (odino) specifically refers to the sharp, increasing pains of labor. This implies a progression, where the intensity and frequency of these troubles will grow.
Preparing for More:
Jesus isn't just describing past or present events; he's painting a picture of future realities. This helps his followers to not be alarmed or think the end has come when they experience these things. Instead, they should recognize them as signs that a greater culmination is approaching. The 'beginning' means there is significantly more to come.
Understand the original words
ōdin · Greek Noun
Metaphorical language for the introductory distress and precursors leading to the arrival of the Messianic age or the final judgment, signifying intense pain that precedes a new beginning.
The 'birth pains' Jesus speaks of are not just random disasters, but intense, escalating events that signal a dramatic new era is dawning, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and pointing toward future, even greater judgments.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus proclaims his message, performs miracles, and gathers disciples, predicting future events and judgments.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Predicts Temple Destruction
Jesus, after being shown the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, predicts its complete destruction, foretelling wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes as signs.
c. AD 30-60s
Period of Unrest and Early Church Growth
Following Jesus' predictions, the early church experiences persecution and witnesses escalating tensions within Judea and the Roman Empire.
c. AD 66
First Jewish-Roman War Begins
Revolt against Roman rule erupts in Judea, leading to widespread conflict and significant devastation.
This passage describes the opening of the first four seals, which include conquest, war, famine, and death, mirroring the 'beginning of sorrows' Jesus describes, showing the escalation of calamities.
Jeremiah 30:6-7This prophecy speaks of a time of great distress and 'the day of the LORD' with 'no escape,' resonating with Jesus' description of these events as the start of intense suffering.
Luke 21:25-26This parallel passage describes celestial signs, fear, and distress among nations, further illustrating the nature of these 'birth pains' that precede significant divine action.
Romans 8:22Paul's mention of the entire creation groaning and 'travailing in pain together' echoes the metaphor of birth pangs, connecting the physical and spiritual suffering to a larger redemptive purpose.
barnesMatthew 24:8: "All these are the beginning of sorrows."
The beginning of sorrows - Far heavier calamities are yet to come before the end.
calvinMatthew 24:1-8: "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple."
- And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple, and his disciples came to him, to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2. And Jesus said to them, Do you not see all these things? Verily I say to you, There shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down. 3. And while he was sitting on the mountain of Olives, the disci…
This verse uses the powerful metaphor of "birth pains," suggesting that these troubles aren't the end, but the intense, painful prelude to a new beginning. It corrects the idea that these events signify a final destruction, pointing instead to the painful, yet ultimately hopeful, ushering in of a new era.
Jesus has just described a series of escalating disasters, including false Christs, wars, famines, and earthquakes, which will occur before the ultimate end. He tells his disciples that these are not the end itself, but rather the initial signs, like the first pangs of labor, indicating that something far more significant is about to unfold.
Jesus has just described a series of escalating disasters, including false Christs, wars, famines, and earthquakes, which will occur before the ultimate end. He tells his disciples that these are not the end itself, but rather the initial signs, like the first pangs of labor, indicating that something far more significant is about to unfold.
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AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army under Titus besieges and utterly destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
"All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." — This verse uses the powerful metaphor of "birth pains," suggesting that these troubles aren't the end, but the intense, painful prelude to a new beginning. It corrects the idea that these events sign…