King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:6 Mean?

Matthew 24:6 in the King James Version says “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 24:6 · KJV


Context

4

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8

All these are the beginning of sorrows.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' warning 'ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet' addresses the temptation to interpret every crisis as the end. Wars and conflicts, while increasing, don't necessarily signal the immediate end. 'Must come to pass' indicates God's sovereign plan includes human conflict. 'The end is not yet' cautions against premature conclusions. Disciples must maintain spiritual vigilance without paranoid alarm at every world event.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The first century experienced numerous wars—Jewish revolts, Roman conquests, regional conflicts. Each generation since has seen wars that tempted believers to assume the end was imminent. Jesus teaches that while wars characterize the age, they're not necessarily signs of imminent return. Discernment, not sensationalism, marks faithful watchfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance awareness of world events with Jesus' command 'be not troubled'?
  2. What does understanding wars as part of the age (not necessarily end-signs) teach about patient endurance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
μελλήσετε1 of 19

ye shall

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

δὲ2 of 19

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκούειν3 of 19

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πολέμων·4 of 19

of wars

G4171

warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)

καὶ5 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκοὰς6 of 19

rumours

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

πολέμων·7 of 19

of wars

G4171

warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)

ὁρᾶτε8 of 19

see

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μὴ9 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

θροεῖσθε·10 of 19

that ye be

G2360

to clamor, i.e., (by implication) to frighten

δεῖ11 of 19

these things must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γὰρ12 of 19

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πάντα13 of 19

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γενέσθαι14 of 19

come to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀλλ'15 of 19

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὔπω16 of 19

not yet

G3768

not yet

ἐστὶν17 of 19

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλος19 of 19

the end

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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