Great Tribulation
A period of great hardship before the end of the world.
The Great Tribulation is a period mentioned by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse as a sign that would occur in the time of the end. In Christian eschatology, it is described as a time of intense persecution and hardship, referenced in the New Testament at Matthew 24:21, Acts 7:11, Revelation 2:22, and Revelation 7:14. Christians disagree over whether this tribulation is a future event, has already occurred in the past, or began in history and will intensify before the end.
- source_texts
- Matthew 24:21, Acts 7:11, Revelation 2:22, Revelation 7:14
- greek_terms
- θλῖψις μεγάλη (thlîpsis megálē), θλῑ́ψεως τῆς μεγάλης (tês thlī́pseōs tês megálēs)
- key_interpretations
- Futurism, Preterism, Historicism
- associated_events
- Destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in AD 70, papal Rome's rise to power in 538 AD, Second Coming of Christ
Lore & Background
The term 'Great Tribulation' occurs four times in the New Testament. In Matthew 24:21, Jesus speaks of tribulation in a context denoting afflictions of those hard-pressed by siege and the calamities of war. Revelation 7:14 uses the phrase to indicate the period spoken of by Jesus. Some take Jesus' words to describe a period of intense persecution at the end of the age, prior to his return.
Reader's Guide
Christians disagree over whether the Tribulation will be a relatively short period of great hardship before the end of the world and Second Coming of Christ (Futurism); or has already occurred, having happened in AD 70 when Roman legions laid siege to Jerusalem and destroyed its temple (Preterism); or began in 538 AD when papal Rome came to power and will intensify shortly before the end of the world (Historicism). In the futurist view, the Tribulation is thought to occur before the Second Coming and during the End Times, lasting seven prophetic Hebrew years, with the Great Tribulation being the second half. Preterists believe the Tribulation took place in the past, affecting only the Jewish people, as a divine judgment for rejecting Jesus. Historicists apply the Tribulation to the period of papal Rome's power from 538 to 1798, using the day-year principle, and see it intensifying at the end. The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions a final trial led by the Antichrist before the Second Coming, but generally older denominations do not use the term 'rapture' and tend toward amillennialism.
Did You Know?
- The term 'Great Tribulation' occurs four times in the New Testament: Matthew 24:21, Acts 7:11, Revelation 2:22, and Revelation 7:14.
- In the futurist view, the Tribulation is thought to last seven prophetic Hebrew years, each of 360 days.
- Preterists believe the Tribulation occurred in AD 70 when Roman legions destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.
- Historicists see the Tribulation as beginning in 538 AD when papal Rome came to power, lasting 1260 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Great Tribulation?
The Great Tribulation is a prophesied period of extreme persecution and suffering that Jesus identified as a sign pointing toward the end of the age. In Christian eschatology it represents a time of unprecedented hardship for God's people, distinct from ordinary suffering.
Where in the Bible is the Great Tribulation mentioned?
The concept surfaces in several New Testament passages, most notably Matthew 24:21, Acts 7:11, Revelation 2:22, and Revelation 7:14. These references span the Olivet Discourse, the early church narrative, and the apocalyptic book of Revelation.
What are the main theological interpretations of the Great Tribulation?
Christians broadly split into three camps: Futurists who expect it as a future event, Preterists who see it as already fulfilled in history (often tied to the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem), and Historicists who view it as a period that began in the past and will intensify before the Second Coming of Christ.
What is the original Greek term for the Great Tribulation?
The phrase appears in Greek as θλῖψις μεγάλη (thlîpsis megálē), with the genitive construction θλῑ́ψεως τῆς μεγάλης (tês thlī́pseōs tês megálēs) used in certain verses. The root word 'thlîpsis' carries the sense of severe pressure, affliction, or distress.
What historical and eschatological events are associated with the Great Tribulation?
Different traditions link it to milestones such as the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in AD 70, the rise of papal Rome to dominant power in 538 AD, and ultimately the Second Coming of Christ. Which of these events a believer connects to the tribulation depends largely on whether they adopt a futurist, preterist, or historicist framework.
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