Mark 13:8 (WEB)
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.
As quoted in the map (KJV)
Mark 13:8 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Key words
- ἀρχὴ ὠδίνωνarchē ōdinōn · Greek
- 'the beginnings of sorrows' — literally 'the beginning of birth pangs.' Ōdin is the word for labour pains (Isaiah 26:17 LXX; Revelation 12:2).
Why it matters
Jesus calls the coming wars and disasters 'the beginning of birth pangs.' Pitre shows that he is using an established Jewish idea, the 'birth pangs of the Messiah': the tribulations that precede the age of salvation. Once that concept is in view, Mary's travail at the cross fits the pattern — labour that brings a redeemed people to birth.
Fathers and councils · 8
Augustine of Hippo
“For they all introduce it in their narratives, and that, too, in the same order.” — editor's note: Matt. xxiv. 3-xxv. 46; Mark xiii. 4–37; Luke xxi. 7–36.
Read the whole comment“Thy Lord for whom thou art waiting, hath told thee, “Nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”” — editor's note: Mark xiii. 8.
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Catena Aurea on Mark
- BedeCatena Aurea on Mark
Because the Lord, when some were praising the buildings of the temple, had plainly answered that all these were to be destroyed, the disciples privately enquired about the time and the signs of the destruction which…
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on Mark
In answer to the disciples, the Lord tells them of things which were from that time forth to have their course; whether He meant the destruction of Jerusalem which occasioned their question, or His own coming through…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Mark
For many came forward, when destruction was hanging over Jerusalem, saying that they were Christs, and that the time of freedom was now approaching. Many teachers of heresy also arose in the Church even in the time…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Mark
Now it is on record that this literally took place at the time of the Jewish rebellion. But “kingdom against kingdom,” the pestilence of those whose word spreads as a canker, dearth of the word of God, the commotion…
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on Mark
But before answering their question, He strengthens their minds that they may not be deceived. Wherefore there follows: “And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you?” And this He says,…
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on Mark
That is, the Romans against the Jews, which Josephus relates happened before the destruction of Jerusalem. For when the Jews refused to pay tribute, the Romans arose, in anger; but because at that time they were…
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Cross-references · 4
Parallel passages
Mark 13:8 and Luke 21:10 share the same wording (9 words).
Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8 share the same wording (18 words).
Matthew 24:8 and Mark 13:8 share the same wording (8 words).
Cited together with
Cited together in Bede on Mark 13:3–8 (2) (Catena Aurea).