New Testament
Mark 13:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
Compare translations
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.
What Mark 13:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is warning about the tumultuous events that will occur in the world as signs of the end times. He mentions that nations will conflict with one another and kingdoms will rise against kingdoms, indicating widespread warfare and strife. Additionally, natural disasters like earthquakes and human crises such as famines will happen in various locations. These events are described as the 'beginnings of sorrows,' suggesting that they are just the start of greater troubles to come. This passage serves as a reminder that the world will experience significant upheaval before the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan. It encourages believers to remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges ahead, understanding that such occurrences are part of a larger divine narrative.
How to apply Mark 13:8 to your life
As we witness conflicts and disasters in our world, we should remain grounded in our faith and prepared for challenges. This verse encourages us to support those in need during crises and to foster peace in our communities, reflecting God's love amidst turmoil.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:1–37)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 13:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 13:8
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 13:8 mean?
Mark 13:8 describes the signs of the end times, indicating that there will be conflicts between nations and kingdoms, as well as natural disasters and famines. These events are seen as the initial signs of greater troubles to come.
What is the significance of 'beginnings of sorrows' in Mark 13:8?
The phrase 'beginnings of sorrows' in Mark 13:8 suggests that the conflicts, earthquakes, and famines mentioned are just the start of more severe challenges and upheaval that will occur before the fulfillment of God's plan.
What does 'nation shall rise against nation' refer to in Mark 13:8?
In Mark 13:8, 'nation shall rise against nation' refers to the conflicts and wars that will occur between different countries, highlighting the theme of widespread strife and discord in the world.
How can we apply Mark 13:8 to our lives today?
Mark 13:8 encourages us to stay vigilant and grounded in our faith as we witness conflicts and disasters. It also calls us to support those in need and promote peace in our communities during challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.