Matthew 24:19-21
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
19 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. 20 [a]Pray that your flight not be in winter or on the sabbath, 21 [b](A)for at that time there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will be.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 24:20 On the sabbath: this addition to in winter (cf. Mk 13:18) has been understood as an indication that Matthew was addressed to a church still observing the Mosaic law of sabbath rest and the scribal limitations upon the length of journeys that might lawfully be made on that day. That interpretation conflicts with Matthew’s view on sabbath observance (cf. Mt 12:1–14). The meaning of the addition may be that those undertaking on the sabbath a journey such as the one here ordered would be offending the sensibilities of law-observant Jews and would incur their hostility.
- 24:21 For the unparalleled distress of that time, see Dn 12:1.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.