War and conflict are painful realities in our world, and many people wonder what the Bible says about war in the last days. Whether you’re feeling anxious about current events or simply seeking biblical insight, Scripture speaks clearly about these turbulent times. The Bible doesn’t just warn us—it comforts us. It helps us understand what’s happening, strengthens our faith, and reminds us of God’s ultimate plan.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 powerful Bible verses about war in the last days. Each verse is shared in a blockquote format, followed by a simple explanation. These Scriptures provide spiritual wisdom and insight, helping you stay grounded and encouraged as the world around us shifts.
1. Matthew 24:6
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
Explanation: Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the signs of the end times. He warned them that wars would be part of the last days, but also reminded them not to live in fear. God is still in control, and these events are part of a bigger plan.
2. Revelation 6:4
“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.”
Explanation: This verse describes one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The red horse represents war and bloodshed. It symbolizes the chaos and violence that will increase as the last days unfold.
3. 2 Timothy 3:1
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
Explanation: Paul is warning Timothy about the moral and societal breakdown that will come in the end times. Though the verse doesn’t mention war directly, it sets the stage for global unrest and conflict.
4. Revelation 16:14
“They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.”
Explanation: This verse points to a spiritual reality behind worldly war. In the last days, evil forces will influence global leaders, gathering them for the final battle—often referred to as Armageddon.
5. Joel 3:9-10
“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, ‘I am strong!'”
Explanation: Joel speaks of a time when peace will be exchanged for war, and even the weak will be pushed into battle. It shows how widespread and desperate warfare will become in the last days.
6. Ezekiel 38:4
“I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.”
Explanation: This prophetic verse is often connected with the war of Gog and Magog. It describes God drawing nations into a final battle, highlighting that no war happens without God’s awareness.
7. Mark 13:7-8
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
Explanation: Echoing Matthew 24, Jesus comforts believers not to panic when they see global conflict. These signs must come before the end, and they serve as reminders of His return.
8. Revelation 19:19
“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army.”
Explanation: This dramatic end-times scene shows the forces of evil uniting against Christ. But it also foreshadows their defeat. It reminds us that God’s victory is certain, no matter how fierce the battle.
9. Isaiah 2:4
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Explanation: This hopeful vision speaks of a time after the last days when Christ will reign in peace. War will be no more, and the world will finally rest in harmony under God’s rule.
10. Revelation 20:8
“And will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.”
Explanation: This verse describes Satan’s final rebellion after the millennium. It shows the persistent nature of evil, but also reminds us that God will ultimately bring lasting peace.
11. Daniel 11:40
“At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships.”
Explanation: Daniel’s prophecy outlines military conflict in the end times. While the exact identities of these kings are debated, the verse points to political and military tension leading up to the end.
12. Zechariah 14:2-3
“I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured… Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.”
Explanation: This powerful verse shows that while nations will gather to attack Jerusalem, God Himself will intervene. It offers reassurance that God defends His people even in the darkest moments.
13. Luke 21:9
“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Explanation: Jesus encourages believers to stay calm and faithful, even when the world seems to unravel. The presence of war does not mean the end has come immediately—it’s a part of the journey.
14. Jeremiah 51:20
“You are my war club, my weapon for battle—with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.”
Explanation: God is speaking of using people or nations as instruments in His divine plan. Even in war, God has a purpose and uses events for His glory and ultimate justice.
15. Revelation 13:7
“It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.”
Explanation: This verse describes the Antichrist’s war against believers. It is a reminder that persecution will come, but it also points to the temporary nature of evil’s power.
Reflecting on These Bible Verses About War in the Last Days
As we read through these verses, one theme becomes clear: God knows what is coming, and He prepares us with both truth and hope. While the idea of war in the last days may sound overwhelming, Scripture reminds us that God is still sovereign, and His promises never fail. These Bible verses about war in the last days don’t just warn us—they equip us to stand firm in faith.
Whether you’re going through personal battles or worried about world events, let these Scriptures remind you that God is with you, guiding you through every storm.
Your Turn: Share Your Thoughts and Faith
Which of these verses spoke to your heart the most? Do you have other favorite Bible verses about war in the last days that bring you comfort or clarity? Share your thoughts, reflections, or personal stories in the comments. Let’s encourage one another and grow stronger in faith together.