Earthquakes are one of the most dramatic natural events we experience—and when they strike, they often leave behind a sense of awe, fear, and urgency. Throughout Scripture, earthquakes are not only physical phenomena but also spiritual signs. They symbolize God’s power, judgment, and the shaking of worldly foundations. In the context of the end times, the Bible mentions earthquakes as key signs pointing to the last days and the return of Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re curious about what these signs mean or seeking comfort amid growing concerns, these Bible verses about earthquakes in the last days offer clarity, perspective, and spiritual preparation.
Here are 15 important verses to consider.
1. Matthew 24:7
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Explanation:
Jesus includes earthquakes as one of the many signs that will precede the end times. This verse reminds us to stay spiritually alert and discerning.
2. Revelation 6:12
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair…
Explanation:
This prophetic scene describes cosmic disturbances during the last days. The earthquake is tied to God’s unfolding judgment and the unveiling of divine truth.
3. Isaiah 29:6
The Lord Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.
Explanation:
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of God’s power. Earthquakes, in this context, are symbols of divine intervention and warning.
4. Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Explanation:
Jesus explains that natural disasters and strange phenomena will mark the last days. Earthquakes here represent one of many troubling signs.
5. Revelation 11:13
At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed…
Explanation:
This verse describes judgment during the end times. The earthquake is a powerful reminder of God’s authority and justice.
6. Joel 2:10
Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine.
Explanation:
Joel’s prophecy speaks of cosmic events that accompany God’s final day of reckoning. Earthquakes reflect divine shaking both physically and spiritually.
7. Haggai 2:6
In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
Explanation:
God promises to shake the world again, showing that nothing will remain untouched by His final purposes. This also points to Christ’s return.
8. Revelation 8:5
Then the angel took the censer… and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Explanation:
This dramatic moment in Revelation reveals God’s response to the prayers of the saints. The earthquake follows a holy act and signals divine movement.
9. Hebrews 12:26-27
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”
Explanation:
The shaking here is both literal and spiritual, showing God’s plan to remove what is temporary and establish what is eternal.
10. Ezekiel 38:19
In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
Explanation:
God declares a specific earthquake tied to His judgment on the nations. It’s a sign of His power and a warning of the days to come.
11. Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken…
Explanation:
Though not about the end times directly, this verse shows how God uses earthquakes to display His power and bring about freedom.
12. Revelation 16:18
Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred…
Explanation:
This is the final and greatest earthquake described in the Bible. It signals the completion of God’s judgment and the end of human rebellion.
13. Amos 1:1
The words of Amos… two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah…
Explanation:
Amos refers to a specific historic earthquake. Its mention alongside prophecy links physical events with spiritual warnings.
14. Zechariah 14:4-5
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives… and the Mount of Olives will be split in two…
Explanation:
This powerful prophecy describes an earthquake that accompanies the Lord’s return. It shows both judgment and the preparation for His reign.
15. Psalm 46:2-3
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…
Explanation:
Even amid natural disasters like earthquakes, this verse offers peace. God is our refuge even when the world seems to be falling apart.
Living with Faith in Unshakable Truth
The Bible makes it clear—earthquakes in the last days will be part of God’s way of shaking the world and preparing it for Jesus’ return. These signs are not meant to create fear, but rather to inspire readiness, repentance, and trust in God.
Even as the ground beneath us may shake, God’s promises remain firm. He is our unshakable foundation in the midst of uncertainty.
How have these verses spoken to you today?
We invite you to reflect on what you’ve read and share your thoughts or favorite Scriptures in the comments. Let us stand together in faith and hope, watching and preparing for the return of our King.