Matthew 24:21 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the signs of the end times, known as the Olivet Discourse, found in the Gospel of Matthew.

To understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is helpful to consider the broader context of the passage. In Matthew 24, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the signs of His second coming and the end of the age. The chapter begins with Jesus foretelling the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which took place in AD 70, and then the disciples ask Him about the sign of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus goes on to describe various signs that will precede His return, including false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and the spread of the gospel to all nations. It is within this context that Jesus makes the statement in verse 21 about the great tribulation.

The great tribulation referred to in this verse is a period of unprecedented suffering and persecution that will occur before the second coming of Christ. This time of tribulation is described in more detail in the book of Revelation, particularly in chapters 6-19. According to Revelation, the great tribulation will be a time of unparalleled chaos, with natural disasters, plagues, and the rise of a global ruler, known as the Antichrist, who will persecute and oppress believers. The suffering and turmoil during this period will be so severe that Jesus Himself declares that it will be unlike anything the world has ever experienced before.

The themes of judgment, persecution, and eschatology (the study of the end times) are prevalent in this verse. The concept of judgment is central to the great tribulation, as it is a time when God will pour out His wrath on the earth in response to rampant sin and rebellion. The persecution of believers is also a prominent theme, as the great tribulation will be a time of intense suffering for those who remain faithful to Christ. Additionally, this verse conveys a sense of urgency and expectation, as it serves as a warning to believers to be prepared for the trials that will precede Christ's return.

The symbolic significance of this verse lies in its portrayal of the great tribulation as a time of unparalleled suffering and turmoil. The language used by Jesus emphasizes the severity and uniqueness of this period, conveying the magnitude of the events that will unfold during the end times. The great tribulation serves as a contrast to the peace and security that the world often seeks, reminding believers that this present age is marked by sin and chaos, and that ultimate hope and deliverance can only be found in the return of Christ.

Overall, Matthew 24:21 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of the great tribulation and the importance of being prepared for the return of Christ. It highlights the themes of judgment, persecution, and eschatological urgency, and symbolically conveys the gravity of the events that will precede the second coming of Jesus. For believers, this verse serves as a call to remain faithful and vigilant in the face of the trials and tribulations that will come before the ultimate redemption and restoration of all things.