Portents marking significant historical events. In Scripture the phrase refers principally to signs indicating the coming of the Messiah and the kingdom of God (both in the ministry of Jesus Christ and at the end of time).
Signs of the times signifying the future deliverance of Judah
2 Kings 19:29–31 parallel Isaiah 37:30–32 The fruitfulness of the earth is to be a sign to Hezekiah that there will be a fruitful remnant of Judah.
Signs of the times in the life of Jesus Christ
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ
Isaiah 7:14 See also Matthew 1:22–23
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
The miracles of Jesus Christ
Matthew 12:28 parallel Luke 11:20 See also John 2:11, John 2:23, John 3:2, John 4:54, John 6:2, John 6:14, John 9:16, John 11:47, John 12:17–18, John 20:30
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Jesus Christ's resurrection
Matthew 12:38–40 parallel Luke 11:29–30 See also Matthew 16:4; John 2:18–22
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The Jews failed to perceive the signs of the times accompanying Jesus Christ's coming
Matthew 16:1–4 parallel Mark 8:11–13 See also Luke 12:54–56; John 12:37
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
Signs of the times at the end of the age
Matthew 24:3–14 parallels Mark 13:3–13, Luke 21:7–19Luke 21:25–28 parallels Matthew 24:29–30, Mark 13:24–26
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
It is impossible to predict the date of Jesus Christ's return from the signs of the times
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Signs of the times signifying judgment
See also Isaiah 20:3–4; Matthew 24:15–25 parallels Mark 13:14–23, Luke 21:20–24 The fall of Jerusalem is itself a sign of the judgment of all people at the end of time.
Interpreting the signs of the times
Mark 13:28–29 parallels Matthew 24:32–33, Luke 21:29–31 See also 1 Chronicles 12:32
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.