9. And when you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this must take place first, but the end will not [come] immediately.
10. Then He told them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [II Chron. 15:6; Isa. 19:2.]
11. There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven.
12. But previous to all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be led away before kings and governors for My name's sake.
13. This will be a time (an opportunity) for you to bear testimony.
14. Resolve and settle it in your minds not to meditate and prepare beforehand how you are to make your defense and how you will answer.
15. For I [Myself] will give you a mouth and such utterance and wisdom that all of your foes combined will be unable to stand against or refute.
16. You will be delivered up and betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and [some] of you they will put to death.
17. And you will be hated (despised) by everyone because [you bear] My name and for its sake.
18. But not a hair of your head shall perish. [I Sam. 14:45.]
19. By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls.
20. But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know and understand that its desolation has come near.
21. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside [the city] get out of it, and let not those who are out in the country come into it;
22. For those are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], that all things that are written may be fulfilled.
23. Alas for those who are pregnant and for those who have babies which they are nursing in those days! For great misery and anguish and distress shall be upon the land and indignation and punishment and retribution upon this people.