16
Just as an arrow shot by a mighty archer does not return, so the calamities that are sent upon the earth shall not return.
17
Alas for me! Alas for me! Who will deliver me in those days?
18
The beginning of sorrows, when there shall be much lamentation; the beginning of famine, when many shall perish; the beginning of wars, when the powers shall be terrified; the beginning of calamities, when all shall tremble. What shall they do, when the calamities come?
19
Famine and plague, tribulation and anguish are sent as scourges for the correction of humankind.
20
Yet for all this they will not turn from their iniquities, or ever be mindful of the scourges.
21
Indeed, provisions will be so cheap upon earth that people will imagine that peace is assured for them, and then calamities shall spring up on the earth—the sword, famine, and great confusion.
22
For many of those who live on the earth shall perish by famine; and those who survive the famine shall die by the sword.
23
And the dead shall be thrown out like dung, and there shall be no one to console them; for the earth shall be left desolate, and its cities shall be demolished.
24
No one shall be left to cultivate the earth or to sow it.
25
The trees shall bear fruit, but who will gather it?
26
The grapes shall ripen, but who will tread them? For in all places there shall be great solitude;