2 Esdras 5:1-8

1 "But these are the signs: The time will come when all people on earth will be in the grip of great confusion. The way of truth will be hidden, and no faith will be left in the land.
2 Wickedness will increase until it has become worse than you have ever known it to be. 1
3 The country that you now see ruling the world will lie in ruins, with no inhabitant or traveler there.
4 After that, if God Most High lets you live long enough, you will see that country in confusion. The sun will suddenly start shining at night, and the moon in the daytime.
5 Blood will drip from trees; stones will speak; nations will be in confusion; the movement of the stars will be changed. 2
6 A king unwanted by anyone will begin to rule, and the birds will fly away.
7 Fish will be washed up on the shores of the Dead Sea. The voice of one whom many do not know will be heard at night; everyone will hear it.
8 The earth will break open in many places and begin spouting out flames. Wild animals will leave the fields and forests. At their monthly periods women will bear monsters.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 5.2Matthew 24.12.
  • 2. 5.5Hebrews 2.11.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. [Some ancient translations] confusion; [Latin unclear.]
  • [b]. After that; [Latin unclear.]
  • [c]. [One ancient translation] The earth will break open; [Latin] Chaos will appear.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.