2 Esdras 16:18
King James VersionSource notes
“The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come?”
Context
15The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it consume the foundation of the earth.
16Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth not backward: even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth shall not return again.
17Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?
18The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come?
19Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourges for amendment.
20But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.
21Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case, and even then shall evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion.