Hope and Prophecy

What Is the 'Abomination of Desolation' Mentioned by Jesus?

The abomination of desolation, referenced by Jesus from Daniel's prophecy, points to a specific act of desecration and false worship associated with Jerusalem's destruction, with broader end-time application to counterfeit religious systems opposing true worship.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Prophecy

Biblical explanation

Jesus told His disciples, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place... then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains” (), directly connecting this warning to a historical crisis, understood by many to be fulfilled when Roman armies surrounded and eventually destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (). Daniel's original prophecy describes similar desecration of the sanctuary connected to persistent opposition against God's people and worship (; 11:31). Many interpreters also see broader end-time application, in which counterfeit religious and political powers similarly attempt to substitute false worship for the truth, calling believers in every era to discernment and faithfulness to God's revealed Word.

In brief

Jesus told His disciples, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place...

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.