Is an increase in technology a sign of the end times according to the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Many people associate the rapid rise of technology with signs of the end times, often citing Daniel 12:4, which speaks of increased knowledge. While this passage does predict that knowledge will grow in the last days, it does not explicitly refer to modern technology or inventions. The New Testament emphasizes spiritual and moral indicators of the end times—false prophets, persecution, wars, and the global spread of the gospel—rather than technological advancement as evidence of the end times. Technology itself is not inherently bad; it is a gift from God that can be used to share the gospel, connect people, and address human needs. Yet it carries risks if it becomes a master rather than a tool, fueling pride, distraction, or sinful behavior. Believers are called to use innovation wisely, letting it serve God’s purposes while maintaining hearts and minds fixed on Christ. Ultimately, no surge in technology can replace the hope and readiness we must cultivate as we await the return of our King.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Many have proposed that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times. People will often use Daniel 12:4 to back this up: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." It is clear that this passage speaks of the end times. But what is the proper understanding of the second half of this verse?
• "Many shall run to and fro," refers to seeking, perhaps including travel, though not necessarily. Some have suggested this phrase refers to an increase in travel, connecting it with modern inventions such as airplanes and cars. Though this is possible, it is not a conclusive fulfillment of this passage.
• The phrase "knowledge shall increase" clearly teaches an increase in information in the end times. The modern information age certainly fulfills this aspect of Daniel's prophecy. In the time of Daniel, information could only be shared orally or by handwriting. Today's technologies allow any person with a smartphone to share text, pictures, audio, or video instantly around the world.
• More specifically, knowledge about Daniel's prophecy will increase in the last days. Daniel 12 discusses the time of the tribulation and the judgment at the end of this period. During the tribulation, some will read God's Word and be able to specifically see the fulfillment of prophecies that today remain for the future. Their "knowledge shall increase" in the sense that they know more clearly how God's prophecies will unfold.
• The final verses of Daniel 12 help to define the time when "knowledge will increase" as well. In Daniel 12:6, someone asks, "How long shall it be…?" The answer includes "time, times, and half a time" (Daniel 12:7) referring to a three and a half year period encompassing half of the seven-year tribulation period. Also clear is that this will take place "when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end" (Daniel 12:7). This reference to the end of God's people being persecuted likely refers to the Jewish people who are persecuted during the tribulation, though it could also possibly refer to people who come to faith in Christ during the tribulation.
• More specifically, Daniel 12:11 teaches, "And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days." It is clear from this verse that this increase in knowledge will primarily take place during the last half of the seven-year tribulation. However, three and a half years would be 1,260 days, not 1,290. Thirty extra days are given, with a variety of interpretations suggested. In addition, verse 12 adds, "Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days." The purpose of these extra days are not made clear, though they may have something to do with the period of judgment between Armageddon and Christ's millennial rule.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament does not directly mention an increase in technology as a sign of the end times. Jesus’ teachings in passages like Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 focus on spiritual and global signs—such as false prophets, wars, natural disasters, persecution, and the spread of the gospel—rather than advancements in human invention.
• Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:1–5 warns of moral decay and selfishness in the “last days,” but it points to attitudes and behaviors, not technological progress.
• Revelation describes future events using symbolic imagery (like the “mark of the beast” in Revelation 13), which some interpret as potentially involving technology, but Scripture itself never ties this to specific inventions or advancements.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Technology itself is not the enemy—it is a powerful gift from God that can advance the gospel, heal the hurting, and connect people like never before. Yet every gift carries a danger when it becomes a master instead of a tool. Smartphones, artificial intelligence, and global networks can spread truth or fuel pride, distraction, and sin. Our calling is to harness these tools for God’s glory while guarding our hearts from idolatry and sin, using technology to shine light into darkness rather than letting it shape what we think, who we are and where our hope is.As knowledge explodes and information travels instantly across the globe, we can see how God is opening doors for His Word to reach every nation. Our focus must stay on readiness of heart and steadfast trust in Christ, knowing that no technological surge can replace the hope of His promised coming. As believers we can wield innovation for good while keeping our eyes fixed on the true King who is coming soon.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible never directly ties technology to the end times.
• Signs of the last days do not bring up technology or inventions.
• Technology is a God-given tool that can be used for good but also for evil.

REFLECT

• How are you using the technology in your life to glorify God rather than distract from Him?
• How might you be tempted to let technology master your time, attention, or heart?
• How can you stay spiritually alert and prepared for Christ’s return amid rapid advances in knowledge and information?

ENGAGE

• How do we discern whether a new technology is helping or hindering us including our spiritual growth?
• How can we leverage modern tools for good such as spreading the gospel effectively?
• How should believers balance excitement for technological advances with the biblical call to remain spiritually vigilant in the last days?