Does the Bible predict there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament does not mention a war with the characteristics one might expect from a WWIII leading into the end times. However, Ezekiel does describe a future invasion of Israel, led by a coalition from the north, often called the Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38:1–9). This prophecy depicts nations gathering against God’s people, only for the Lord to intervene dramatically, sending earthquakes, hail, and fire to destroy the invaders (Ezekiel 38:18–23). While interpreters differ on when this war occurs within the end-times timeline, it will be a strong sign that the end times have begun.
• Besides wars, Daniel also mentioned that history is heading toward a final seven-year period characterized by tribulation, deception, and conflict (Daniel 9:27). During this time, a ruler will appear who initially seems to offer peace but will ultimately break it, end sacrifices, and establish abomination in the sanctuary. This period will end with open defiance against God Himself. That will lead to the final war, described later in Revelation.

from the new testament

• Historically, people have viewed each major war as being the "final war," but history has proven such claims wrong each time. This was true of WWI and WWII, and it would likely also be the case for WWIII, if such a war were to occur. Part of the misunderstanding stems from forgetting that war, caused by human sin, is an unfortunate yet common aspect of history. In fact, Jesus indirectly addressed this issue, saying, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). He was emphasizing that 1) war is a common occurrence, and 2) none of these wars signal the end. Instead, He referred to them as merely “birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). Although another world war is possible, if one happens, we should not expect it to be the final war.
• Though WWIII is not mentioned in Scripture, there are a few conflicts and wars described that will signal the end times. In the book of Revelation, we learn about increasing chaos during the final seven-year tribulation before Jesus returns, with the last three-and-a-half years being especially intense. During that period, global unrest and bloodshed will spread as part of God’s judgments as the world falls apart due to sin and rebellion (Revelation 6:3–4). This violence becomes focused in the rise of the beast, who blasphemes God and wages war against His people (Revelation 13:1–8).
• As the tribulation reaches its peak, the nations will gather for a final battle, known as Armageddon. Instead of fighting each other, as they did in WWI and WWII, they will unite against Christ Himself. However, Jesus will quickly defeat them and establish His rule (Revelation 16:16; 17:14; 19:11–21). Following this victory, He will reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–6).
• At the end of that millennium, Satan will be released to rally the nations for one last revolt—another “Gog and Magog” event. However, this final uprising will be immediately defeated by fire from heaven, followed by the ultimate judgment and the creation of a new heaven and earth (Revelation 20:7–15; 21:1).
• In summary, while the New Testament mentions wars and specific battles, it never discusses WWIII. Additionally, the end-times wars it describes do not resemble past world wars, making it unlikely that another world war will be the final war.

implications for today

Wars and conflicts serve as a reminder that the world is broken by human sin. Nations fight because people reject God’s ways of peace and justice, resulting in bloodshed and loss. Yet, even as wars come and go, believers can hold onto the promise that God has designated a day when He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). This assurance means evil will not go unchecked, and Christ will return to judge and reign. Let this confidence steady your heart as you scroll through the news. War is evil, but it is not the end. Pray for our leaders to make wise decisions to prevent conflict, and live in daily obedience, regardless of how unstable the world becomes.

If you have not yet come to Jesus, wars serve as a stark reminder of the judgment still to come. Every sin comes with consequences, and human conflict points to a deeper rebellion—the war of the heart against God. When Jesus returns, He will eternally destroy those who remain in rebellion against Him. But there is hope: when Jesus first came, He bore sin’s judgment on the cross. Through that, everyone who turns to Him in repentance and faith receives forgiveness. This forgiveness means they are no longer at war with God, but are considered His sons and daughters. All His children will have eternal life. Therefore, instead of facing your impending judgment alone, find security in Christ. His kingdom will never fall, and His peace will never end.