The authors explore the meanings and contexts for "plague" and "pestilence" in biblical documents and other Circum-Mediterranean traditions. The ferocious, ominous images foretelling the "end of times" in the book of Revelation explain some of the current malaise in reaction to Covid-19. The term "pandemic" denotes undercurrents from the histories of all these words, and together, they help to make sense of contemporary changes in religion and culture. The cognitive perception of time changes, and words take on an intense urgency. A practical solution is found in Paul's advice to the early Christians, which is buried inconspicuously in the New Testament.