Chapter
Verse

Luke 21:5

ESV And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,
NIV Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,
NASB And while some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and vowed gifts, He said,
CSB As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,
NLT Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,
KJV And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

What does Luke 21:5 mean?

Jesus has been teaching on the temple Mount. Much of that has involved arguing with religious leaders about who should have authority (Luke 20). He wrapped up the debates by warning His larger group of disciples against the local religious experts, who love attention and manipulate the needy for personal gain (Luke 20:47). At one point, Jesus observed people giving donations for the temple. Several rich people give large amounts. A poor widow gave her last two copper coins. It would seem that some of the rich give gold, but only that: an earthly material which can be destroyed, melted, and stolen. The poor widow gives her love and devotion to God and her faith in Him. Financially, she out-gives the rich by sacrificing everything she has. Spiritually, she demonstrates true faith. Certainly, she "has put in more than all of them" (Luke 21:3).

As the day ends, Jesus and the disciples leave the temple. They return to the Mount of Olives, where they sleep every night (Luke 21:37–38). From this vantage point, they can look down to the buildings on the temple Mount. The disciples are proud of how majestic their temple is. Jesus warns them that it will not always be so (Luke 21:6). History indicates that less than forty years after Jesus' earthly ministry, the Roman army breached Jerusalem and set the temple on fire. The gold from the furnishings and the temple treasury melted into the seams between the stone. To get it, the soldiers tore apart the temple—quite literally brick by brick.
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