Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

Luke chapter 21

English Standard Version

1Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
5And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your lives.
20“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
New International Version

1As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3Truly I tell you,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'
5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.'
7Teacher,' they asked, 'when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?'
8He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.'
10Then he said to them: 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13And so you will bear testimony to me. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17Everyone will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19Stand firm, and you will win life.
20When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'
29He told them this parable: 'Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.'
37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
New American Standard Bible

1Now He looked up and saw the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2And He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta coins. 3And He said, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4for they all contributed to the offering from their surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.'
5And while some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and vowed gifts, He said, 6As for these things which you are observing, the days will come when there will not be left one stone upon another, which will not be torn down.'
7They asked Him questions, saying, 'Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?' 8And He said, 'See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. 9And when you hear of wars and revolts, do not be alarmed; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.'
10Then He continued by saying to them, 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, 11and there will be massive earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.
12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors on account of My name. 13It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15for I will provide you eloquence and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to oppose or refute. 16But you will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17and you will be hated by all people because of My name. 18And yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your lives.
20But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. 21Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; 22because these are days of punishment, so that all things which have been written will be fulfilled. 23Woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people; 24and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26people fainting from fear and the expectation of the things that are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'
29And He told them a parable: 'Look at the fig tree and all the trees: 30as soon as they put forth leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near. 31So you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
34But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap; 35for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. 36But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.'
37Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet. 38And all the people would get up very early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.
Christian Standard Bible

1He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3"Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
5As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6"These things that you see--the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down."
7"Teacher," they asked him, "so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? "
8Then he said, "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Don't follow them. 9When you hear of wars and rebellions, don't be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won't come right away."
10Then he told them, "Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to bear witness. 14Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, 15for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. 17You will be hated by everyone because of my name, 18but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19By your endurance, gain your lives.
20"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. 21Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written. 23Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will be killed by the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25"Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near."
29Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. 31In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34"Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man."
37During the day, he was teaching in the temple, but in the evening he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives. 38Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear him in the temple.
New Living Translation

1While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3I tell you the truth,' Jesus said, 'this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.'
5Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!'
7Teacher,' they asked, 'when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?'
8He replied, 'Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.' 10Then he added, 'Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
12But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16Even those closest to you — your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends — will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18But not a hair of your head will perish! 19By standing firm, you will win your souls.
20And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. 21Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city. 22For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. 24They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!'
29Then he gave them this illustration: 'Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.'
37Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
King James Version

1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19In your patience possess ye your souls.
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. 37And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. 38And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

What does Luke chapter 21 mean?

Luke 21 records the last of Jesus' teachings before the Last Supper, His arrest, and His crucifixion.

Luke 21:1–4 would easily fit with the contents of chapter 20: Jesus' claims of authority among the religious leaders. The poor widow is a foil for the scribes in Luke 20:45–47. The widow gives to the temple treasury with no fanfare; the scribes dress for the attention they crave. The widow gives her last two copper coins; the scribes engage in unfair business practices and "devour widows' houses" (Luke 20:47). By condemning the scribes and praising the widow, Jesus claims authority over the religious leaders and their expectations, values, and traditions.

Luke 21:5–6 begins Jesus' prophecies about the coming days and the end times. This group of prophecies is primarily oriented toward the Jews although some events will also affect Gentiles. The disciples comment on the majesty of the temple. Jesus tells them the temple will be destroyed.

Luke 21:7–11 continues Jesus' prophecies. The disciples ask for signs of the impending destruction of the temple; Jesus responds first with a sampling of the deceit and disasters that will come upon the world during the church age.

In Luke 21:12–19, Jesus backtracks and describes what His disciples will face as they build the church.

In Luke 21:20–24, Jesus gives more details about the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Matthew and Mark word this as a double prophecy which also refers to events during the tribulation. Luke is more deliberate about drawing a distinction between the two events.

Luke 21:25–28 describes Jesus' second coming at the end of the tribulation.

In Luke 21:29–33, Jesus applies the disciples' question about the signs of the fall of Jerusalem to His second coming. If they pay attention, the timing of the return of the Son of Man will be obvious.

Luke 21:34–36 explains what Jesus' followers should do in the meantime: avoid anything that impairs judgment, be prepared, and pray that God will bring deliverance from the horrors to come.

Luke 21:37–38 is an aside explaining that since the triumphal entry Jesus has slept on the Mount of Olives at night and taught at the temple during the day. This flows into Luke 22:1–6, which explains that chief priests and scribes have been trying to kill Jesus. They can't because He spends His days at the temple, teaching crowds of people, but Judas provides a solution. The rest of Luke 22 gives the account of the Last Supper and Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and trial before the Sanhedrin.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app:
BibleRef.com is part of Got Questions Ministries

For answers to your Bible questions, please visit