What does Luke 21:16 mean?
And 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. Luke 21:16
Explanation
The verse Luke 21:16 is a part of the eschatological discourse in which Jesus is forewarning his disciples about the future hardships they may face as they carry forward his teachings after his departure. The verse speaks to a time of persecution where those who follow Jesus will face betrayal and adversity, even from those closest to them. The warning is stark: relationships typically characterized by trust and loyalty will be upended, and followers of Christ may even face mortal danger as a result of their faith.
Historical Context
This verse is situated in the context of Jesus’ teaching about the end times, or eschatology. Written by Luke, likely between AD 59 and AD 63, the Gospel addresses early Christians who were experiencing social upheaval and persecution. The message may have resonated strongly with early Christian communities who were facing animosity from both Jewish and Roman establishments.
Theological Insights
Theologically, this verse captures a core Christian belief in perseverance in the face of hardship due to one’s faith. From a preterist viewpoint, it may refer specifically to the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. A futurist interpretation would see it as a prediction of persecution to come in the end times. From a Christian perspective, the verse communicates the idea that faithfulness to Christ triumphs over earthly bonds and that earthly life is secondary to eternal life.
Practical Applications
Practically, this verse underscores the need for resilience and faithfulness in the face of opposition. A lesson might be the importance of preparing oneself spiritually for challenges, and not to be surprised when hardship, betrayal, or persecution comes from unexpected sources. For modern readers, it could mean standing firm in one’s beliefs even when facing social alienation or disapproval from peers or family.
Cross-References
- Matthew 10:21 – “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.”
- Matthew 24:9 – “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”
- John 16:2 – “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”
Language Study
Key words and phrases in the original Greek text, such as “betrayed” (παραδοθήσεσθε), carry strong connotations of being handed over or given up by treachery. The word for “parents” (γονεῖς) signifies not just biological relationships but the deep connections among close family members. The phrase “cause to be put to death” (θανατώσουσιν) underlines the extremity of the persecution that followers could face, indicating a physical killing or execution.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparatively, ancient myths are replete with stories of betrayals and familial conflict, such as the tales of Cronus in Greek mythology being overthrown by his children. In the religious context, other traditions also speak of moments where core beliefs brought adherents into conflict with societal norms or family expectations, such as the prophet Abraham’s departure from his father’s house in numerous Abrahamic religious texts.
Scientific Perspectives
While there is no direct intersection of this verse with scientific understanding, modern social and psychological sciences explore the dynamics of group pressures, cultural conformity, and the conditions under which individuals will stand against collective opinions or actions, which can give insight into the situations described in the verse.
Commentaries
Commentators provide varied insights into this verse. Some, such as John Gill, highlight the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction in the early Christian martyrdom. Others focus on the exhortation to endure, seeing in the verse a call to steadfastness and the promise of God’s ultimate deliverance. Biblical scholars might also explore the historical accuracy and context of these predictions, as well as their meaning for the Gospel’s original audience compared to readers today.
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