What does Luke 21:22 mean?

Explanation

Luke 21:22 refers to a period of tribulation which Jesus describes in His discourse known as the Olivet Discourse, which is also found in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. This particular verse is part of Jesus' prediction about the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.

"These be the days of vengeance" suggests a time when God's judgment would come upon the nation of Israel for its rejection of the Messiah, which would lead to the fulfilment of the prophecies written in the Scriptures.

The "days of vengeance" implies a specific era marked by suffering and divine retribution.

The phrase "all things which are written may be fulfilled" emphasizes that these events were not arbitrary, but part of God's divine plan as laid out in Old Testament prophecies.

Historical Context

Luke 21:22 is set against the backdrop of Jesus’ prophecy concerning the fall of Jerusalem.

Historically, this was fulfilled in 70 AD when Roman armies besieged Jerusalem, leading to widespread destruction and the leveling of the Second Temple.

This event was a pivotal moment in Jewish history and shaped the early Christian understanding of prophetic fulfilments.

During that time, Jews were experiencing oppression under Roman rule, and there was a heightened sense of apocalyptic expectation among them.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various interpretations of Luke 21:22:

• Preterist view: Holds that Jesus' prophecies, including the days of vengeance, were fully realized in the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem.
• Futurist view: Believes that while the verse may have had a partial fulfilment in 70 AD, it primarily refers to a future time of tribulation before the Second Coming of Christ.
• Historicist view: Interprets this passage as prophetic of events occurring throughout church history, as opposed to being fulfilled in a single event.
• Idealist view: Sees the language of the verse symbolically, representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil, rather than specific historical occurrences.

Practical Applications

Luke 21:22 challenges believers to remain steadfast in the face of tribulation, trusting in God’s sovereignty and the fulfilment of His prophecies.

It encourages Christians to be discerning, to recognize the significance of world events in light of Scripture, and to live in a manner that is prepared for the return of Christ, whenever that may be.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:15-21 - Jesus discusses the 'abomination of desolation' and the great tribulation.
• Daniel 9:26 - The prophecy of the destruction of the city and the sanctuary.
• Revelation 6:10 - Martyrs call out for God's vengeance.

Language Study

A significant phrase in the original Greek text is “ἡμέραι ἐκδικήσεως” (hēmerai ekdikēseōs), where “ἡμέραι” (hēmerai) means 'days' and “ἐκδικήσεως” (ekdikēseōs) is often translated as 'vengeance' or 'punishment.' To be "fulfilled" translates from the Greek word “πληρωθῶσιν” (plērōthōsin), which carries the sense of completion or accomplishment as intended by a divine plan.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider context of ancient myths and religious interpretations, divine retribution and the fulfilment of prophecies are common motifs.

For example, similar themes of a day of reckoning or judgment can be found in ancient Mesopotamian myths, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, or in the concept of Ragnarok from Norse mythology.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not intersect directly with the prophecy in Luke 21:22.

However, scholars sometimes use archaeological, sociological, and historical methods to better understand the background and implications of such prophecies in their original context.

Yet, the idea of foretold events coming to pass touches on themes in chaos theory and determinism, where systems are influenced by initial conditions and can ostensibly be predicted.

Commentaries

Bible scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Luke 21:22.

Some, such as John Nolland, interpret the verse as focusing on retributive justice for those who have rejected God's ways. Others like Joel B. Green see the passage as part of a broader narrative about the fulfillment of time and God's plan for salvation history.

Some commentaries note the verse's emphasis on the suffering that will accompany this period of judgment, underscoring the gravity of the events that unfolded in Jerusalem in 70 AD and their prophetic significance within Christian eschatology.