What does Luke 21:35 mean?

Explanation

Luke 21:35 warns of an unexpected event that will impact all individuals living on Earth, likening it to a snare, which is a trap typically used to catch animals. The mention of the word "snare" suggests the event will be sudden and inescapable, catching people off-guard.

This verse is part of a broader discourse where Jesus is describing the end times and preparing his followers for the trials and tribulations that will precede the second coming of Christ.

The passage emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness because the timing of these events is uncertain but universal in scope.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke, believed to be written around AD 60-90, deals with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 21 contains the Olivet Discourse, which is Jesus’ teaching on the Mount of Olives regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His second coming.

When Jesus speaks of the coming events as a "snare" on all the earth's inhabitants, it reflects the Jewish eschatological expectations of the time, where a messianic age would be preceded by a time of distress and judgement.

Theological Insights

Different theological interpretations view this verse through various lenses:

• Preterist Viewpoint: This perspective holds that Jesus' prophecies in Luke 21 primarily refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

They argue that the ‘snare’ was the sudden siege and destruction of the city by the Romans, which indeed caught many residents of Jerusalem unprepared.

• Futurist Viewpoint: Many futurists argue that this verse speaks of end-time events that are yet to occur; a global crisis that will precede the second coming of Christ.

According to this viewpoint, the snare is a metaphor for the Day of the Lord, which will come suddenly and unexpectedly.

• Historicist Viewpoint: Historicism interprets this as part of the ongoing spiritual struggle throughout history, signifying various moments of trial and testing that the Church must endure.
• Spiritual/Idealist Viewpoint: Some theologians interpret the ‘snare’ symbolically as existential crises or challenges to faith that can occur at any time in any believer's life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 21:35 encourages individuals to live in a constant state of readiness and awareness, understanding that life can take unpredictable turns.

It is a call to spiritual vigilance - to not be weighed down with the distractions and cares of this life, but instead to be actively engaged in the practices of faith, remaining watchful for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:42 - "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2 - "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
• Revelation 3:3 - "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.

If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Language Study

In the Greek text, the word used for ‘snare’ is παγίς (pagis), which can mean a trap or snare that is set to catch animals or birds, frequently used metaphorically to describe unexpectedly falling into harm or danger.

The phrase "dwell on the face of the whole earth" indicates a universal scope, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the event being foretold.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine judgment or apocalyptic event that impacts the entire earth is not unique to Christianity.

Several ancient cultures had their own myths regarding universal catastrophes, for example, the Norse believed in Ragnarök, a series of events including a great battle that would lead to the death of a number of major figures and the submergence of the world in water.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse's imagery of a snare coming upon the whole earth could be seen to parallel global catastrophes that can occur naturally, such as asteroid impacts, pandemics, or climate change.

Scientists stress the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of these potential global threats, drawing a parallel to the spiritual preparedness this verse advocates.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted Luke 21:35 in numerous ways:

• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Gill understood this event as the judgment coming upon the Jewish people in the form of the Roman siege, suggesting that the entire land of Judea was impacted, and it was a situation from which there was no escape.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry frames the warning in the context of the Day of Judgment, interpreting it as a charge to anticipate the second coming with diligence and watchfulness.
• Adam Clarke Commentary: Clarke takes a slightly broader view, stating that this snare is a state of security that leads to destruction, whether it be for the inhabitants of Jerusalem or the world at the Day of Judgment.

The common theme in these interpretations is the unexpected and inescapable nature of the event referenced in the verse.