Luke 21

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

For 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.

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

As 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.

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

And 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.

But 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.

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

But 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.

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

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.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

In your patience possess ye your souls.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Then 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.

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

But 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.

And 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.

And 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;

Men'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.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

And 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.

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Watch 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.

And 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.

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

What does Luke 21:5 mean?

Explanation

Luke 21:5 refers to a conversation between Jesus and some individuals who were admiring the beauty and grandeur of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The temple was indeed a magnificent structure, adorned with beautiful stones and various gifts dedicated to God.

Jesus' response, however, shifts the focus from the physical appearance of the temple to a broader spiritual message.

While the observers are impressed by the temple's external beauty, Jesus points out the impermanence of such worldly structures, implicitly foretelling the coming destruction of the temple, which would occur in 70 AD at the hands of the Romans.

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Historical Context

The Second Temple, rebuilt after the Babylonian exile and renovated by Herod the Great, was the center of Jewish worship at the time of Jesus.

It was considered one of the most impressive architectural feats of the period, with massive stones and exquisite decorations.

The reference in this verse takes place during the week leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, a tumultuous time when many Jews were in Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover.

It comes in the context of discussions about the end times and serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly achievements.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Luke 21:5 serves as a reminder of the temporality of physical structures and human accomplishments when compared to the eternal nature of God's kingdom.

This verse also sets the stage for discussions about eschatology, or the study of the end times. The realization that even the most sacred earthly things are not everlasting may inspire believers to focus on spiritual growth and prepare for the eternal life that Jesus promises.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Luke 21:5 encourage individuals to reflect on where they place value.

Instead of prioritizing material possessions or human constructs, this verse can inspire a reorientation towards spiritual development, compassion, and service.

It challenges followers to consider what is truly important and lasting, urging them to invest in relationships, community, and faith.

Cross-References

Mark 13:1-2 - "And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
Matthew 24:1-2 - "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

Language Study

In Luke 21:5, the words "goodly stones" (Greek: λίθοις καλοῖς) and "gifts" (Greek: ἀναθήμασιν) are significant.

The term λίθοις καλοῖς, translated as "goodly stones," perhaps conveys not just the aesthetic beauty but also the quality and grandeur of the construction materials.

The word ἀναθήμασιν, translated as "gifts," refers to objects dedicated to a deity, which in this context would be offerings or decorations made in honor of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures built grand temples and structures as places of worship and to demonstrate piety and power.

Similar to the Jewish Second Temple, they were lavishly decorated and seen as a symbol of the divine on earth.

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also constructed impressive temples that were central to their religious life.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the discussion of the temple's construction delves into the fields of archeology and history, reconstructing the past and understanding human culture.

The scientific study of ancient structures like the Second Temple offers insights into the engineering, craftsmanship, and materials used during that time period.

commentaries

Commentators on this verse often highlight the stark contrast Jesus presents between the appearance of stability and permanence, as represented by the temple, and the reality of change and decay.

They point out that Jesus uses this observation to lead into teachings about the end times, the coming destruction of the Temple, and the importance of being spiritually prepared.

Matthew Henry, for instance, interprets this interaction as a caution against pride in material splendor and the need to seek a more durable and eternal refuge in God.

Luke 21

Luke 21

What does Luke 21:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 21:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?