What does Luke 21:6 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 21:6 in the New Testament is part of a discourse given by Jesus Christ while He was teaching in the temple in Jerusalem.

He speaks of the destruction of the temple, telling His listeners that a time will come when the grandeur of the temple they admire would be completely demolished, "there shall not be left one stone upon another." This verse conveys a literal prediction of the physical destruction of the temple which indeed happened in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.

The deeper meaning goes beyond physical destruction and points to the impermanence of worldly things and the importance of spiritual preparedness for the coming changes.

Historical Context

When Jesus spoke these words, He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry. The temple in Jerusalem was an important center for Jewish religious life, a magnificent structure renovated by Herod the Great.

However, the true and lasting significance of the temple was about to be overshadowed by the coming events: Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which would initiate a new covenant between God and humanity.

The literal fulfillment of this prophecy took place approximately four decades later when, following a Jewish revolt, the Roman Empire besieged Jerusalem and razed the temple.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to divine judgment and the transient nature of earthly structures in contrast to the eternity of God's kingdom.

Some Christian theologians interpret it as a reference to Jesus' return and the apocalyptic events that precede the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth, seeing the destruction of the temple as a microcosm of the eventual passing away of the whole world.

Other interpreters see it more specifically as Jesus predicting the end of the Old Covenant and the sacrificial system, emphasizing the coming of a New Covenant through His atoning work.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 21:6 can resonate with believers' lives as a lesson on detachment from material possessions and structures.

It encourages believers to focus on spiritual growth and readiness for change, rather than placing ultimate security in physical buildings or institutions.

It serves as a reminder of the need for flexibility and trust in God when faced with life’s inevitable upheavals and the reality of impermanence.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:2 - "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." 2.

Mark 13:2 - "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."

Language Study

Critical Greek terms in this verse include:

• "behold" (Θεωρεῖτε) - to observe or perceive with attention, indicating that the disciples were admiring the temple.
• "stone" (λίθος) - used here literally, referring to the building blocks of the temple; metaphorically, it represents the foundational elements of the Jewish religious system.
• "thrown down" (καταλυθῇ) - to dismantle or destroy completely, indicating total destruction without restoration.

Understanding the original Greek nuances enhances the stark imagery of the prophecy and the totality of the coming destruction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, the temple's destruction would have been an unthinkable catastrophe, as it was the heart of Jewish worship and national identity.

Within other religious interpretations, such long-standing symbols of spiritual and cultural identity being destroyed are seen as transformative events leading to a new understanding of the divine.

For instance, in Hinduism, the god Shiva is both a destroyer and a benefactor, as destruction is seen as necessary for renewal.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse doesn't directly relate to any scientific understanding but can be interesting to analyze in the context of archaeology.

Archaeologists have undertaken various excavations in Jerusalem, attempting to uncover evidence of the Second Temple's existence and its destruction in A.D. 70.

These scientific studies have confirmed the extensive destruction of Jerusalem from that period, giving credence to historical accounts, including the biblical narrative.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered diverse insights into this verse.

For example, John Gill commented on the accuracy of Jesus' prediction and its fulfilment in history.

Matthew Henry highlighted the importance of not placing too much pride in man-made structures but rather seeking to prepare for the kingdom of God.

Contemporary commentators might discuss the tension in this verse between the physical destruction and the spiritual implications of the temple and its relevance to Christian faith.