Luke 21:13
What does Luke 21:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 21:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 21:13 means
Jesus assures His disciples that their impending persecution, far from being a defeat, "shall turn out unto you for a testimony." Their trials and appearances before authorities will provide unique opportunities to bear witness to Him. This provides a divine perspective on suffering, showing that even hardship can be an instrument for God's purposes, transforming adversity into a platform for gospel proclamation. Their endurance in persecution becomes a powerful testimony of faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000It shall turn out unto you for a testimony.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901It shall turn out unto you for a testimony.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it will be turned to a witness for you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and it shall become to you for a testimony.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it shall happen unto you for a testimony.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but it shall turn out to you for a testimony.
Context
This verse offers immediate encouragement and reinterpretation of the persecution foretold in verse 12. It reframes suffering not as a tragedy, but as a strategic divine appointment. This positive outlook on trials serves to bolster the disciples' resolve before Jesus offers practical guidance on how to respond during such moments in verse 14. It connects their pain to the greater purpose of spreading the Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 1:12
Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3
that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:5
which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
- Philippians 1:28
and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;
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