Devine Scripture

Luke 21:18

What does Luke 21:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:18 means

Despite the severe warnings of persecution and even death, Jesus offers a profound promise: "And not a hair of your head shall perish." This seemingly paradoxical statement assures complete divine protection and preservation of His faithful followers. While some may experience physical death, their ultimate well-being and eternal security are guaranteed by God. This promise transcends physical suffering, offering spiritual comfort and emphasizing that God is sovereign over every aspect of His children's lives, even amid the greatest trials.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And not a hair of your head shall perish.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And not a hair of your head shall perish.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But not a hair of your head will come to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a hair out of your head shall not perish;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But a hair of your head shall not perish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And a hair of your head shall in no wise perish.

Context

This verse offers a powerful and comforting assurance, standing in stark contrast to the grim prophecies of betrayal, hatred, and death in verses 16 and 17. It brings a divine perspective of ultimate safety and preservation for the faithful, even in the face of severe suffering. This promise of ultimate security naturally leads into the call for patient endurance in verse 19, showing how believers are to respond to inevitable trials.

v.17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

v.18This passage

v.19In your patience ye shall win your souls.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 12:7

    But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

  • Acts 27:34

    Wherefore I beseech you to take some food: for this is for your safety: for there shall not a hair perish from the head of any of you.

  • 2 Samuel 14:11

    Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember Jehovah thy God, that the avenger of blood destroy not any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

  • 1 Samuel 14:45

    And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

  • Matthew 10:30

    but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

  • 1 Samuel 25:29

    And though men be risen up to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul, yet the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with Jehovah thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as from the hollow of a sling.

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