Devine Scripture

Luke 21:20

What does Luke 21:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:20 means

Jesus shifts His focus back to the specific event of Jerusalem's destruction, instructing His disciples that "when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand." This provides a clear and unmistakable sign for the impending judgment on the city. This prophecy primarily refers to the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, giving believers a precise indicator to understand that the predicted destruction is near. It is a specific, actionable warning.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you see armies all round about Jerusalem, then be certain that her destruction is near.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And when ye may see Jerusalem surrounded by encampments, then know that come nigh did her desolation;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed about with an army, then know that the desolation thereof is at hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when ye see Jerusalem encompassed with armies, then know that its desolation is drawn nigh.

Context

This verse marks a distinct return to the initial prophecy concerning Jerusalem (verse 6), providing a crucial sign for its impending destruction. It follows the general section on global events and personal persecution (verses 8-19). This specific indicator sets the stage for detailed instructions in verses 21-24 on how to respond to the siege, emphasizing the urgency of escape and the nature of the coming judgment.

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

v.20This passage

v.21Then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate.

  • Luke 19:43

    For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

  • Luke 21:7

    And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

  • Matthew 24:15

    When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),

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