Luke 21:26
What does Luke 21:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 21:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 21:26 means
In response to the unprecedented global and cosmic upheavals, Jesus predicts that "men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world." This highlights the overwhelming terror and dread that will grip humanity as they witness these cataclysmic events. The phrase "for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" explains the cause of their fear, pointing to a cosmic disorder that will utterly destabilize the world. This emphasizes the profound impact these signs will have on human psyche.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Men’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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Men's strength will go from them in fear and in waiting for the things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of the heavens will be moved.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862men fainting at heart from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Men withering away for fear and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890men ready to die through fear and expectation of what is coming on the habitable earth, for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
Context
This verse immediately follows the description of cosmic and earthly signs in verse 25, detailing the human response to these terrifying phenomena. It highlights the emotional and psychological impact of these events, emphasizing widespread fear and perplexity. This profound human reaction sets the stage for the ultimate revelation—the glorious return of the Son of Man—which is immediately presented in verse 27, offering a stark contrast between human despair and divine triumph.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 28:32
Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people; and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day: and there shall be nought in the power of thy hand.
- 2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
- Mark 13:25
and the stars shall be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens shall be shaken.
- Leviticus 26:36
And as for them that are left of you, I will send a faintness into their heart in the lands of their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as one fleeth from the sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
- Deuteronomy 28:65
And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of thy foot: but Jehovah will give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul;
- Matthew 24:29
But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
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