Luke 21:7

What does Luke 21:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:7 means

Startled by Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction, the disciples immediately ask two crucial questions: "When will these things be?" and "What will be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?" Their questions reveal a natural human desire to understand the timing and indicators of significant future events. These inquiries serve as the principal catalysts for the remainder of Jesus' discourse, prompting Him to elaborate on the signs preceding the destruction of Jerusalem and His return.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said to him, Master, when will these things be? and what sign will there be when these events are to take place?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they questioned him, saying, `Teacher, when, then, shall these things be? and what <FI>is<Fi> the sign when these things may be about to happen?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they asked him, saying: Master, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when they shall begin to come to pass?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they asked him saying, Teacher, when then shall these things be; and what [is] the sign when these things are going to take place?

Context

This verse directly follows Jesus' shocking prophecy of the temple's destruction in verse 6. The disciples' questions demonstrate their profound concern and confusion, seeking clarity on such a momentous prediction. Their inquiries initiate the detailed prophetic teaching that constitutes the bulk of this chapter, setting the framework for Jesus' extensive response regarding the end times and His second coming.

v.6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

v.7This passage

v.8And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 1:6

    They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?

  • Mark 13:3

    And as he sat on the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

  • Luke 21:32

    Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all things be accomplished.

  • 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:

  • John 21:21

    Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

  • Luke 21:27

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 21:7.