Devine Scripture

Luke 21:9

What does Luke 21:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:9 means

Jesus tells His disciples not to be terrified when they hear of wars and social unrest, referred to as "tumults." He explains that these events "must needs come to pass first," indicating they are part of a necessary sequence of world events. However, He also clarifies that these are not immediate indicators of the absolute end. This teaches patience and spiritual composure, reminding believers that preliminary disturbances are not the final climax, but a prelude to greater things.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when news of wars and troubled times comes to your ears, have no fear; for these things have to be, but the end will not be now.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when ye may hear of wars and uprisings, be not terrified, for it behoveth these things to happen first, but the end <FI>is<Fi> not immediately.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified. These things must first come to pass: but the end is not yet presently.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end is not immediately.

Context

Following His initial warning against deception in verse 8, Jesus begins to describe some general signs of the end times. This verse introduces the broader global disturbances of wars and civil unrest, but immediately puts them in perspective. It sets the stage for more specific and intense signs, reassuring the disciples that these initial troubles, though significant, do not immediately signal the ultimate conclusion.

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.

v.9This passage

v.10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;

Cross references

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

  • Mark 13:7

    And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;

  • Matthew 24:6

    And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.

  • Luke 21:28

    But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.

  • Luke 21:18

    And not a hair of your head shall perish.

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