Luke 21:10

KJV

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said he {G3004} unto them {G846}, Nation {G1484} shall rise {G1453} against {G1909} nation {G1484}, and {G2532} kingdom {G932} against {G1909} kingdom {G932}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he told them, “Peoples will fight each other, nations will fight each other,

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:10, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serves as a profound prophetic declaration concerning the geopolitical turmoil that will characterize the period leading up to His second coming and the consummation of the age. It specifically highlights an escalating pattern of global conflict, where distinct people groups and established political entities will engage in widespread and pervasive strife, signaling the "beginning of sorrows" rather than the immediate end. This pronouncement underscores the divine foreknowledge of Christ and calls believers to spiritual vigilance amidst worldly upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:10 is an integral part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to His disciples' questions regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His return ([Luke 21:7](/luke/21-7 "Luke 21:7 - Disciples' Questions")). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus issues warnings against deception and false messiahs ([Luke 21:8](/luke/21-8 "Luke 21:8 - Warning Against Deception")) and speaks of "wars and commotions" ([Luke 21:9](/luke/21-9 "Luke 21:9 - Wars and Commotions")), explicitly stating that these events, while significant, are "not the end." Verse 10 expands upon the nature of these conflicts, specifying "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom," thereby intensifying the scope of the foretold unrest from general wars to more specific, widespread ethnic and political hostilities. This progression builds a picture of increasing global instability as a prelude to the ultimate events of the end times.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prophecy was delivered in a historical period marked by Roman imperial rule, yet also by frequent regional conflicts and ethnic tensions within the empire and beyond. The Jewish people, under Roman occupation, often experienced internal strife and external pressures. The phrase "nation against nation" would have resonated with the disciples, who were familiar with the concept of "ethnos" (people group) referring not only to political states but also to distinct ethnic or cultural identities, which often clashed. "Kingdom against kingdom" would have evoked images of larger political powers vying for dominance. While Jesus' words have a future eschatological fulfillment, they also reflect the perennial reality of human conflict, rooted in sin and power struggles, which has been a consistent feature of human history. The immediate audience would have understood these terms within the framework of their own experiences of political instability and ethnic rivalries.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader book of Luke. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Global Conflict and Unrest**, portraying a future characterized by pervasive international and civil strife, not merely isolated skirmishes. This suggests a world increasingly fractured by ethnic and political divisions, a stark contrast to the peace of God's coming reign. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Signs, Not the End**, as Jesus explicitly states in [Luke 21:9](/luke/21-9 "Luke 21:9 - The Beginning of Sorrows") that these events are "not the end" but rather the "beginning of sorrows" or "birth pains." This emphasizes that while these conflicts are significant indicators, they are precursors, signaling the approach of greater, climactic events. Finally, the prophecy underscores the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**. Jesus' ability to accurately predict such enduring patterns of global conflict, which have indeed manifested throughout history and continue today, affirms His divine authority and the reliability of His prophetic words. This provides assurance that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, even amidst chaos, and that His ultimate plan will unfold precisely as declared in passages like [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nation (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, this word refers to a race (as of the same habit), a tribe, or specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one, often implying pagan. In this context, it signifies distinct people groups, ethnic communities, or nations in the sense of cultural and linguistic identities. The repetition "nation against nation" emphasizes conflict arising from deep-seated ethnic or tribal rivalries, not merely political states.
* **Rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, meaning to waken, rouse, lift up, or arise. It conveys an active, aggressive movement. When applied to nations, it suggests an active, hostile posture, a deliberate taking up of arms or opposition, rather than passive conflict. It denotes a dynamic and confrontational action.
* **Kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, meaning royalty, rule, or a realm (literally or figuratively). This term refers to established political states, sovereign powers, or empires. The phrase "kingdom against kingdom" points to conflicts between organized political entities, reflecting larger-scale international wars and geopolitical struggles for dominance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto them,"**: This introductory phrase situates the prophecy within Jesus' direct teaching to His disciples. It marks a transition from general warnings to specific predictive statements about the future. It underscores the authoritative nature of the words that follow, coming directly from Christ.
* **"Nation shall rise against nation,"**: This clause foretells widespread conflict rooted in ethnic or cultural identity. The Greek term *éthnos* (nation/people group) emphasizes that these will be clashes not merely between political states, but between distinct peoples, tribes, or ethnic groups. The verb "rise" (egeírō) implies an active, aggressive posture, indicating a deliberate and hostile confrontation. This points to civil wars, ethnic cleansing, and conflicts driven by deep-seated communal animosities.
* **"and kingdom against kingdom:"**: This second clause broadens the scope of conflict to include established political powers and sovereign states. The term *basileía* (kingdom) refers to realms or governmental authorities. This part of the prophecy anticipates large-scale international wars, geopolitical struggles, and conflicts between organized military and political entities, often for territory, resources, or ideological dominance. Together with the first clause, it paints a comprehensive picture of global instability encompassing both internal and external strife.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending global unrest. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "nation shall rise against nation" is echoed and reinforced by "and kingdom against kingdom." While slightly distinct in their precise meaning (ethnic vs. political entities), they both convey the overarching idea of widespread conflict, intensifying the sense of pervasive strife. This repetition not only emphasizes the certainty and universality of the prophecy but also broadens its scope to include all forms of human conflict, from tribal disputes to international wars. The use of **Antithesis** is also implied by the "against" (epí) preposition, highlighting the adversarial nature of these relationships. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a direct divine foretelling of future events, which serves to both warn and prepare the audience. This prophetic utterance contributes to the larger eschatological narrative, providing specific signs for discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:10 is profoundly significant, articulating a consistent biblical theme of escalating global unrest as a sign of the end times. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over history, even amidst human chaos, demonstrating that no event is outside His divine plan. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of a fallen world groaning under the weight of sin, where conflict is an inevitable byproduct of human rebellion and self-interest. The prophecy serves not to induce fear, but to call believers to spiritual discernment and readiness, understanding that these "birth pains" precede the glorious return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It underscores the urgency of the Gospel message in a world increasingly characterized by division and strife, pointing ultimately to the Prince of Peace as the only true hope.

* [Matthew 24:7](/matthew/24-7 "Matthew 24:7 - Nation Against Nation")
* [Mark 13:8](/mark/13-8 "Mark 13:8 - Beginning of Birth Pains")
* [Revelation 6:3-4](/revelation/6-3-4 "Revelation 6:3-4 - The Red Horse of War")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:10 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective for believers living in a world perpetually marked by conflict. Instead of succumbing to despair or fear when confronted with news of wars, ethnic strife, and geopolitical tensions, this verse calls us to a posture of spiritual alertness and discernment. It reminds us that these events, while tragic, are not random occurrences but part of a divinely foretold pattern, signaling the approaching culmination of God's redemptive plan. This understanding should motivate us to live with a greater sense of urgency, dedicating ourselves to the Great Commission and sharing the transformative message of the Gospel with a world desperately in need of peace—the peace that only Christ can offer. It encourages us to place our hope not in fleeting earthly powers or political solutions, but in the enduring and sovereign Kingdom of God, whose King will ultimately bring all things into subjection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Luke 21:10 change your perspective on current global conflicts and political unrest?**
* **In what ways can the awareness of these "birth pains" motivate you to live more intentionally for Christ and His Kingdom?**
* **How can believers offer hope and peace in communities or nations experiencing the kind of strife described in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Does "nation shall rise against nation" refer only to military wars, or does it include other forms of conflict?**

Answer: While the primary interpretation often leans towards military conflicts, the Greek word *éthnos* (nation) can refer to ethnic groups or people groups, suggesting that the prophecy encompasses a broader range of conflicts beyond conventional warfare between states. This includes civil wars, ethnic cleansing, tribal conflicts, and even severe ideological or cultural clashes that lead to widespread division and hostility. The phrase "kingdom against kingdom" more directly points to conflicts between established political entities or sovereign states, implying large-scale international wars. Taken together, the verse paints a comprehensive picture of escalating global unrest, encompassing both internal and external forms of strife, driven by ethnic, political, and ideological differences. This holistic understanding aligns with the pervasive nature of conflict observed throughout history and in our present day, as noted in [Matthew 24:7](/matthew/24-7 "Matthew 24:7 - Wars and Rumors of Wars").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 21:10 describes the escalating conflicts that precede Christ's return, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in the conflicts themselves, but in the sovereign control Christ exercises over these events and His ultimate triumph over all chaos. These "birth pains" are not random but are under the divine orchestration of the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the seals of judgment, as depicted in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, foretells a world consumed by strife, yet it is He who will return to establish a kingdom of perfect peace and righteousness, where "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" ([Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")). The very chaos described in Luke 21:10 serves to highlight the desperate need for His return, for only through His reign will true and lasting peace be realized, fulfilling the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, these signs, while grim, ultimately point to the glorious and necessary return of the King of Kings, who will bring an end to all conflict and establish His eternal reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 13:8

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.

Acts 2:19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

2 Chronicles 15:5

And in those times [there was] no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations [were] upon all the inhabitants of the countries.

2 Chronicles 15:6

And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

Zechariah 14:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.

Hebrews 12:27

And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.