Luke 21:10

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

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}:

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

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

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

Luke 21:10 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He outlines signs that will precede His second coming and the end of the age. This particular statement focuses on geopolitical unrest, serving as a clear indicator of the unfolding prophetic timeline.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His return (as recorded in Luke 21:7). After warning against deception and false messiahs (Luke 21:8), and speaking of wars and commotions (Luke 21:9), Jesus specifies "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." This prophecy echoes similar warnings found in the parallel accounts of Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8, indicating a widespread and escalating pattern of conflict.

Key Themes

  • Global Conflict and Unrest: The phrase "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" vividly portrays widespread international and civil strife. It suggests not just isolated skirmishes but a pervasive atmosphere of war and political instability across the globe.
  • Signs, Not the End: Jesus explicitly states in the preceding verse (Luke 21:9) that these events are "not the end," but rather the "beginning of sorrows" or birth pains. This emphasizes that while significant, these conflicts are precursors, signaling the approach of greater events.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' ability to accurately predict such enduring patterns of global conflict underscores His divine authority and foreknowledge, affirming the reliability of His prophetic words.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "nation" and "kingdom." The Greek word for "nation" is ethnos (ἔθνος), from which we get "ethnic." It can refer to a people group, tribe, or nation. "Kingdom" is basileia (βασιλεία), referring to a realm or sovereign power. The repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of these conflicts, involving both distinct ethnic groups and established political states. This foretells a future marked by both civil wars and international disputes.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 21:10 serves several purposes:

  • Prompts Watchfulness: Instead of causing fear or despair, these prophecies call for spiritual alertness and discernment, encouraging us to observe world events through a biblical lens.
  • Urges Evangelism: Recognizing these signs as indicators of the approaching end should motivate greater urgency in sharing the Gospel message with a world in turmoil.
  • Fosters Trust in God: Amidst the chaos of war and political instability, this prophecy reminds us that God is sovereign and His plan will unfold exactly as He has declared. It encourages us to place our hope not in earthly powers, but in the coming Kingdom of God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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