Luke 21:11

KJV

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} great {G3173} earthquakes {G4578} shall be {G2071} in {G2596} divers places {G5117}, and {G2532} famines {G3042}, and {G2532} pestilences {G3061}; and {G5037} fearful sights {G5400} and {G2532} great {G3173} signs {G4592} shall there be {G2071} from {G575} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

there will be great earthquakes, there will be epidemics and famines in various places, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from Heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

American Standard Version

and there shall be great earthquakes, and in divers places famines and pestilences; and there shall be terrors and great signs from heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Part of Jesus's Olivet Discourse, prophesies a series of escalating natural disasters and celestial phenomena that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem and serve as signs pointing towards the end of the age and His eventual return. This verse specifically enumerates widespread earthquakes, famines, and pestilences across various regions, alongside terrifying heavenly sights and significant celestial indicators, all contributing to a period of global upheaval and distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:11 is situated within Jesus's Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36), a significant eschatological prophecy delivered on the Mount of Olives. The discourse begins with the disciples marveling at the Temple's grandeur, prompting Jesus's startling prediction of its complete destruction (Luke 21:5-6). The disciples then ask for signs concerning these events and the "end of these things" (Luke 21:7). In response, Jesus first warns against deception and false messiahs (Luke 21:8), then describes political and natural upheavals (Luke 21:9-11), followed by the persecution of believers (Luke 21:12-19), and finally the siege of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24) and the cosmic signs preceding His return (Luke 21:25-28). Verse 11 specifically details the natural calamities and celestial signs, setting the stage for the intensified tribulation and the ultimate revelation of the Son of Man.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Olivet Discourse was given shortly before Jesus's crucifixion, to disciples living under Roman occupation in Judea. Jerusalem, with its magnificent Temple, was the spiritual and cultural heart of Judaism. The prophecy of the Temple's destruction would have been profoundly shocking, as it symbolized God's presence and Israel's identity. Earthquakes, famines, and pestilences were not uncommon in the ancient world, but their widespread and intense occurrence, as described by Jesus, would signify an unprecedented period of distress. The mention of "fearful sights and great signs from heaven" would resonate with Jewish apocalyptic expectations, which often included celestial disturbances as harbingers of divine judgment or the coming of the Messiah. The audience would understand these events as divine portents, not mere natural occurrences, aligning with a worldview that saw God's hand in natural phenomena.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical eschatology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over history and nature, as these events are not random but part of God's predetermined plan. It highlights the theme of **Warning and Preparation**, urging believers to discern the times and remain faithful amidst tribulation, as seen in Jesus's call to "stay awake at all times" in [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Be Watchful"). The catalog of disasters also reinforces the theme of **Birth Pangs**, a metaphor used elsewhere (e.g., [Matthew 24:8](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - Birth Pangs")) to describe the increasing intensity and frequency of suffering before a significant new era, in this case, the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. Finally, it speaks to the **Cosmic Scope of Redemption**, indicating that not only humanity but also the natural world will groan under the weight of sin and experience upheaval before the new heavens and new earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This term signifies something "big" or "large," used here to emphasize the immense scale and severity of the earthquakes and signs. It suggests not just ordinary occurrences but events of significant magnitude and impact, exceeding what is typical.
* **earthquakes (Greek, _seismós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to shake," this term refers to a "commotion" or "shaking." While it can denote a gale or tempest in the air, in this context, it clearly refers to seismic activity, indicating ground tremors and their destructive power.
* **pestilences (Greek, _loimós'_):** This word specifically denotes a "plague" or "disease." Its inclusion points to widespread epidemics or outbreaks of illness that will afflict populations, contributing to the overall distress and loss of life.
* **fearful sights (Greek, _phóbētron'_):** This term, a neuter derivative of the verb "to fear," refers to "a frightening thing" or "terrific portent." It suggests phenomena that are not merely unusual but are inherently terrifying and serve as omens or signs of impending dread.
* **signs (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This word signifies "an indication," especially one that is "ceremonial or supernatural." In this context, it refers to extraordinary, often miraculous or divinely orchestrated, occurrences that serve as pointers or tokens, drawing attention to a deeper spiritual or prophetic reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And great earthquakes shall be in divers places":** This clause predicts widespread seismic activity of significant magnitude. The term "divers places" (Greek: _katá tópos_) indicates that these earthquakes will not be localized but will occur in "various places" or "many different locations" simultaneously or with increasing frequency across the globe. This suggests a global phenomenon rather than isolated incidents.
* **"and famines, and pestilences":** Following earthquakes, Jesus lists two other widespread calamities. "Famines" (Greek: _limós_) refers to severe scarcity of food, leading to widespread hunger and starvation. "Pestilences" (Greek: _loimós_) denotes widespread diseases or plagues, causing significant mortality. These three — earthquakes, famines, and pestilences — are often grouped together in biblical prophecy as a triad of divine judgment or signs of the end times, signifying a breakdown of natural order and human well-being.
* **"and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven":** This final clause introduces a category of celestial phenomena. "Fearful sights" (Greek: _phóbētron_) implies terrifying or awe-inspiring visual occurrences, likely in the sky, that cause dread. "Great signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon mégas_) refers to significant, extraordinary, and potentially supernatural indicators originating "from heaven" (Greek: _apó ouranós_). These are not merely natural astronomical events but portents intended to convey a divine message or signify a momentous shift, adding a supernatural dimension to the earthly calamities.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where Jesus lists a series of distinct but related calamities (earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, signs from heaven). This cumulative listing creates a sense of overwhelming and pervasive distress, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the coming tribulations. The use of the adjective **"great"** (Greek: _mégas_) before "earthquakes" and "signs" serves as **Amplification**, intensifying the scale and impact of these events beyond ordinary occurrences. Furthermore, the phrase "in divers places" (or "in various places") uses **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** to underscore the widespread, global nature of these disasters, suggesting a world-encompassing upheaval rather than isolated incidents. The overall effect is one of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for a period of unprecedented global turmoil that will precede the final eschatological events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:11 connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning God's judgment and the signs of the end times. The natural disasters described—earthquakes, famines, and pestilences—are frequently depicted in Scripture as instruments of divine judgment or as manifestations of a world groaning under the curse of sin. These signs are not random but are part of God's sovereign plan, serving as a wake-up call to humanity, demonstrating the fragility of the created order and the urgency of repentance. The "fearful sights and great signs from heaven" further emphasize God's direct involvement, reminding us that He is active in history and reveals His purposes through both earthly and celestial phenomena. Ultimately, these portents serve to underscore the certainty of Christ's return and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

* [Matthew 24:7](/matthew/24-7 "Matthew 24:7 - Signs of the End")
* [Mark 13:8](/mark/13-8 "Mark 13:8 - Beginning of Sorrows")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus's prophecy in Luke 21:11, far from inciting panic, serves as a profound call to spiritual vigilance and steadfast faith. In a world increasingly marked by natural disasters, global pandemics, and unsettling phenomena, this verse reminds believers that such events, while tragic, are not outside of God's knowledge or control. Instead, they are part of a larger divine narrative, serving as "birth pains" that signal the approaching culmination of history and the glorious return of Christ. For us today, this means cultivating a posture of watchfulness, not fear. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in what truly lasts, and to be ready to give an account of our hope. It also compels us to compassionate action, ministering to those suffering from these calamities, demonstrating Christ's love in a broken world, and sharing the good news of His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding these prophecies impact your view of current global events?**
* **What does it mean to "watch" and "be ready" in a practical sense, in light of these signs?**
* **How can believers offer hope and practical help to those affected by natural disasters and widespread illness, rather than succumbing to fear?**

### FAQ
**Are these signs unique to the "end times," or have they always occurred throughout history?**

Answer: While earthquakes, famines, and pestilences have indeed occurred throughout history, Jesus's prophecy in [Luke 21:11](/luke/21-11 "Luke 21:11 - Signs of the End") and its parallels (e.g., [Matthew 24:7-8](/matthew/24-7-8 "Matthew 24:7-8 - Birth Pangs")) suggest an increase in their frequency, intensity, and global scope as the end approaches. The emphasis is not merely on their occurrence but on their heightened presence and the addition of "fearful sights and great signs from heaven," indicating a unique period of escalating distress that serves as a collective signpost for the discerning. They are not isolated incidents but part of a prophetic pattern leading to the return of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 21:11 describes signs of distress and judgment, its ultimate fulfillment points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. These escalating calamities—earthquakes, famines, and pestilences—are not merely random acts of nature but are part of a divinely orchestrated process that culminates in the revelation of Christ's glory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself is the ultimate answer to a world groaning under the weight of sin and suffering, a world that will experience these "birth pains" before its full redemption. He is the one who will ultimately bring an end to all suffering, hunger, and disease, as prophesied in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"). The "fearful sights and great signs from heaven" foreshadow the glorious and terrifying appearance of the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory, as described later in [Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). Thus, these signs, while unsettling, direct our gaze to the sovereign Lord who controls all things and whose return will usher in a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, fulfilling the promise of a world without pain or sorrow (see [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun 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:

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:27

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