Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Luke 21:12

Next

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

But {G1161} before {G4253} all {G537} these {G5130}, they shall lay {G1911} their {G846} hands {G5495} on {G1909} you {G5209}, and {G2532} persecute {G1377} you, delivering {G3860} you up {G1519} to the synagogues {G4864}, and {G2532} into prisons {G5438}, being brought {G71} before {G1909} kings {G935} and {G2532} rulers {G2232} for {G1752} my {G3450} name's {G3686} sake {G1752}.

But before all this, they will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons; and you will be brought before kings and governors. This will all be on account of me,

But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.

But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

Commentary

Luke 21:12 is a solemn warning from Jesus to His disciples, part of His prophetic discourse often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This verse specifically addresses the immediate persecution believers would face.

Context

This verse is found within Luke chapter 21, where Jesus is teaching about the signs preceding the destruction of the Temple and His second coming. While many verses in this chapter speak of future cosmic events, verse 12 emphasizes that persecution would precede these grander eschatological signs. It serves as a direct warning to His followers that their commitment to Him would bring opposition from religious and civil authorities.

Key Themes

  • Predicted Persecution: Jesus explicitly foretells that His disciples would be targeted. This wasn't a possibility but a certainty, a fundamental aspect of following Him.
  • Suffering for Christ's Name: The phrase "for my name's sake" highlights that the root cause of this opposition is their identification with Jesus Christ. Their allegiance to Him would provoke hostility.
  • Opportunity for Witness: Although facing adversity, these trials would become platforms for believers to testify about Jesus before influential figures, including "kings and rulers." This transforms suffering into an evangelistic opportunity, as also mentioned in the very next verse.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' detailed prediction demonstrates His complete knowledge of future events, providing comfort and assurance that even in suffering, God is sovereign and aware.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lay their hands on you" uses the Greek word epiballō (ἐπιβάλλω), which can mean to cast, throw, or lay upon, often implying forceful or hostile action. "Persecute you" comes from diōkō (διώκω), meaning to pursue, chase, or harass, indicating sustained opposition. The core reason, "for my name's sake" (Greek: dia to onoma mou), signifies that their identity with Christ is the direct cause of their suffering, a powerful recurring theme throughout the New Testament regarding Christian suffering (e.g., Acts 9:16).

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 21:12 offers several important lessons:

  • Expect Opposition: Following Jesus may not always be easy or popular. The early church experienced significant persecution (e.g., Acts 4:3, Acts 5:18), and this verse reminds us that opposition can be a natural consequence of faithfully living for Christ, aligning with Jesus' words in John 15:20.
  • Embrace Witnessing Opportunities: Difficult circumstances can be divine appointments for sharing the Gospel. When brought before authorities or facing public scrutiny, believers have a unique platform to articulate their faith.
  • Find Strength in Christ: Understanding that Jesus foreknew these challenges provides a source of comfort and strength. Believers are not surprised or abandoned in their trials but are sustained by God's presence and purpose.
  • Endure Faithfully: This verse is a call to steadfastness and endurance. Knowing that suffering is part of the path of discipleship encourages believers to remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate victory and the promised reward for those who endure.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

  • 1 Peter 4:14 (3 votes)

    If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

  • Matthew 23:34 (2 votes)

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

  • Matthew 23:36 (2 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

  • Matthew 10:16 (2 votes)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Matthew 10:25 (2 votes)

    It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

  • Acts 7:57 (2 votes)

    Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,