Luke 21:16

KJV

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} ye shall be betrayed {G3860} both {G2532} by {G5259} parents {G1118}, and {G2532} brethren {G80}, and {G2532} kinsfolks {G4773}, and {G2532} friends {G5384}; and {G2532} some of {G1537} you {G5216} shall they cause to be put to death {G2289}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends; some of you they will have put to death;

Berean Standard Bible

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.

American Standard Version

But ye shall be delivered up even by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:16 presents a stark and sobering prophecy from Jesus, delivered as part of His Olivet Discourse, foretelling the intense persecution His followers would face. This particular verse highlights the uniquely painful dimension of this opposition: betrayal not merely by external enemies but by those bound by the closest ties of family and friendship, leading even to martyrdom for some. It underscores the radical cost of discipleship and the profound loyalty demanded by allegiance to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, commonly known as the [Olivet Discourse](/luke/21-5-38 "Luke 21:5-38 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse"), recorded in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - Signs of the End Times and Persecution"). Following His pronouncements about the imminent destruction of the Temple in [Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Luke 21:5-6 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction") and the broader signs preceding the end of the age in [Luke 21:7-11](/luke/21-7-11 "Luke 21:7-11 - Signs of the End"), Jesus shifts His focus to the personal trials His disciples would endure. He warns them they will be arrested, brought before rulers, and hated by all for His name's sake, yet promises divine assistance in their testimony ([Luke 21:12-15](/luke/21-12-15 "Luke 21:12-15 - Persecution and Divine Help")). Verse 16 intensifies this warning by specifying the intimate sources of betrayal, a theme powerfully echoed in parallel accounts in [Matthew 10:21](/matthew/10-21 "Matthew 10:21 - Family Betrayal Foretold") and [Mark 13:12](/mark/13-12 "Mark 13:12 - Brother will betray brother").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish society, family bonds were paramount. The extended family (including "kinsfolks" or relatives) and close friends formed the bedrock of social, economic, and religious life. Betrayal from within this intimate circle was not merely a personal slight but a profound rupture of the social fabric, carrying immense shame and often leading to destitution or death for the accused. Jesus' prophecy here would have been particularly shocking and terrifying to His disciples, as it directly challenged the foundational security provided by their most trusted relationships. The Roman Empire, which would soon become the primary persecutor of Christians, often demanded loyalty to the state and emperor above all else, making refusal a capital offense. This context highlights the radical nature of Christian commitment, which, by prioritizing allegiance to Christ, could lead to the severing of even the most sacred human ties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores the **radical cost of discipleship**, making it clear that following Jesus might demand the ultimate sacrifice, including life itself, and the painful severance of cherished human relationships. This aligns with Jesus' earlier teachings about taking up one's cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")) and prioritizing Him above family ([Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Family for Christ")). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**. Jesus' precise and unflinching predictions demonstrate His divine authority and His comprehensive understanding of future events, preparing His disciples for hardships so they would not be surprised or lose faith. Lastly, it highlights the **nature of persecution**, revealing its insidious ability to infiltrate even the most intimate spheres of life, testing the depth and sincerity of one's faith in the face of ultimate pressure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." This word carries the strong connotation of handing someone over, often to an authority for judgment or punishment. It is the same powerful term used to describe Judas's handing over of Jesus to the authorities, implying a deliberate act of treachery that leads to dire consequences.
* **parents (Greek, _goneús'_):** From G1118, meaning "a parent." This specific mention underscores the shocking and unnatural nature of the betrayal. In ancient societies, parents were expected to protect and nurture their children; their betrayal would represent a complete inversion of natural order and a profound emotional wound.
* **cause to be put to death (Greek, _thanatóō'_):** From G2289, meaning "to kill (literally or figuratively)." This term signifies actual execution or martyrdom. The phrase "some of you shall they cause to be put to death" indicates that while not all disciples would suffer martyrdom, a significant number would, highlighting the extreme stakes of their commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends;":** This clause vividly describes the intimate and deeply painful nature of the coming persecution. The list of betrayers—parents, siblings, relatives, and friends—systematically dismantles the most fundamental and trusted relationships in a person's life. This betrayal is not from external enemies, but from those within one's own household and social circle, emphasizing the profound isolation and emotional devastation that would accompany such opposition to Christ. It speaks to a loyalty to the world or to self-preservation that transcends even the strongest familial and social bonds.
* **"and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death.":** This second clause reveals the ultimate consequence of such betrayal and persecution for a portion of Jesus' followers: martyrdom. It is a stark and unvarnished prediction that death awaits some who remain faithful. This is not a generalized threat but a specific warning of lethal intent, underscoring the extreme cost of discipleship and the severity of the trials to come. The phrase "some of you" indicates that while not universal, it would be a real and tragic outcome for many.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus explicitly predicts future events, preparing His disciples for the severe trials ahead. This prophetic element serves to validate His divine authority and to fortify His followers against surprise and despair. The specific listing of "parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends" is an example of **climax** or **gradation**, moving from the most intimate familial bonds to broader social ties, thereby intensifying the shock and emotional impact of the betrayal. This enumeration also functions as **synecdoche**, where a part (these specific relationships) stands for the whole (all human relationships), implying that no bond, however sacred, would be immune to the divisive power of allegiance to Christ. Finally, the stark contrast between the expected loyalty of family and friends and their predicted betrayal creates a powerful **irony**, highlighting the radical and counter-cultural nature of true discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:16 profoundly underscores the radical demands of allegiance to Christ, revealing that following Him may necessitate a loyalty that transcends even the most fundamental human bonds. This verse challenges any notion of a cost-free discipleship, emphasizing that commitment to the Kingdom of God can lead to profound personal sacrifice, including the severing of family ties and even martyrdom. Theologically, it aligns with the New Testament's consistent teaching that suffering is an expected part of the Christian life, serving as a refining fire that tests and proves genuine faith, ultimately leading to a deeper reliance on God's sustaining grace. It also highlights the divisive nature of truth in a fallen world, where fidelity to Christ inevitably brings conflict with those who reject Him, even within one's own household.

* [Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Jesus, a Cause of Division")
* [Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - Family Division Prophecy")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:16, though a prophecy of severe persecution, offers profound insights for believers today. While overt martyrdom by family members may be rare in many contemporary contexts, the principle of betrayal and opposition from unexpected sources remains deeply relevant. Following Christ can still lead to social ostracization, professional setbacks, or intense familial tension when one's commitment to biblical truth clashes with prevailing cultural norms or personal expectations. This verse calls us to examine the depth of our commitment: are we prepared to prioritize Christ above all earthly relationships, even the most cherished ones? It challenges us to cultivate a faith so rooted in Christ that it can withstand the pain of rejection from those we love, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to Him alone. In such trials, our steadfastness becomes a powerful testimony to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might loyalty to Christ create tension or division within my own family or closest relationships today?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of these betrayals strengthen my resolve to remain faithful amidst opposition?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the true cost of discipleship, and how does it challenge my understanding of commitment to Christ?**
* **How can I prepare my heart to respond with grace and truth if I face betrayal or opposition from those closest to me because of my faith?**

### FAQ
**Does Luke 21:16 mean that all Christians will be betrayed by their families and put to death?**

Answer: No, Luke 21:16 is a prophetic warning given to Jesus' disciples about the severe persecution they would face, particularly in the early church era and in future periods of intense tribulation. The phrase "some of you" clearly indicates that not all believers would suffer martyrdom, though many would. The primary emphasis is on the *nature* of the opposition—that it would be deeply personal and come from unexpected sources, including family and friends. While not every Christian will experience literal betrayal leading to death, the principle of facing opposition and the potential for strained relationships due to one's faith in Christ remains relevant for believers across all generations. The New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life ([2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - All who desire to live godly will suffer persecution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:16, while a prophecy of the disciples' suffering, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and experience of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential example of one "betrayed" by those closest to Him, most notably by Judas, one of His own chosen disciples ([Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47-48 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas's Betrayal")). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was marked by rejection and opposition, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion, a clear instance of being "put to death" by the authorities, spurred on by His own people ([Luke 23:20-25](/luke/23-20-25 "Luke 23:20-25 - Jesus Condemned to Death")). Furthermore, Jesus had already taught that His coming would bring division, even within families, stating, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Jesus, a Cause of Division")). Thus, the suffering foretold for His disciples is a direct participation in the pattern of His own life, death, and resurrection. Through His suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ has overcome the world and its opposition ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")), enabling His followers to endure betrayal and even death with the promise of eternal life and vindication in Him ([Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Be Faithful Unto Death")).

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

Luke 12:53

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Revelation 6:9

¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

Jeremiah 9:4

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

Acts 12:2

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.