Luke 21:17

KJV

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye shall be {G2071} hated {G3404} of {G5259} all {G3956} men for {G1223} my {G3450} name's sake {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and everyone will hate you because of me.

Berean Standard Bible

And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.

American Standard Version

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 21:17, Jesus delivers a sobering prophecy to His disciples, warning them that they will face universal hatred and persecution specifically "for my name's sake." This declaration is part of the Olivet Discourse, a significant eschatological teaching that prepares believers for the tribulations preceding the end times, emphasizing that allegiance to Christ will inevitably provoke animosity from the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive prophecy known as the Olivet Discourse, recorded in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"). Following His lament over Jerusalem and the temple's impending destruction ([Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Luke 21:5-6 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction")), Jesus outlines a series of signs and tribulations that will precede His second coming. He speaks of wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences ([Luke 21:9-11](/luke/21-9-11 "Luke 21:9-11 - Signs of the End Times")), but then shifts focus to the direct persecution His followers will endure. Prior to this verse, Jesus warns that disciples will be arrested, delivered to synagogues and prisons, and brought before kings and governors for His name's sake, which will serve as an opportunity for witness ([Luke 21:12-13](/luke/21-12-13 "Luke 21:12-13 - Persecution as Witness")). The immediate context thus highlights the personal cost of discipleship amidst broader global upheaval.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prophecy was delivered in a Jewish context where His claims to Messiahship were deeply divisive. While some embraced Him, others, particularly the religious authorities, viewed Him as a blasphemer and a threat to their established order and relationship with Rome. The early church, as documented in [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - Early Church History"), quickly experienced the fulfillment of these words, facing intense persecution from both Jewish leaders (e.g., [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Acts 4:1-3 - Peter and John Arrested")) and later, the Roman Empire (e.g., Nero's persecutions). The phrase "for my name's sake" would resonate powerfully with a Jewish audience familiar with the concept of suffering for the sake of God's name (Kiddush Hashem). In the Roman world, Christians were often misunderstood and accused of various crimes, including atheism (for refusing to worship Roman gods), cannibalism (misunderstanding the Eucharist), and disloyalty to the emperor, leading to widespread social ostracism and official persecution.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Cost of Discipleship**, a recurring motif in Jesus' teaching, where following Him often demands self-denial and suffering ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Secondly, it highlights the **Antagonism of the World Towards Christ and His Followers**, a theme Jesus elaborates on in [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates Disciples"). The world's hatred is not random but specifically directed at those who bear Christ's "name," representing His identity, authority, and message. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Certainty of Prophecy**, as Jesus' words were demonstrably fulfilled in the early church and continue to be fulfilled throughout history. Finally, it subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty** even in suffering, as these tribulations are foreseen and permitted by God, serving His ultimate purposes, including providing opportunities for witness ([Luke 21:13](/luke/21-13 "Luke 21:13 - Persecution as Witness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hated (Greek, _miséō_):** This verb signifies a strong, active aversion, detestation, or animosity. It's not merely a mild dislike or indifference but a deep-seated ill-will, often leading to persecution. In this context, it implies a deliberate and hostile opposition to Christ's followers.
* **for (Greek, _diá_):** This preposition indicates the channel or cause of an action. Here, it specifies the reason or ground for the hatred. The hatred is not arbitrary but directly "through" or "by reason of" the subsequent phrase, "my name's sake." It establishes a direct causal link between allegiance to Christ and the ensuing hostility.
* **name's sake (Greek, _ónoma_):** The term "name" in biblical thought encompasses more than just a label; it represents the full identity, character, authority, reputation, and essence of a person. To be hated "for my name's sake" means the animosity is directed at everything Jesus is and represents, and by extension, at those who identify with Him, bear His character, and proclaim His message. It implies that the very essence of Christ's being and mission is offensive to the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall be hated":** This opening clause is a direct, prophetic declaration from Jesus, indicating the certainty and universality of the animosity His followers will face. The passive voice ("shall be hated") suggests that the hatred originates from an external source, namely the world, and is something inflicted upon them. It serves as a stark warning, preparing the disciples for the reality of their future experience.
* **"of all [men]":** This phrase emphasizes the pervasive nature of the hatred. While "all men" might be understood as hyperbole, it certainly conveys that this animosity will be widespread, coming from various segments of society, not just a select few. It signifies a general societal rejection and antagonism directed towards those who align themselves with Jesus.
* **"for my name's sake.":** This crucial phrase provides the singular, definitive reason for the hatred. It clarifies that the persecution is not due to personal failings, social misdeeds, or political rebellion on the part of the disciples, but solely because of their identification with Jesus Christ. Their allegiance to His person, His teachings, His authority, and His mission is the direct cause of the world's enmity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells a future reality for His disciples, a prediction that historically found fulfillment in the early church and continues to resonate. The phrase "of all [men]" can be understood as **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the pervasive and widespread nature of the hatred, rather than a literal assertion that every single individual on earth would hate them. This rhetorical device underscores the intense and universal opposition believers would encounter. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the disciples not only for immediate challenges but also for the ongoing struggle between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world until Christ's return. There is also an element of **Irony** in this prophecy: those who embody love, peace, and truth are paradoxically met with the deepest hatred, precisely because of their association with the source of all good.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:17 stands as a stark reminder that the path of discipleship is not one of ease or universal acceptance, but often one marked by opposition and hostility. This hatred is not arbitrary; it is a direct consequence of bearing Christ's name, which represents His divine authority, His transformative message, and His radical call to allegiance. The world, being antithetical to Christ's kingdom, naturally opposes those who embody His values and proclaim His truth. This verse thus affirms the spiritual conflict inherent in the Christian life, where faithfulness to Christ inevitably provokes the enmity of those who reject Him. It also highlights the honor of suffering for Christ, aligning believers with the very experience of their Lord, who Himself was hated without cause.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for My Name")
* [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates You")
* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Blessed for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:17 offers profound insights for believers across all generations. It challenges the modern tendency to seek comfort and popularity, reminding us that authentic discipleship may lead to social ostracism, ridicule, or even active persecution. This verse calls us to examine the nature of any opposition we face: is it due to personal failings, or truly "for Christ's name's sake"? If the latter, we are in good company, sharing in the experience of Christ and His apostles. This understanding should not lead to despair but to a robust faith that anticipates difficulty and finds strength in Christ's foreknowledge and presence. It encourages perseverance, knowing that our suffering for His name is not in vain and that our ultimate reward is with Him. It also empowers us to stand firm in our convictions, speak truth in love, and view adversity as an opportunity to display the transforming power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the expectation of being "hated for my name's sake" shape my understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in today's world?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my faith to avoid social discomfort or opposition?**
* **How can I prepare myself spiritually and emotionally to endure potential hatred or persecution for my allegiance to Christ?**
* **What opportunities for witness might arise from facing opposition "for Christ's name's sake"?**

### FAQ
**Does "all men" in Luke 21:17 mean literally every person on earth will hate Christians?**

Answer: While the phrase "all men" (Greek: _pâs_) can denote universality, in this context, it is best understood as a hyperbole, emphasizing the widespread and pervasive nature of the hatred that Jesus' followers would experience. It signifies that animosity would come from various segments of society and from many different people, not necessarily every single individual. The early church's experience, as documented in [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - Early Church History"), confirms that Christians faced widespread opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities, as well as from the general populace in many areas. The point is not total unanimity of hatred, but that hostility will be a common and expected experience for those who truly identify with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The hatred prophesied for His disciples is a direct participation in the hatred He Himself endured. Jesus was "hated without a cause" ([John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Hated Without Cause")), rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), and ultimately crucified by both Jewish and Roman authorities. His suffering "for the name's sake" of God the Father was the supreme act of obedience and love, culminating in His atoning death. Therefore, when believers are hated "for my name's sake," they are not merely suffering; they are being conformed to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")) and participating in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")). This solidarity with Christ's suffering validates the believer's experience, transforming what might seem like defeat into a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the enduring power of God's kingdom. Just as Christ's suffering led to His resurrection and triumph, so too does the hatred endured by His followers ultimately point to His ultimate victory and their future glory with Him ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Endure, We Will 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

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

John 15:21

But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Revelation 2:3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Mark 13:13

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.