Luke 21:20

KJV

¶ And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3752} ye shall see {G1492} Jerusalem {G2419} compassed {G2944} with {G5259} armies {G4760}, then {G5119} know {G1097} that {G3754} the desolation {G2050} thereof {G846} is nigh {G1448}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“However, when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.

American Standard Version

But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:20 presents a pivotal prophecy delivered by Jesus within His Olivet Discourse, serving as a direct warning to His disciples regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem. This verse specifically identifies the encirclement of the city by military forces as the unmistakable sign that its utter desolation is at hand, providing a critical instruction for believers to discern the times and respond appropriately to the unfolding judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:20 is embedded within a broader prophetic discourse (often called the Olivet Discourse, spanning [Luke 21:5-38](/luke/21-5-38 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse")) where Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the timing of the Temple's destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (as seen in [Luke 21:7](/luke/21-7 "Luke 21:7 - Disciples' Questions")). While the discourse encompasses both the immediate historical judgment on Jerusalem and the ultimate eschatological events, [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction") specifically zeroes in on the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. This verse provides the precise, observable sign that would precede the catastrophic event, directly leading into Jesus' instructions for escape in [Luke 21:21](/luke/21-21 "Luke 21:21 - Instruction to Flee").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Luke 21:20 speaks directly to the Jewish-Roman War (A.D. 66-73), culminating in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by Roman forces under Titus in A.D. 70. Jerusalem, as the religious and political heart of Judaism, had been a focal point of Roman-Jewish tensions for decades. The city's inhabitants, particularly the zealous factions, resisted Roman rule fiercely, leading to a brutal siege. The prophecy's mention of "armies" (stratópedon) clearly points to the Roman legions, known for their disciplined and overwhelming military might. The Jewish people, steeped in Old Testament prophecies, would have understood "desolation" (erēmōsis) as a profound theological concept, recalling past judgments and covenant curses, making Jesus' warning all the more potent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating Jesus' omniscience and God's ultimate control over history, even amidst human rebellion and suffering. Secondly, it highlights **Imminent Judgment**, particularly God's judgment upon Jerusalem for its rejection of the Messiah and its persistent unfaithfulness, echoing Old Testament warnings found in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/ "The Book of Jeremiah"). Thirdly, it serves as a **Clear Warning and Call to Discernment** for Jesus' followers, providing a specific sign to prompt their flight and preserve them from the coming catastrophe, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine instruction. Finally, the fulfillment of this prophecy in A.D. 70 provides powerful evidence for the **Reliability of Biblical Prophecy**, connecting to earlier prophecies of desolation in [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - Prophecy of Desolation") and [Daniel 12:11](/daniel/12-11 "Daniel 12:11 - Abomination of Desolation"). Parallel accounts in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation") and [Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation") further reinforce the prophetic significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the aorist subjunctive, denotes a clear, perceptive observation, not merely a casual glance. It implies a recognition that leads to understanding and action. For the disciples, "seeing" Jerusalem compassed by armies would be an unmistakable, tangible sign, demanding a definitive response based on Jesus' prior instruction.
* **compassed (Greek, _kyklóō'_):** Derived from the word for "circle," this verb vividly describes the act of encircling or surrounding. It paints a picture of a city under siege, completely enclosed by hostile forces, leaving no escape route once the encirclement is complete. This precise detail was crucial for the early Christians to identify the exact moment of danger.
* **desolation (Greek, _erḗmōsis'_):** From _erēmoō_ (to make desolate), this noun signifies a state of utter abandonment, ruin, and emptiness. It is more than mere destruction; it implies a complete stripping away, a leaving barren and uninhabited. This term powerfully conveys the total devastation that would befall Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies of judgment and emphasizing the profound consequences of its rejection of God's Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,"**: This clause sets the condition for the prophetic warning. The Greek conjunction _hótan_ ("whenever") indicates a future event that, once observed, triggers the subsequent action. The visual sign is specific: Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual heartland, will be "compassed," or encircled, by military forces. This is the precise, observable trigger for the disciples to understand that the next stage of the prophecy is imminent.
* **"then know that the desolation thereof is nigh."**: This second clause provides the interpretive command and the consequence. The word "then" (_tóte_) links the observation directly to the understanding. The verb "know" (_ginṓskō_) implies a deep, experiential knowledge, urging the disciples not just to intellectually grasp but to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. The "desolation thereof" refers to Jerusalem's utter ruin and abandonment, a judgment that is "nigh" (_engízō_), meaning it is drawing very near, on the verge of occurring. This proximity demands immediate action.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:20 powerfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent prophetic message. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Jesus' words predict a future event with remarkable precision, preparing His audience for a specific historical catastrophe. The vivid imagery of "Jerusalem compassed with armies" utilizes **visual imagery**, allowing the listener to clearly picture the impending siege. The contrast between the present state of the city and its prophesied future "desolation" creates a sense of **dramatic irony**, as the disciples, though unaware of the specific timing, are given a clear warning that many others will miss. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **sign**, providing a concrete, observable event that serves as an unmistakable indicator for the faithful to act upon, demonstrating the practical nature of Jesus' prophetic teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:20 is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of divine judgment and covenant faithfulness. It echoes Old Testament prophecies where God's people faced judgment for their disobedience, often through the instrument of foreign armies. The "desolation" of Jerusalem is not merely a political or military event but a theological consequence, a fulfillment of God's warnings to a nation that had largely rejected its Messiah. This event serves as a stark reminder that divine patience has limits and that God's word, whether of promise or warning, will inevitably come to pass. The specific instruction to "know" and to flee underscores God's mercy even in judgment, providing a path of escape for those who heed His warnings.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Siege and Destruction")
* [Daniel 9:26-27](/daniel/9-26-27 "Daniel 9:26-27 - Prophecy of the City and Sanctuary's Destruction")
* [Matthew 24:15-16](/matthew/24-15-16 "Matthew 24:15-16 - The Abomination of Desolation and Flight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:20, though a specific historical prophecy, offers profound enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of spiritual vigilance and discernment, recognizing that God often provides signs—whether through His Word, the Holy Spirit, or unfolding events—that require our attentive response. Just as the early Christians were to "know" the signs and act, we are called to understand the times in which we live, not to predict specific dates, but to live with wisdom and readiness. This passage reinforces the absolute trustworthiness of God's Word; what He foretells, He fulfills. Therefore, our trust should be unwavering, and our obedience to His instructions, even those that seem counter-intuitive or demanding, should be immediate and complete. It reminds us that God's warnings are ultimately expressions of His grace, providing a way of escape for those who are faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' specific prophecy in Luke 21:20 strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **What "signs" or promptings might God be giving you today, calling for discernment and a specific response?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a greater sense of readiness or obedience, even if it means stepping out in faith?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment on Jerusalem inform your understanding of His justice and mercy today?**

### FAQ

**What is the "desolation" referred to in Luke 21:20?**

Answer: The "desolation" (Greek: _erḗmōsis_) primarily refers to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. This event, led by General (later Emperor) Titus, resulted in the complete ruin of the city, the leveling of the Temple, and the slaughter or enslavement of its inhabitants. It was a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and a profound historical and theological turning point for Judaism, marking the end of the Temple sacrificial system.

**Did Christians actually flee Jerusalem before its destruction, as Jesus commanded?**

Answer: Historical accounts suggest that many Christians did heed Jesus' warning. Early church historians like Eusebius record that Christians in Jerusalem, remembering Jesus' words, fled the city before the Roman siege began, relocating to Pella, a city in the Decapolis. This act of obedience preserved their lives and demonstrated the practical efficacy of Jesus' prophetic instruction found in [Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Luke 21:20-21 - The Warning and Call to Flee").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 21:20 directly prophesies a historical event, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct typology but in its demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and His ultimate role as the sovereign Lord of history and judgment. The destruction of Jerusalem, a city that largely rejected its Messiah, serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of unbelief and the fulfillment of God's covenant warnings. Jesus, as the true Temple (as seen in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), prophesies the destruction of the old, physical temple, signifying a transition to a new covenant reality centered on His body and His atoning work. His precise foreknowledge of Jerusalem's desolation underscores His deity and His position as the one through whom all judgment is committed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Ultimately, Jesus' warning in Luke 21:20, and the subsequent judgment, points to the greater, ultimate judgment to come at His second advent, when He will return not merely to judge a city, but to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge of the Living and the Dead")) and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, even in a prophecy of historical judgment, we see the profound authority and redemptive purpose of Christ.

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 19:43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

Daniel 9:27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Mark 13:14

¶ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Luke 21:7

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign [will there be] when these things shall come to pass?

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)