Luke 21:20

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

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 21:20 is a powerful prophetic warning delivered by Jesus to His disciples, part of what is known as the Olivet Discourse. This verse specifically foretells the impending destruction of Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is nestled within Jesus' teachings about the signs that would precede the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age. While the broader discourse also touches on future eschatological events, Luke 21:20-24 primarily focuses on the historical destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. Jesus had previously lamented over Jerusalem, knowing its fate (Luke 19:43-44), and this prophecy provides a specific sign for His followers to recognize and act upon.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' precise prediction of Jerusalem being "compassed with armies" demonstrates His omniscience and the divine origin of His words.
  • Imminent Judgment: The verse signals the approaching judgment upon Jerusalem, a consequence of its rejection of the Messiah and continued rebellion against God. This judgment was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
  • A Clear Warning: For the early Christians living in Judea, this prophecy served as a crucial sign to flee, ensuring their safety before the siege and subsequent desolation, as further instructed in Luke 21:21.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event directly fulfilled Jesus' words, providing concrete evidence of biblical prophecy's reliability. It also connects to earlier prophecies concerning "desolation" found in books like Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 12:11. Parallel accounts can also be found in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "compassed with armies" uses the Greek word kykloumenen (κυκλουμένην), meaning to "encircle" or "surround," vividly depicting the Roman siege of Jerusalem. The word "desolation" (Greek: eremosis, ἐρήμωσις) signifies not just destruction, but a state of utter abandonment, emptiness, and ruin, perfectly describing the aftermath of the Roman conquest. This strong term emphasizes the complete devastation Jerusalem would experience.

Practical Application

While Luke 21:20 primarily refers to a past historical event, its principles offer enduring lessons for believers:

  • Vigilance and Discernment: Just as the disciples were to be watchful for specific signs, believers today are called to be spiritually vigilant and discerning of the times, understanding God's overarching plan and will.
  • Trust in God's Word: The undeniable fulfillment of this prophecy reinforces the absolute trustworthiness of God's Word and His ability to foresee and orchestrate history.
  • Readiness: The warning to flee highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and obedience to God's instructions, ensuring safety and faithfulness in times of trial. This readiness is a key theme throughout Jesus' teachings, including His parables about being prepared for His return.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:)

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