Luke 21:21

KJV

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} let them {G5343} which are in {G1722} Judaea {G2449} flee {G5343} to {G1519} the mountains {G3735}; and {G2532} let them {G1633} which are in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of it {G846} depart out {G1633}; and {G2532} let {G1525} not {G3361} them that are in {G1722} the countries {G5561} enter {G1525} thereinto {G1519}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those in Y’hudah must escape to the hills, those inside the city must get out, and those in the country must not enter it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.

American Standard Version

Then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:21 presents a critical and urgent directive from Jesus to His followers, instructing them on how to respond to the impending signs of Jerusalem's destruction. This verse, part of the Olivet Discourse, provides specific geographical instructions for flight and avoidance, emphasizing the necessity of immediate action to escape the catastrophic events prophesied to befall the city and its surrounding region. It serves as a compassionate warning, offering a path of preservation amidst divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:21 is a direct continuation and elaboration of Jesus' prophetic discourse concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36; cf. Matthew 24; Mark 13). Specifically, it follows Jesus' explicit warning in [Luke 21:20](/luke/21-20 "Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies"), where He states, "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." Verse 21 provides the actionable response to this specific sign, detailing where people should flee from and where they should not enter. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Luke 21:22-24](/luke/21-22-24 "Luke 21:22-24 - Days of Vengeance and Gentile Dominion")) further describe the severity of the coming judgment, reinforcing the urgency of the flight commanded in verse 21. This immediate context underscores the practical, life-saving nature of Jesus' counsel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Luke 21:21, along with its parallels, is widely understood to refer to the Roman-Jewish War (66-73 AD) and, most acutely, the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. At this time, Jerusalem was the spiritual and political heart of Judaism, with the Temple being its central feature. Roman rule was often oppressive, leading to frequent rebellions and tensions. The Jewish people largely anticipated a Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression, not one who would foretell the destruction of their holy city. Mountains, in ancient Israel, often served as natural fortresses and places of refuge during times of war or invasion, as seen throughout Old Testament narratives. The instruction to flee to the mountains and avoid entering the city reflects a practical understanding of siege warfare, where those trapped within city walls faced starvation, disease, and the sword, while those outside might find safety in rugged terrain. The instruction not to enter the city also highlights the danger for those in the surrounding "countries" or rural areas who might instinctively seek refuge within Jerusalem's walls, unaware of its impending doom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical prophecy. First, it highlights **Divine Warning and Providence**, demonstrating Jesus' omniscience and God's compassionate forewarning to His people, providing a means of escape from impending judgment. This theme is consistent with God's character throughout Scripture, from [Noah's ark](/genesis/7 "Genesis 7 - Noah and the Ark") to the warnings given to Lot before [Sodom's destruction](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Second, it underscores the theme of **Urgency and Immediate Action**. The rapid succession of commands—"flee," "depart out," "let not them... enter"—emphasizes that there would be no time for hesitation once the specified sign appeared. Third, the passage stresses the importance of **Spiritual Discernment and Obedience**. Survival depended on recognizing the prophetic sign (Jerusalem surrounded by armies, as per [Luke 21:20](/luke/21-20 "Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies")) and acting in immediate obedience to Jesus' seemingly counter-intuitive instructions, rather than relying on conventional wisdom or nationalistic fervor. Finally, it illustrates the principle of **Separation from Impending Judgment**, a recurring motif where God calls His faithful to separate themselves from places or systems destined for divine wrath, ensuring their preservation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flee (Greek, _pheúgō_):** This verb signifies to run away, escape, or take flight. It conveys a sense of urgency and necessity to remove oneself from danger quickly. In this context, it is not merely a suggestion but a vital command for self-preservation, indicating that remaining would lead to dire consequences.
* **depart out (Greek, _ekchōréō_):** Composed of "ek" (out of) and "chōreō" (to go, make room), this word literally means "to go out of a place," or "to depart." It emphasizes a decisive movement from within the city to outside its confines, reinforcing the idea of evacuation. The command is for those already inside Jerusalem to exit immediately.
* **enter (Greek, _eisérchomai_):** Formed from "eis" (into) and "erchomai" (to come, go), this verb means "to come into," "to go in," or "to enter." In Luke 21:21, it is used with a negative particle ("let not... enter"), forming a prohibition. This specific instruction warns those outside the city, perhaps in the surrounding "countries" (chōra), not to seek refuge within Jerusalem, as its walls would become a trap rather than a sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains":** This clause provides the initial, primary instruction for those residing in the broader region of Judaea, the province surrounding Jerusalem. Upon seeing the sign of armies surrounding Jerusalem (as per [Luke 21:20](/luke/21-20 "Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies")), residents of Judaea are to immediately seek refuge in the mountainous terrain. This was a common strategy for survival during ancient sieges, as mountains offered natural barriers, hiding places, and often access to resources away from the immediate conflict zone. The command implies a swift, non-negotiable departure.
* **"and let them which are in the midst of it depart out":** This segment addresses those specifically located within Jerusalem itself ("in the midst of it"). The instruction is to "depart out," meaning to exit the city. This implies that even if one is within the presumed safety of the city walls, the true danger lies *within* during this specific judgment. This directive would have been particularly challenging to obey, as people naturally seek refuge within fortified cities during times of war. However, Jesus' warning indicates that Jerusalem would become a death trap.
* **"and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto":** This final clause extends the warning to those in the rural areas or "countries" (chōra) surrounding Jerusalem. It is a prohibition, explicitly forbidding them from entering the city. During times of conflict, people from rural areas often fled to the perceived safety of fortified cities. Jesus' counter-intuitive command here reveals that Jerusalem would offer no safety; instead, it would be the epicenter of destruction. This instruction underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment and the precise guidance given for avoidance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:21 employs several significant literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Imperative Mood** is dominant, with verbs like "let them flee," "let them depart out," and "let not them... enter" functioning as direct commands. This grammatical choice emphasizes the non-negotiable and critical nature of Jesus' instructions, demanding immediate and decisive action from His audience. The verse also utilizes **Geographical Specificity**, clearly delineating three distinct locations: "Judaea," "the midst of it" (referring to Jerusalem), and "the countries" (surrounding rural areas). This precision ensures that the audience understands exactly who is being addressed and what action is required in each location, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the scope of the warning. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** in the instructions: flee *from* the city *to* the mountains, depart *out* of the city, and do *not* enter *into* the city. This stark contrast highlights the reversal of conventional wisdom—where a city is typically a refuge—and underscores the unique danger Jerusalem would pose during this specific period of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:21 is a profound testament to God's foreknowledge and His compassionate desire to warn and preserve His people even in the face of impending judgment. It underscores the principle that divine warnings, though often counter-intuitive to human reasoning, are given for our ultimate good and require immediate, obedient response. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy in 70 AD, where early Christians reportedly fled Jerusalem and were spared, serves as a powerful demonstration of the efficacy of heeding God's word. This passage reminds believers across all ages of the importance of spiritual discernment, watchfulness, and radical obedience when confronted with God's prophetic declarations, whether concerning historical events or ultimate eschatological realities. It is a call to prioritize God's instructions over worldly security or popular opinion, trusting in His sovereign plan for preservation.

* [Matthew 24:15-16](/matthew/24-15-16 "Matthew 24:15-16 - Abomination of Desolation and Flight")
* [Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination and Flight")
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Hebrews 11:7 - Noah's Faith and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:21, though historically fulfilled, carries timeless principles for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of spiritual watchfulness and discernment, recognizing that God often provides warnings, both explicit and implicit, about impending dangers—whether physical, spiritual, or societal. The urgency in Jesus' command to "flee" and "depart out" speaks to the critical importance of immediate obedience when God's will is made clear. Procrastination or hesitation in responding to divine warnings can have severe consequences. This passage also reminds us that true safety is found not in human institutions or perceived strongholds, but in obedience to God's directives. It calls us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Are we willing to abandon what seems safe or comfortable if God calls us to a different path? Ultimately, Luke 21:21 encourages a life of active faith, where we are attuned to God's voice, ready to respond with courage and conviction, trusting that His commands, even when difficult, always lead to our preservation and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" or warnings might God be giving me in my life today, through His Word, circumstances, or the counsel of others, that I need to heed with urgency?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to place my security in worldly "cities" or institutions rather than in radical obedience to God's call?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize God's warnings and promptings, and what steps can I take to respond with immediate obedience?**
* **What does it mean for me to "flee to the mountains" or "depart out" from spiritual dangers or harmful influences in my contemporary context?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus' warning in Luke 21:21 exclusively for people living in the 1st century, or does it have broader relevance?**

Answer: While Jesus' warning in [Luke 21:21](/luke/21-21 "Luke 21:21 - Warning to Flee Jerusalem") had a specific, direct fulfillment in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, its underlying principles are broadly relevant for all believers across time. The historical event serves as a powerful object lesson. The passage teaches us about God's foreknowledge, His compassion in providing warnings, and the critical importance of immediate obedience to divine directives. It underscores the need for spiritual discernment to recognize "signs of the times" (whether personal, societal, or eschatological) and the wisdom of separating oneself from impending judgment or spiritual peril. Therefore, while the literal command to flee to the mountains of Judea is specific to that historical context, the call to heed God's warnings and act in faith remains timeless.

**How did early Christians respond to this warning, and what was the outcome?**

Answer: Historical accounts, particularly from Eusebius of Caesarea (in his *Ecclesiastical History*), indicate that early Christians in Jerusalem and Judea heeded Jesus' warning. When the Roman general Cestius Gallus briefly withdrew his forces from Jerusalem in 66 AD, creating a window of opportunity, many Christians fled the city. They reportedly sought refuge in Pella, a city in the Decapolis region east of the Jordan River. This timely departure saved them from the horrific siege, famine, and slaughter that occurred when Roman forces under Titus returned in 70 AD, leading to the complete destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. This historical fulfillment stands as a powerful testament to the accuracy of Jesus' prophecy and the life-saving nature of obedience to His commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:21, while a warning of temporal judgment, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate refuge and deliverer. The flight from Jerusalem prefigures the greater spiritual "fleeing" that all humanity must undertake: a turning away from the coming wrath against sin, found only in Jesus Christ. Just as physical flight saved lives from the Roman armies, spiritual flight to Christ saves souls from eternal condemnation. Jesus, who gave the warning in [Luke 21:21](/luke/21-21 "Luke 21:21 - Warning to Flee Jerusalem"), is Himself the "mountain" of refuge, the "strong tower" into which the righteous run and are safe ([Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")). His commands to "flee" from the world's impending judgment are fulfilled in the call to repentance and faith in Him. He is the one who bears the judgment we deserve, offering salvation and eternal security to all who come to Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The historical preservation of those who heeded Jesus' warning in 70 AD serves as a tangible illustration of the spiritual preservation offered to all who believe in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and who promises to deliver His elect from the greater tribulation to come ([Matthew 24:29-31](/matthew/24-29-31 "Matthew 24:29-31 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). Thus, the urgency to flee from Jerusalem is echoed in the urgency to flee to Christ, who is our ultimate sanctuary and hope.

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

Jeremiah 6:1

¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Genesis 19:17

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Genesis 19:26

¶ But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Luke 17:31

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Luke 17:33

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.