Luke 21:22

KJV

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} these {G3778} be {G1526} the days {G2250} of vengeance {G1557}, that all things {G3956} which {G3588} are written {G1125} may be fulfilled {G4137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For these are the days of vengeance, when everything that has been written in the Tanakh will come true.

Berean Standard Bible

For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

American Standard Version

For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:22 stands as a profound declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, asserting that the impending catastrophic events, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem, are not random occurrences but divinely appointed "days of vengeance." This verse underscores the certainty of God's sovereign plan, revealing that these judgments serve as the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecies, bringing to completion all that has been written concerning the consequences of rebellion and the unfolding of God's redemptive-historical purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive prophetic discourse in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"), often paralleled with [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Signs of the End of the Age") and [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Little Apocalypse"). Specifically, [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") immediately follows Jesus' vivid warnings about the siege of Jerusalem, instructing His followers to flee when they see the city surrounded by armies ([Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Luke 21:20-21 - Warnings to Flee Jerusalem")). The verse provides the theological rationale for these dire events, explaining that the calamities are not merely political or military outcomes but are divinely ordained judgments, a period of righteous retribution that will bring to pass long-foretold prophecies. It serves as a bridge, connecting the immediate historical judgment on Jerusalem to broader themes of divine justice and prophetic fulfillment that culminate in the return of the Son of Man.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") occurred in 70 AD with the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem by forces under General Titus. This event was a cataclysmic turning point for Judaism, marking the end of the Second Temple period, the cessation of sacrificial worship, and the widespread dispersion of the Jewish people ([Luke 21:24](/luke/21-24 "Luke 21:24 - Jerusalem Trodden Down")). For the original audience, the concept of "days of vengeance" would resonate with Old Testament patterns where God's covenant people faced judgment for their disobedience and rejection of His prophets. The cultural understanding of divine retribution was deeply embedded in their worldview, often linked to national calamities as consequences for covenant unfaithfulness. The destruction of Jerusalem was thus understood not merely as a military defeat but as a profound act of divine judgment, a visible manifestation of God's righteous anger against a generation that had rejected its Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Vengeance**, portraying God as a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice upon sin and rebellion. Unlike human revenge, God's vengeance is a holy and just response, ensuring that the scales of justice are balanced. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Prophetic Fulfillment**, asserting the absolute certainty and reliability of God's Word. The phrase "that all things which are written may be fulfilled" underscores that these events are not random but are the precise unfolding of divine plans prophesied throughout the Old Testament, such as those found in [Isaiah 61:2](/isaiah/61-2 "Isaiah 61:2 - The Day of Vengeance") or [Daniel 9:26-27](/daniel/9-26-27 "Daniel 9:26-27 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction"). This theme reinforces the **Sovereignty of God in History**, demonstrating that even amidst immense suffering and destruction, God remains in ultimate control, meticulously working out His purposes and bringing His declared will to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vengeance (Greek, _ekdíkēsis'_):** From G1557, this term signifies vindication or retribution. In a divine context, it refers to God's righteous and just response to injustice, sin, or rebellion, bringing about a righteous outcome rather than personal spite or malice. It implies the execution of divine justice, not an act of emotional retaliation.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** From G1125, this primary verb means "to grave" or "to write," and figuratively, "to describe." In this context, it refers to the prophetic declarations found in the Old Testament Scriptures that foretold periods of judgment and the consequences of national apostasy, particularly for Israel.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From G4137, this verb means "to make replete," "to accomplish," or "to verify (a prediction)." In the context of prophecy, it denotes the complete and precise realization of what was foretold, signifying that the events described are not merely partial or symbolic, but the full and undeniable accomplishment of God's declared word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For these be the days of vengeance":** This clause provides the theological explanation for the preceding warnings of destruction. It declares that the impending period of suffering and calamity is not accidental or merely a consequence of human conflict, but a divinely appointed time of righteous judgment. "Vengeance" here is God's just recompense for the nation's rejection of Him and His Messiah, a culmination of historical disobedience.
* **"that all things which are written may be fulfilled":** This second clause clarifies the purpose and certainty of these "days of vengeance." The destruction and suffering are not arbitrary but are the precise and inevitable fulfillment of prophecies recorded in the Old Testament. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His word and His sovereign control over history, ensuring that every divine declaration, particularly those concerning judgment and the unfolding of His plan, will come to pass exactly as foretold.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:22 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the entire verse is a direct prophetic declaration from Jesus concerning future events. This prophecy functions as a warning and an explanation for the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The phrase "days of vengeance" serves as a **Metonymy**, where "days" represents a period characterized by divine retribution, effectively standing for the entire era of judgment. Furthermore, the statement "that all things which are written may be fulfilled" utilizes **Allusion** to the vast body of Old Testament prophecies concerning judgment and the restoration of Israel. This phrase also embodies **Divine Passive**, implying that the fulfillment of these prophecies is not by human agency alone but is ultimately orchestrated by God Himself. The certainty implied by "may be fulfilled" underscores the **Infallibility** of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:22 profoundly reveals God's character as both just and faithful to His word. The "days of vengeance" speak to God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, particularly against a people who had repeatedly rejected His covenant and ultimately His Son. This is not a vengeful act driven by malice, but a holy and necessary execution of justice that brings about a righteous outcome. Simultaneously, the verse underscores the absolute certainty of God's prophetic declarations. The fact that "all things which are written may be fulfilled" testifies to God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that His purposes, even those involving severe judgment, are meticulously brought to pass. This provides a foundational assurance that all of God's promises, whether of judgment or salvation, are utterly reliable.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;")
* [Isaiah 34:8](/isaiah/34-8 "Isaiah 34:8 - For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:22 serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn reality of divine judgment and the unwavering truthfulness of God's Word. For believers today, this verse should cultivate a deep reverence for God's justice, understanding that while He is merciful and patient, there are indeed times when His righteous judgment will be fully executed. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy in 70 AD stands as a tangible testament to the reliability of all of God's promises and warnings, including those concerning Christ's ultimate return and the final judgment of the world. This should inspire a profound confidence in the Scriptures, encouraging us to live lives that reflect our trust in His unfailing word and to take His warnings seriously. It calls us to spiritual preparedness, motivating us to seek repentance, live righteously, and remain watchful, recognizing that we live in a world where God's sovereign purposes are continually unfolding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic fulfillment, as seen in this verse, shape my trust in His Word today?**
* **In what ways does understanding God's justice, as expressed in "days of vengeance," influence my view of sin and righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live in a state of watchfulness and spiritual preparedness, knowing that God's purposes will be fully accomplished?**

### FAQ
**Was Luke 21:22 primarily fulfilled in 70 AD, or does it have a future fulfillment?**

Answer: The primary and most immediate historical fulfillment of [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") is widely understood by scholars to be the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in 70 AD. Jesus' specific warnings about Jerusalem being surrounded by armies ([Luke 21:20](/luke/21-20 "Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem Surrounded")) and the subsequent "treading down" of the city ([Luke 21:24](/luke/21-24 "Luke 21:24 - Jerusalem Trodden Down")) align precisely with these historical events. However, within the broader Olivet Discourse, these events also serve as a pattern or type for the ultimate eschatological judgment that will occur at Christ's second coming. While the immediate prophecy was fulfilled, the principles of divine judgment and prophetic certainty extend to the final consummation of all things.

**What is the difference between God's "vengeance" and human revenge?**

Answer: The Greek word for "vengeance" in [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") is _ekdíkēsis_ (G1557), which carries the connotation of vindication, retribution, or the execution of justice. Unlike human revenge, which is often driven by personal malice, spite, or a desire for retaliation, God's vengeance is rooted in His perfect righteousness and holiness. It is a just and holy response to sin, rebellion, and injustice, designed to uphold His moral order and bring about a righteous outcome. God's vengeance is always righteous, proportionate, and serves to establish justice, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance") speaks of "days of vengeance" primarily fulfilled in the judgment upon Jerusalem, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus' dual role as both the object of rejection and the agent of divine judgment, yet also the ultimate deliverer. The "vengeance" described is a consequence of humanity's rebellion against God, culminating in the rejection of His Son. Yet, Christ's first coming was not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ Did Not Come to Condemn")). He absorbed the full "vengeance" of God against sin on the cross, becoming 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")). However, His second coming will usher in the final "day of vengeance" for those who have rejected Him, when He will return "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")). Thus, the judgment on Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate judgment of the world, from which Christ alone provides salvation, offering refuge and deliverance to all who trust in Him, thereby fulfilling the prophetic declarations of God's righteous justice and His gracious salvation.

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

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Mark 13:19

For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Mark 13:20

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

2 Peter 3:7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Isaiah 63:4

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.