Luke 21:24

KJV

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall fall {G4098} by the edge {G4750} of the sword {G3162}, and {G2532} shall be led away captive {G163} into {G1519} all {G3956} nations {G1484}: and {G2532} Jerusalem {G2419} shall be {G2071} trodden down {G3961} of {G5259} the Gentiles {G1484}, until {G891} the times {G2540} of the Gentiles {G1484} be fulfilled {G4137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run its course.

Berean Standard Bible

They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

American Standard Version

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:24, a profound declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, prophesies the devastating consequences for Jerusalem and the Jewish people following the city's destruction, specifically detailing the widespread dispersion of its inhabitants and the prolonged period of Gentile dominion over Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates a divinely appointed era of subjugation for the holy city, which will persist until a predetermined, future point in God's redemptive timeline, often referred to as "the times of the Gentiles."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' eschatological discourse, often called [the Olivet Discourse](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"), delivered from the Mount of Olives. It immediately follows Jesus' pronouncements about the coming siege and desolation of Jerusalem, including the graphic imagery of people fainting from terror and the sea and waves roaring ([Luke 21:20-23](/luke/21-20-23 "Luke 21:20-23 - Siege of Jerusalem and Distress")). The disciples had initially prompted this teaching by asking about the signs of His coming and the end of the age, particularly after Jesus predicted the complete destruction of the magnificent Temple stones ([Luke 21:5-7](/luke/21-5-7 "Luke 21:5-7 - Prophecy of Temple Destruction")). Luke 21:24 serves as a crucial bridge, shifting from the immediate cataclysm of 70 AD to a longer, prophetic period that extends until the ultimate culmination of history, providing a temporal framework for understanding the subsequent signs of the Son of Man's return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Luke 21:24 found its initial, dramatic fulfillment in the Roman-Jewish War (66-73 AD) and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by General Titus in 70 AD. This event was one of the most catastrophic in Jewish history, marked by immense loss of life, widespread famine, and the enslavement and dispersion of hundreds of thousands of Jews across the Roman Empire. Jerusalem, once the vibrant heart of Jewish worship and national identity, was utterly devastated, its Temple razed, and its inhabitants scattered. Culturally, the "Gentiles" (Gk. _ethnē_) referred to all non-Jewish peoples, and their "treading down" of Jerusalem signified not merely military occupation but a profound spiritual and political subjugation, a loss of sovereignty and sacred space that had profound theological implications for the Jewish people.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating the consequences of rejecting God's Messiah and the culmination of a long history of national disobedience, as foreshadowed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights the **Dispersion of Israel** (Diaspora), a recurring motif in Old Testament prophecy ([Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - Promise of Return from Exile")) that finds a renewed and prolonged fulfillment here. Thirdly, and most significantly, it introduces the concept of **"the Times of the Gentiles,"** a pivotal prophetic period during which Gentile nations would hold political and spiritual sway over Jerusalem and, by extension, global power, until a divinely appointed end. This theme is echoed by Paul in [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening and Future Salvation"), suggesting a temporary hardening of Israel until the full number of Gentiles comes in.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos_):** This term, derived from G1484, refers to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign or non-Jewish people, often implying pagan nations. In this context, it designates the non-Jewish powers, primarily the Romans, who would conquer and occupy Jerusalem, and by extension, all subsequent non-Jewish nations that would exert control over the city. The repeated use of "Gentiles" emphasizes their central role in the subjugation of Jerusalem during this prophetic period.
* **trodden down (Greek, _patéō_):** From G3961, this word means "to trample (literally or figuratively)." It vividly conveys the humiliation, oppression, and desecration Jerusalem would suffer under foreign rule. It's not merely occupation but a forceful, demeaning subjugation, akin to being trampled underfoot, signifying a loss of honor, autonomy, and sacred status.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō_):** Derived from G4137, this term means "to make replete," "to complete," "to finish," or "to accomplish." Its use here indicates that the "times of the Gentiles" are not an indefinite or eternal state but a divinely appointed period with a predetermined, definite end. This implies a future point when God's purposes for this era will be fully accomplished, leading to a significant shift in the geopolitical and spiritual status of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall fall by the edge of the sword":** This clause prophesies the immense loss of life among the Jewish people during the Roman siege and subsequent conflicts. "Edge of the sword" (Gk. _stóma machaíras_) literally means "mouth of the sword," a common idiom for a blade's sharp edge, emphasizing the brutal, violent nature of the deaths. This was tragically fulfilled in 70 AD, with estimates of over a million Jewish casualties.
* **"and shall be led away captive into all nations":** This foretells the widespread dispersion of the surviving Jewish population. "Led away captive" (Gk. _aichmalōtízō_) signifies being taken as prisoners of war. Historical records confirm that hundreds of thousands of Jews were enslaved and scattered throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, marking the beginning of the long Jewish Diaspora that continues to this day.
* **"and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles":** This part of the prophecy highlights the subjugation and desecration of Jerusalem itself. "Trodden down" (Gk. _patoumenē_) signifies continuous oppression and control by non-Jewish powers. After 70 AD, Jerusalem remained under Gentile dominion for centuries, experiencing successive occupations by various empires, including Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader, Ottoman, and British rule, until the modern era.
* **"until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled":** This is a crucial prophetic statement, establishing a divinely appointed duration for Jerusalem's subjugation. "Times" (Gk. _kairós_) refers to a specific, opportune, or appointed period, not merely chronological time (Gk. _chronos_). The "times of the Gentiles" refers to an era of Gentile world dominance, particularly over Jerusalem and Israel, which began with the Babylonian exile and continues until a future point when God's plan for this age is complete, signifying a major turning point in prophetic history.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:24 is rich in **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells future events with remarkable precision, which were partially fulfilled in 70 AD and continue to unfold. The phrase "trodden down" employs powerful **Symbolism**, where the physical act of trampling symbolizes humiliation, subjugation, and desecration, conveying the profound loss of sovereignty and spiritual significance for Jerusalem under foreign rule. The entire verse functions as a **Metonymy** for the broader historical period it describes, where the specific events of falling by the sword, captivity, and Jerusalem's subjugation stand in for the entire era of the Jewish Diaspora and Gentile supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:24 stands as a testament to God's sovereign control over history and His prophetic word. It underscores the consequences of national disobedience while simultaneously revealing a divine plan that encompasses both judgment and a future hope. The "times of the Gentiles" represent a unique period in redemptive history where God, though having set aside Israel's national prominence for a time, continues His work through the Gentile church, while still holding a future restoration for Israel. This verse reminds us that history is not random but unfolds according to God's predetermined "times" and "seasons," moving towards a divinely appointed climax. It challenges believers to understand God's broader redemptive narrative and to live with an awareness of His ongoing purposes for all nations and for Israel.

* [Daniel 2:36-45](/daniel/2-36-45 "Daniel 2:36-45 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of Gentile Empires")
* [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening and Future Salvation")
* [Revelation 11:2](/revelation/11-2 "Revelation 11:2 - The Holy City Trodden Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:24 invites us to reflect on the certainty of God's prophetic word and His meticulous orchestration of history. Living within the "times of the Gentiles," we are called to a posture of spiritual discernment, recognizing the unfolding of God's plan even amidst global turmoil. This prophecy, fulfilled in part and awaiting its full culmination, reminds us that God is actively working in the world, bringing His purposes to fruition. It encourages us to maintain a watchful hope, understanding that the current age is temporary and that a glorious future awaits, marked by Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This should motivate us to live purposefully, sharing the Gospel with both Jew and Gentile, and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, knowing that its ultimate redemption is tied to the return of its King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical fulfillment of Luke 21:24 strengthen your faith in the reliability of biblical prophecy?**
* **What does living within "the times of the Gentiles" mean for your perspective on current global events and the Church's mission?**
* **How should the understanding of a predetermined end to this era shape your hope and readiness for Christ's return?**
* **In what ways can you actively pray for and support God's ongoing plan for both Israel and the nations?**

### FAQ
**What are "the times of the Gentiles" mentioned in Luke 21:24?**

Answer: "The times of the Gentiles" (Greek: _kairoi ethnōn_) refers to a distinct, divinely appointed period in history during which Gentile (non-Jewish) nations would exercise political and spiritual dominance over Jerusalem and the world, particularly in relation to the nation of Israel. This era began with the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the First Temple (around 586 BC), effectively ending Israel's independent sovereignty, and was dramatically highlighted by the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, as prophesied by Jesus. It continues until a future point in God's prophetic calendar, often associated with the culmination of end-time events and the return of Christ, at which point Israel's full sovereignty and spiritual prominence will be restored, and Jerusalem will no longer be "trodden down" by Gentile powers. This period is not merely chronological time but a specific season of God's dealings with the nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 21:24 primarily details the judgment and dispersion of Israel and the subjugation of Jerusalem, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, in which Christ is the central figure. The temporary "treading down" of Jerusalem and the partial hardening of Israel, as described by Paul in [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening"), serve a divine purpose: to allow for the full inclusion of the Gentiles into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ. The "times of the Gentiles" are therefore a period of grace for the nations, during which the Gospel is proclaimed to the ends of the earth, gathering a people for God's name from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). The "fulfillment" of these times points to the triumphant return of Christ, who will establish His glorious kingdom on earth, ultimately ruling from a restored Jerusalem ([Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth")). Thus, even in prophecies of judgment and dispersion, Christ remains the hope, the one who will bring all things to their ultimate, glorious culmination, ensuring that God's promises to both Israel and the nations are perfectly fulfilled in Him ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Mystery of God's Will in 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

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

Isaiah 63:18

The people of thy holiness have possessed [it] but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

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.

Isaiah 5:5

And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; [and] break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

Daniel 8:13

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?