Luke 21:25

KJV

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there shall be {G2071} signs {G4592} in {G1722} the sun {G2246}, and {G2532} in the moon {G4582}, and {G2532} in the stars {G798}; and {G2532} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093} distress {G4928} of nations {G1484}, with {G1722} perplexity {G640}; the sea {G2281} and {G2532} the waves {G4535} roaring {G2278};

Complete Jewish Bible

“There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea,

Berean Standard Bible

There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.

American Standard Version

And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:25 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, painting a vivid prophetic picture of the dramatic cosmic and earthly upheaval that will precede His glorious second coming. It describes celestial disturbances, widespread global anguish, and the overwhelming confusion of nations, alongside the tumultuous roaring of the sea, all serving as unmistakable harbingers of the culmination of human history and the dawn of God's new age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:25 is situated within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36), delivered on the Mount of Olives. This section immediately follows Jesus' prophecies concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (Luke 21:5-6) and His disciples' subsequent inquiry about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Luke 21:7). Prior to verse 25, Jesus warns of false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, alongside the persecution of believers (Luke 21:8-19). Verse 20-24 specifically detail the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. Luke 21:25 then marks a significant shift from localized events to global and cosmic phenomena, escalating the intensity of the prophetic signs that will directly precede the appearance of the Son of Man (Luke 21:27). This progression from tribulation to cosmic signs and then to Christ's return is consistent with parallel accounts in [Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming") and [Mark 13:24-26](/mark/13-24-26 "Mark 13:24-26 - The Coming of the Son of Man").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been deeply familiar with Old Testament prophetic imagery concerning the "Day of the Lord." This concept often involved cosmic disturbances—the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of stars—as signs of divine judgment and the ushering in of God's sovereign rule. Prophets like [Isaiah](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - The Day of the Lord") and [Joel](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Wonders Before the Great Day") frequently employed such language to describe cataclysmic events accompanying God's intervention in history. The "distress of nations" and "perplexity" would resonate with a people who had experienced centuries of foreign domination and political instability, often leading to widespread anxiety and a sense of powerlessness. The "roaring of the sea and waves" could evoke both literal natural disasters, which were common in the ancient world, and symbolic representations of chaotic human societies or overwhelming forces beyond human control, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:25 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical eschatology. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God** over creation and history, demonstrating that even chaotic events are part of His divine plan for the culmination of the ages. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine revelation through signs**, where natural and cosmic phenomena serve as clear indicators of God's impending action, urging humanity to recognize the times. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **severity of the end-time tribulation**, portraying a world gripped by unprecedented distress and a profound sense of bewilderment, reflecting the ultimate failure of human systems and wisdom. Finally, and most importantly, these signs serve as a **harbinger of Christ's return**, providing a stark contrast between the world's despair and the hope offered by the imminent arrival of the Son of Man, as further elaborated in [Luke 21:27-28](/luke/21-27-28 "Luke 21:27-28 - The Son of Man Comes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Signs (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** An indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally; a miracle, token, or wonder. In this context, these are not mere natural occurrences but divinely orchestrated phenomena in the heavens, serving as prophetic indicators or warnings of a significant, supernatural event—the return of Christ. They are meant to be understood as clear signals from God.
* **Distress (Greek, _synochḗ'_):** Restraint, figuratively anxiety or anguish. This word denotes a pressing together, a narrowness, leading to a feeling of being hemmed in or trapped. It describes a deep, pervasive anguish or tribulation that will afflict nations, indicating a period of intense pressure and suffering from which there seems to be no escape.
* **Perplexity (Greek, _aporía'_):** A state of quandary; a being at a loss, without resources, or utterly bewildered. This term goes beyond mere confusion; it signifies a profound bewilderment and helplessness, a state where nations are without a way out, devoid of solutions, and utterly at a loss to comprehend or control the unfolding events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;":** This clause describes extraordinary celestial disturbances. These are not typical astronomical events but supernatural "signs" (σημεῖον, _sēmeîon_) that will manifest in the most prominent heavenly bodies. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition, where such phenomena often accompany the "Day of the Lord," signifying divine judgment and the advent of a new era. The disruption of the cosmic order underscores the magnitude of the impending events.
* **"and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;":** Moving from the heavens to the earth, this phrase depicts a global human response to the unfolding chaos. "Distress" (συνoχή, _synochḗ_) indicates a deep, pervasive anguish or tribulation, a sense of being hemmed in by insurmountable problems. This distress is experienced by "nations" (ἔθνος, _éthnos_), signifying a worldwide affliction. Crucially, this distress is accompanied by "perplexity" (ἀπορία, _aporía_), meaning a state of utter bewilderment and helplessness, where human wisdom and solutions fail completely, leaving people without answers or a way forward.
* **"the sea and the waves roaring;":** This vivid imagery further amplifies the sense of global chaos and the breakdown of natural order. The "roaring" (ἠχέω, _ēchéō_) of the sea and waves suggests a loud, tumultuous, and uncontrollable force, possibly referring to literal natural disasters like tsunamis or unprecedented storms. Symbolically, it can also represent the agitated, chaotic state of human societies, reflecting the unrest and turmoil that will engulf the world. It adds a powerful auditory dimension to the visual and emotional turmoil previously described.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Imagery** is central, with vivid descriptions of "signs in the sun, moon, and stars," and "the sea and the waves roaring," painting a picture of cosmic and terrestrial upheaval. This sensory language creates a profound sense of awe and dread. **Hyperbole** is likely used to emphasize the unprecedented nature and scale of these events, suggesting that the disturbances will be far beyond anything humanity has previously witnessed. The phrase "distress of nations, with perplexity" utilizes **personification** to attribute human emotions—distress and bewilderment—to entire nations, highlighting the collective and overwhelming nature of the global crisis. Furthermore, the passage uses **foreshadowing**, as these signs are not the end themselves but clear indicators that the ultimate culmination of history and the return of the Son of Man are drawing near. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the gravity and inevitability of the prophetic events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:25 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of the end times, emphasizing that God's sovereign plan culminates not in quiet transition, but in dramatic, unmistakable displays of His power across creation. The cosmic and earthly disturbances described are not random events but divinely appointed "signs" that will signal the imminent return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. This highlights a key biblical theme: God communicates His intentions through both word and deed, and in the final days, even creation itself will bear witness to His unfolding purposes. The "distress of nations, with perplexity" speaks to the ultimate inadequacy of human systems and wisdom to cope with the forces unleashed during this period, underscoring humanity's desperate need for divine intervention and the ultimate futility of trusting in anything other than God.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - The Day of the Lord")
* [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Wonders Before the Great Day")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers, Luke 21:25 is not a verse meant to incite fear or despair, but rather to inspire watchfulness, discernment, and steadfast hope. In a world increasingly characterized by global crises, political unrest, and environmental concerns, the "distress of nations, with perplexity" described by Jesus can resonate deeply. However, rather than succumbing to the world's bewilderment, followers of Christ are called to remember that these very signs are indicators that God's plan is unfolding precisely as prophesied. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly anxieties to heavenly realities, reminding us that our ultimate redemption is drawing near. It challenges us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing God's kingdom and sharing the peace and hope found in Christ with a world desperately searching for answers amidst chaos. Our response should be one of prayerful vigilance, active witness, and unwavering trust in the One who holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the prophetic nature of Luke 21:25 impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what ways can believers offer hope and stability to those experiencing "distress" and "perplexity" in today's world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of watchfulness and discernment, rather than fear, as these signs unfold?**

### FAQ
**What are the "signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars" referring to?**

Answer: These "signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon_) refer to extraordinary, supernatural disturbances in the celestial bodies, not merely natural astronomical phenomena. They are divinely orchestrated indicators that will mark the approach of a significant spiritual and historical climax—the return of Jesus Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, where cosmic disruptions often accompany the "Day of the Lord," signifying God's judgment and the ushering in of His kingdom. For example, [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - The Day of the Lord") and [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Wonders Before the Great Day") describe similar events preceding God's intervention.

**What does "distress of nations, with perplexity" mean for humanity?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound and widespread state of global anguish and confusion. "Distress" (Greek: _synochḗ_) signifies a feeling of being hemmed in, a deep tribulation from which there seems no escape. "Perplexity" (Greek: _aporía_) goes even further, indicating a state of being utterly at a loss, without resources, or completely bewildered. It implies a time when human solutions fail, and nations are gripped by an overwhelming sense of helplessness and an inability to comprehend or control the unfolding events. This highlights the ultimate inadequacy of human wisdom and systems in the face of God's unfolding plan, as also seen in [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - The Last Days").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:25, while describing terrifying pre-advent signs, ultimately points to the glorious return of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man. The cosmic and earthly chaos depicted serves as the dramatic backdrop for the revelation of Christ's unparalleled power and authority. These signs, far from indicating a world spiraling out of control, are precisely the divinely appointed signals that the King is about to appear. The "distress of nations, with perplexity" highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior, and it is into this scene of global despair that Christ will descend, not as a helpless victim, but as the triumphant Lord. His return, as described in [Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Son of Man Comes"), will bring an end to the world's anguish and usher in His eternal kingdom. For believers, these signs are not a cause for fear, but a call to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Redemption Draws Near")). Just as His first coming fulfilled ancient prophecies of a suffering servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), His second coming will fulfill prophecies of a conquering King, establishing a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Joel 2:30

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

Revelation 6:14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.