Luke 21:26

KJV

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

KJV (with Strong's)

Men's {G444} hearts failing them {G674} for {G575} fear {G5401}, and {G2532} for looking after {G4329} those things which are coming on {G1904} the earth {G3625}: for {G1063} the powers {G1411} of heaven {G3772} shall be shaken {G4531}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.

Berean Standard Bible

Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

American Standard Version

men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:26, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, vividly portrays the profound and paralyzing fear that will grip humanity as the climactic events preceding Christ's second coming unfold. It describes a global state of existential dread, where people's very lives are drained by terror, driven by an anxious anticipation of cataclysmic events on earth and the visible disruption of cosmic order, signaling the imminent shaking of all established powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, recorded in [Luke 21:5-38](/luke/21-5-38 "Luke 21:5-38 - The Olivet Discourse"). Following His prophecy of the Jerusalem Temple's destruction, Jesus shifts to broader signs of the end of the age and His glorious return. Immediately preceding Luke 21:26, Jesus speaks of "distress among nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear" ([Luke 21:25](/luke/21-25 "Luke 21:25 - Signs in the Heavens and on Earth")). This verse therefore serves as a direct consequence and emotional response to the cosmic and earthly disturbances previously described, setting the stage for the ultimate revelation of the Son of Man's coming with power and great glory ([Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). The discourse parallels similar prophecies in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Signs of the End of the Age") and [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Little Apocalypse"), emphasizing a consistent prophetic message across the Synoptic Gospels.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivered this discourse on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, a symbol of Jewish identity and divine presence. The disciples' initial question about the Temple's destruction ([Luke 21:5-7](/luke/21-5-7 "Luke 21:5-7 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction")) naturally led to broader inquiries about the "end of these things." First-century Jewish thought was deeply steeped in apocalyptic literature, which often depicted cosmic signs and cataclysmic events preceding the arrival of God's kingdom or the Day of the Lord. The "shaking of the powers of heaven" would have resonated with Old Testament prophecies foretelling the disruption of the created order as a prelude to divine judgment and the establishment of God's ultimate reign, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Stars and Constellations Darkened") and [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Wonders in the Heavens and Earth"). The Roman Empire's pervasive power also provided a backdrop; the idea that even seemingly unshakeable earthly and heavenly powers would be disturbed would have been profoundly unsettling yet also a source of hope for those awaiting God's intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:26 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader [Olivet Discourse](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse") and the book of Luke. The most prominent theme is **eschatological distress and human fear**, highlighting the profound psychological impact of the end-time events on an unbelieving world. This fear is contrasted sharply with the call for believers to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Believer's Hope")). Another crucial theme is **cosmic upheaval and divine sovereignty**, where the shaking of the "powers of heaven" underscores that even the natural order and spiritual forces are subject to God's ultimate control and will be disturbed as His sovereign plan unfolds. This points to the **imminence of God's judgment and the establishment of His kingdom**, as these signs are not random but indicators of a divinely orchestrated culmination of history. Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **discernment and readiness**, urging listeners to recognize the signs of the times and prepare for the Son of Man's return, a call echoed throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearts failing them (Greek, _apopsýchō'_):** From G674, meaning "to breathe out," "to expire," or "to faint." This word conveys a profound physical and emotional collapse, suggesting that the fear is so intense it literally drains the life out of people, causing them to faint or even die from sheer terror. It's not mere anxiety but an overwhelming, life-threatening dread.
* **looking after (Greek, _prosdokía'_):** From G4329, meaning "apprehension (of evil)" or "infliction anticipated." This word describes a fearful expectation or anxious anticipation. People are not just observing events; they are actively and fearfully awaiting what is to come, indicating a conscious awareness of impending doom or drastic change.
* **shaken (Greek, _saleúō'_):** From G4531, meaning "to waver," "agitate," "rock," "topple," or "destroy"; figuratively, "to disturb," "incite." This term implies a violent disturbance or destabilization. Applied to the "powers of heaven," it suggests a profound disruption of the cosmic order, whether referring to celestial bodies, spiritual authorities, or the very fabric of the universe, indicating a loss of stability and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Men's hearts failing them for fear":** This clause describes the immediate and visceral human reaction to the unfolding eschatological events. The phrase "hearts failing them" (ἀποψυχόντων ἀνθρώπων) vividly portrays a state of utter collapse, a literal "breathing out" or fainting due to overwhelming terror. It speaks to a profound existential dread that saps the life and courage from people, leaving them paralyzed and helpless in the face of the cataclysmic changes. This is not just psychological distress but a physical manifestation of extreme fear.
* **"and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth":** This part explains the cause of the aforementioned fear. People are not merely reacting to current events but are gripped by a fearful anticipation of future calamities. The phrase "looking after" (προσδοκίας) implies an anxious expectation, a dread of what is yet to unfold on the planet. This suggests a conscious awareness of impending judgment or unprecedented global upheaval, intensifying their terror as they perceive the inevitability of these coming events.
* **"for the powers of heaven shall be shaken":** This final clause provides the ultimate reason and cosmic scale for the widespread fear. The conjunction "for" (γάρ) indicates a causal link. The "powers of heaven" (δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν) can refer to the celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) whose stability is disrupted, or to the spiritual forces and authorities that govern the cosmos. The verb "shall be shaken" (σαλευθήσονται) denotes a violent agitation, a profound destabilization. This shaking signifies a dismantling of the established cosmic order, signaling the end of the present age and the prelude to God's direct intervention and the establishment of His kingdom. It is this ultimate cosmic disturbance that elicits such profound fear in humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in "Men's hearts failing them for fear," which, while rooted in a literal Greek term for fainting, emphasizes the extreme, life-draining nature of the terror rather than merely a common anxiety. This exaggeration underscores the unprecedented scale of the fear. **Apocalyptic Language** pervades the verse, particularly in "the powers of heaven shall be shaken." This phrase draws on Old Testament prophetic imagery (e.g., [Isaiah 34:4](/isaiah/34-4 "Isaiah 34:4 - The Heavens Rolled Up Like a Scroll")) to describe cosmic disturbances that signal the end of an age and the direct intervention of God. It creates a sense of awe and dread, pointing to events beyond normal human experience. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in "the powers of heaven." While it can refer to literal celestial bodies, it often symbolizes the established order, whether natural, political, or spiritual. Their "shaking" thus symbolizes the collapse of all human-perceived stability and authority in the face of divine judgment and the coming kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:26 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's inherent vulnerability and the profound impact of God's unfolding eschatological plan. Theologically, it underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and history. The "shaking of the powers of heaven" signifies that no power, earthly or cosmic, can withstand the divine will or prevent the consummation of God's purposes. This verse also highlights the contrast between the world's reaction to impending judgment and the believer's call to hope. While the unredeemed will be paralyzed by fear, those who are in Christ are called to "look up" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Believer's Hope")) because these very signs herald their redemption. It speaks to the reality of divine judgment for those who reject God, while simultaneously affirming the certainty of salvation and deliverance for His faithful.

* [Isaiah 13:6-10](/isaiah/13-6-10 "Isaiah 13:6-10 - The Day of the Lord and Cosmic Signs")
* [Hebrews 12:26-29](/hebrews/12-26-29 "Hebrews 12:26-29 - The Shaking of All Things")
* [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:26 presents a sobering picture of a world overwhelmed by fear in the face of unprecedented global and cosmic upheaval. For those without hope in Christ, the future is indeed terrifying, filled with an anxious "looking after" what is to come, leading to despair and even physical collapse. This verse calls us to examine the source of our own security and hope. Are we building our lives on transient earthly foundations that will inevitably be shaken, or on the unshakeable kingdom of God? For believers, this passage is not meant to incite fear but to deepen our understanding of God's sovereign plan and to cultivate a posture of vigilant hope. The very signs that terrify the world are, for us, indicators that our "redemption draweth nigh" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Believer's Redemption")). It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual readiness and faithfulness over worldly anxieties. Our response should be one of prayer, evangelism, and steadfast trust, knowing that even amidst chaos, God remains in control, and His promises are true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the world's response of fear in Luke 21:26 contrast with the believer's commanded response in Luke 21:28?**
* **What "powers of heaven" might be shaken in our contemporary understanding, and how does this concept challenge our sense of security?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, inadvertently allow "hearts failing them for fear" to influence our lives, and how can we counter this with faith?**
* **How does this passage motivate us to live a life of greater spiritual vigilance and preparation for Christ's return?**

### FAQ
**What does "hearts failing them for fear" literally mean?**

Answer: The Greek word translated as "hearts failing them" is _apopsýchō_ (G674), which literally means "to breathe out," "to expire," or "to faint away." It conveys a sense of extreme physical and emotional collapse, suggesting that the fear is so overwhelming it causes people to lose their breath, faint, or even die from sheer terror. It's not just anxiety but a profound, life-draining dread that grips people in the face of the cataclysmic events described in [Luke 21:25](/luke/21-25 "Luke 21:25 - Signs of the End").

**What are "the powers of heaven" that shall be shaken?**

Answer: "The powers of heaven" (Greek: _dynameis tōn ouranōn_) can be interpreted in a few ways, all pointing to a profound disruption of the established order. It can refer to the celestial bodies themselves (sun, moon, stars), whose regular functions will be disturbed, as often depicted in Old Testament apocalyptic prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 34:4](/isaiah/34-4 "Isaiah 34:4 - The Heavens Dissolving")). Alternatively, it can refer to the spiritual forces or angelic hosts that govern the cosmos, implying that even these powerful entities will be disturbed or divested of their stability in preparation for God's ultimate reign. In either case, the "shaking" signifies a complete dismantling of all perceived stability and authority, whether natural or spiritual, preceding the direct intervention of God and the return of Christ ([Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:26, though depicting a scene of global terror, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the fear it describes, but in the glorious hope that immediately follows it. The "shaking of the powers of heaven" and the resulting human dread are not arbitrary events, but the divinely orchestrated prelude to the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. He is the one before whom all earthly and heavenly powers must bow, the one whose coming will bring an end to the reign of sin and death. While the world's hearts fail them, believers are called to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Believer's Redemption")). This redemption was secured through Christ's first coming, His atoning death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")) and resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ is Risen")), which disarmed the spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")) and established His eternal kingdom. Therefore, the very signs that terrify the unbelieving world are, for the redeemed, the joyful harbingers of their King's glorious return, when He will gather His elect ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering of the Elect")) and fully establish His reign of peace and righteousness ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). In Christ, fear is replaced by an eager anticipation of ultimate deliverance and the consummation of God's eternal plan.

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

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Deuteronomy 28:65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

Deuteronomy 28:67

In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,