Luke 21:26

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.

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}.

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

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

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.

Luke 21:26 is a vivid and sobering verse from Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He describes the signs preceding His second coming and the end of the age. It paints a picture of humanity's reaction to the overwhelming events of the last days.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed prophecy concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the events leading up to His glorious return. Found in Luke 21:5-38, this discourse parallels similar accounts in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. Jesus had just spoken of distress among nations, the roaring of the sea, and cosmic disturbances like signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Luke 21:25). Verse 26 describes the profound psychological and emotional impact these events will have on unbelieving humanity.

Key Themes

  • Overwhelming Fear and Distress: The primary theme is the intense, paralyzing fear that will grip people as they witness the unfolding of end-time events. This fear is so profound that it causes a literal "failing" or "expiring" of the heart.
  • Cosmic Upheaval: The phrase "the powers of heaven shall be shaken" points to a profound disruption of the natural order. This can refer to celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) or, metaphorically, to spiritual forces and the established authorities that seem stable, all being destabilized before God's ultimate reign.
  • Anticipation of Judgment: People are depicted as "looking after those things which are coming on the earth," indicating a fearful awareness of impending judgment or cataclysmic changes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hearts failing them for fear" translates a Greek word (apopsychō) which literally means "to breathe out," "to expire," or "to faint away." It conveys a sense of utter collapse, loss of breath, or even death due to overwhelming terror and dread. This isn't just anxiety; it's a profound, life-draining terror. The "powers of heaven" (dynameis tōn ouranōn) can refer to the heavenly bodies themselves, or to the angelic/spiritual forces that govern the cosmos, which will be disturbed or divested of their former stability in preparation for Christ's ultimate authority.

Practical Application

For the believer, Luke 21:26 serves as a stark contrast to the response of the world. While others are consumed by fear, those who trust in Christ are called to a different posture. Jesus immediately follows this verse with the command to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28). This verse reminds us:

  • Vigilance, Not Fear: We are to be watchful and discerning of the times, not paralyzed by terror.
  • Hope Amidst Chaos: The signs that cause fear in the unbelieving world are, for believers, indicators that God's plan is unfolding and our ultimate deliverance is near.
  • Call to Preparation: It underscores the importance of living a life prepared for Christ's return, characterized by faith, prayer, and godliness, rather than being caught off guard by the world's anxieties.

This passage encourages believers to live with a heavenly perspective, understanding that even in the most tumultuous times, God remains sovereign, and His promises are true.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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