Luke 21:28

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

And {G1161} when these things {G5130} begin {G756} to come to pass {G1096}, then look up {G352}, and {G2532} lift up {G1869} your {G5216} heads {G2776}; for {G1360} your {G5216} redemption {G629} draweth nigh {G1448}.

When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”

When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.

Context

Luke 21:28 is part of Jesus' extensive discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives. In this chapter, Jesus prophecies the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, followed by signs of global turmoil, including wars, famines, pestilences, and persecutions against His followers. Leading up to this verse, Jesus describes cosmic disturbances and great distress among nations, causing people to faint from fear and apprehension (Luke 21:25-26). Amidst these terrifying predictions, verse 28 offers a stark contrast and a profound message of hope specifically for believers.

Key Themes

  • Hope Amidst Tribulation: While the world faces fear and despair as these prophetic events unfold, believers are called to adopt a posture of hope and anticipation. The command to "look up, and lift up your heads" signifies confidence and joy, not fear or dejection.
  • The Certainty of Redemption: The phrase "your redemption draweth nigh" assures believers that the culmination of God's salvation plan is approaching. This redemption refers to the complete liberation from sin, death, and the sufferings of the present age, culminating in glorification and eternal life with God.
  • The Imminence of Christ's Return: This verse directly points to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The signs of the end times are not merely harbingers of destruction but indicators that the King is about to return to establish His eternal kingdom and gather His own.
  • Divine Purpose in Prophecy: The unfolding of these difficult events is not random chaos but part of God's sovereign plan, leading to the ultimate vindication and salvation of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "look up, and lift up your heads" translates two Greek verbs: anakypsate and eparate tas kephalas hymōn. Anakypsate means "to lift oneself up, to stand erect," suggesting a change from a bowed or defeated posture to one of boldness and confidence. Eparate tas kephalas hymōn literally means "raise your heads." Combined, these phrases convey an active, expectant posture, contrasting sharply with the fear and faintness of heart described for unbelievers in Luke 21:26. It is a call to courageously anticipate the glorious future.

The word "redemption" is from the Greek apolytrōsis, which signifies deliverance secured by the payment of a ransom. It speaks of a liberation from bondage or captivity. In this context, it refers to the final, complete liberation of believers from the curse of sin, the power of death, and all earthly suffering, culminating in their glorification and full entrance into God's eternal kingdom. This is the ultimate hope for those who have put their faith in Jesus, as also referenced in Romans 8:23.

Practical Application

Luke 21:28 provides a profound message of hope and encouragement for believers in every generation, especially when facing global instability or personal trials. It reminds us:

  • To Maintain an Eternal Perspective: Earthly troubles, no matter how severe, are temporary. Our ultimate hope is in Christ's return and the complete redemption He brings. This perspective allows us to face challenges with peace rather than panic.
  • To Live with Expectation: Rather than dreading the future, Christians are called to eagerly anticipate the Lord's coming. This expectation should motivate us to live holy lives and to be prepared for His arrival, as Jesus also teaches in the parables of watchfulness.
  • To Share the Good News: Understanding the nearness of redemption should also instill a sense of urgency to share the Gospel. As signs point to Christ's imminent return, there is a pressing need for others to hear about the salvation available in Him, so they too can "look up" with hope.
  • To Trust God's Sovereignty: Even in the midst of chaos and distress, God remains on His throne. The unfolding of prophetic events is not a sign of His absence but of His active work in fulfilling His plan for humanity and His people.
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.

  • Romans 8:23

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

  • Isaiah 60:1

    ¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

  • Isaiah 60:2

    For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

  • Ephesians 4:30

    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

  • Romans 8:19

    For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

  • Isaiah 12:1

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Isaiah 12:3

    Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

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