Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

And {G1161} take heed {G4337} to yourselves {G1438}, lest at any time {G3379} your {G5216} hearts {G2588} be overcharged {G925} with {G1722} surfeiting {G2897}, and {G2532} drunkenness {G3178}, and {G2532} cares {G3308} of this life {G982}, and {G2532} so that {G1565} day {G2250} come {G2186} upon {G1909} you {G5209} unawares {G160}.

“But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap!

But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

Commentary

Luke 21:34 presents a solemn warning from Jesus to His disciples, urging them to maintain spiritual vigilance and avoid distractions that could hinder their readiness for His return or the significant events of the end times. This verse is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks extensively about future events and the need for His followers to be prepared.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' prophecies concerning the destruction of the Temple, signs of the end times, and His glorious second coming (Luke 21:27). The overall discourse in Luke 21 emphasizes the unpredictability of "that day" and the necessity of constant watchfulness. Jesus warns that while there will be signs, the exact timing remains unknown, hence the call to be always ready.

Key Themes

  • Vigilance and Preparedness: The primary message is to "take heed to yourselves," emphasizing personal responsibility for one's spiritual state. Believers are called to live intentionally, aware of the Lord's potential imminent return.
  • Dangers of Worldly Excess: Jesus specifically names "surfeiting" (excessive indulgence, gluttony), "drunkenness," and "cares of this life" as pitfalls. These are not merely physical vices but conditions that "overcharge" or weigh down the heart, dulling spiritual perception and making one complacent.
  • The Unannounced Day: The phrase "that day come upon you unawares" underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of the Lord's coming or a significant judgment. This echoes warnings found in other New Testament epistles about the day of the Lord coming like a thief in the night.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "surfeiting" is kraipale (κραιπάλη), which literally means the sickness or headache resulting from intoxication, a "hangover." This suggests not just the act of excessive eating or drinking, but the dulling, stupefying effect it has on one's mind and spirit, making them slow to perceive or respond. "Overcharged" comes from bareo (βαρέω), meaning to be weighed down or burdened, indicating a spiritual heaviness or dullness. The "cares of this life" translates merimna (μέριμνα), which denotes anxious worldly worry, contrasting with the peace God offers to those who cast their cares upon Him.

Practical Application

Luke 21:34 serves as a timeless admonition for all believers. In an age filled with distractions and anxieties, Jesus' warning reminds us to cultivate spiritual discipline and prioritize our relationship with God. It encourages moderation in all things, not just avoiding outright sin, but also guarding against legitimate life concerns becoming overwhelming anxieties that choke our spiritual vitality. By maintaining a humble, watchful heart, we can live in readiness for "that day," whenever it may come, finding peace in Christ rather than being consumed by the world's demands.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 4:19 (20 votes)

    And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

  • Luke 12:40 (15 votes)

    Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

  • Luke 12:45 (15 votes)

    But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

  • Luke 12:46 (15 votes)

    The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

  • 1 Peter 4:3 (13 votes)

    For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

  • 1 Peter 4:7 (13 votes)

    ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (12 votes)

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.