Luke 21:35

KJV

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} as {G5613} a snare {G3803} shall it come {G1904} on {G1909} all {G3956} them that dwell {G2521} on {G1909} the face {G4383} of the whole {G3956} earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world.

Berean Standard Bible

For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth.

American Standard Version

for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:35 delivers a profound warning from Jesus Christ, likening the sudden and inescapable arrival of future eschatological events to a "snare." This verse underscores the universal impact of these momentous occurrences, which will affect "all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth," emphasizing the critical need for constant spiritual vigilance and readiness in light of their unexpected and comprehensive nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' "Olivet Discourse," recorded in [Luke 21:5-36](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"). Delivered on the Mount of Olives, this prophetic teaching follows Jesus' lament over Jerusalem and His disciples' admiration of the Temple's grandeur. Jesus begins by foretelling the Temple's utter destruction ([Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Luke 21:5-6 - Prophecy of Temple Destruction")), then shifts to broader signs preceding His second coming and the end of the age. The immediate preceding verse, [Luke 21:34](/luke/21-34 "Luke 21:34 - Warning Against Dissipation"), provides the direct impetus for verse 35, warning disciples to guard their hearts against "surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life," lest "that day come upon you unawares." Verse 35 then explains *how* it will come upon them if they are not vigilant—suddenly and inescapably, like a trap. The discourse culminates in [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Call to Watchfulness and Prayer"), which explicitly calls for continuous watchfulness and prayer to be deemed worthy to escape these things and to stand before the Son of Man.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' Olivet Discourse was delivered to His disciples in the shadow of the magnificent Second Temple, a symbol of Jewish identity and divine presence. For first-century Jews living under Roman occupation, the Temple's destruction would have been an unthinkable catastrophe, deeply intertwined with their national and religious hopes. Their understanding of the Messiah often included a triumphant, earthly king who would liberate them from Roman rule and restore Israel's glory. Jesus' prophecies, however, challenged these expectations by speaking of a future marked by tribulation, deception, and a surprising, universal judgment. The concept of a "snare" would have been familiar to an agrarian society, where traps were commonly used for hunting. Culturally, the Jewish people were accustomed to prophetic warnings and calls for repentance, often delivered through vivid imagery. The warning in [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") would have resonated with their understanding of divine judgment, albeit applied in a new and unexpected eschatological context.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Suddenness and Inescapability of Eschatological Events**. Whether applied to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 or the ultimate return of Christ, the "snare" metaphor highlights that these events will arrive unexpectedly and without warning for the unprepared, leaving no opportunity for escape or last-minute repentance. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Universality of Impact**. The phrase "on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth" signifies that the consequences of these events will not be limited to a specific region or people but will affect humanity globally, demonstrating God's sovereign reach and ultimate authority over all creation. Finally, implicit in this stark warning is an urgent **Call to Vigilance and Spiritual Preparedness**. By likening the coming day to a snare, Jesus provides a powerful incentive for His disciples to remain spiritually alert, sober, and prayerful, as explicitly commanded in [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Call to Watchfulness and Prayer"), ensuring they are not caught off guard by the Lord's return or the day of accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **snare (Greek, _pagís'_):** From the root _pēgnumi_ (to fasten), this word literally denotes a trap, noose, or gin used for catching birds or wild animals. Figuratively, as used here, it conveys the idea of a trick, stratagem, or temptation. In [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare"), it powerfully illustrates the sudden, unexpected, and inescapable nature of the impending events, suggesting a capture that offers no warning or means of escape once it is sprung.
* **come (Greek, _epérchomai'_):** Derived from _epi_ (upon) and _erchomai_ (to come), this verb means "to supervene," "to arrive," "to occur," or "to impend." It can also carry the connotation of an attack or influence. Here, it emphasizes the active, decisive, and often forceful arrival of the "day," reinforcing the sense of an event that descends upon individuals, leaving them no time to react or prepare if they are not already vigilant.
* **dwell (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** From _kata_ (down) and a root akin to _hedraios_ (to sit), this verb means "to sit down," and figuratively, "to remain" or "to reside." In the context of [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare"), "them that dwell" refers to the inhabitants of the earth, highlighting their settled, perhaps complacent, existence which will be abruptly interrupted by the "snare." It underscores the universal reach of the impending events to all who are living their ordinary lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as a snare":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the central metaphor of the verse. The Greek particle _gar_ (for) indicates that this clause explains the preceding warning in [Luke 21:34](/luke/21-34 "Luke 21:34 - Warning Against Dissipation"). The comparison to a "snare" (Greek, _pagís_) vividly portrays an unforeseen, sudden, and inescapable trap. Just as an animal is caught unaware, so too will "that day" (referring to the day of judgment or the Lord's return) descend upon humanity. The emphasis is on the lack of warning and the swiftness of the event, leaving no time for last-minute preparation or escape.
* **"shall it come on all them that dwell":** This clause describes the arrival and the scope of the event. The verb "come" (Greek, _epérchomai_) indicates an active, decisive, and often forceful descent. It is not a gradual process but an event that "comes upon" people. The phrase "on all them that dwell" stresses the universality of this impact. It will affect everyone, without exception, who is living on earth at that time, implying that no one will be immune to its consequences, regardless of their status, location, or perceived security.
* **"on the face of the whole earth":** This concluding phrase further amplifies the universal scope of the warning. "The face of the whole earth" (Greek, _prosopon_ of _pas_ _gē_) is a comprehensive expression, leaving no doubt that the impending events—whether the destruction of Jerusalem or the ultimate Second Coming of Christ—will have a global reach. It signifies that the judgment or the Lord's return will not be localized but will encompass all humanity, reinforcing the urgency of the call for universal vigilance and preparedness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") is **Metaphor**. Jesus uses the vivid image of a "snare" to describe the unexpected and inescapable nature of the coming "day." A snare is a hidden trap that catches its victim unawares, offering no chance of escape once sprung. This powerful comparison effectively communicates the suddenness, inevitability, and comprehensive reach of the eschatological events, whether the fall of Jerusalem or the Second Coming of Christ. The **Hyperbole** in "on the face of the whole earth" emphasizes the universal scope, ensuring that no one feels exempt from this warning. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future judgment and the ultimate accountability that awaits all humanity, urging a proactive response of spiritual readiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:35 serves as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the nature of eschatological events. It underscores that God's plan for history will unfold according to His perfect timing, often catching humanity unprepared due to spiritual apathy or worldly preoccupations. The "snare" metaphor highlights the element of surprise and the inescapable reality of divine judgment or the Lord's return, emphasizing that no one will be able to avoid this ultimate reckoning. This warning is not meant to instill fear for the vigilant, but to awaken the complacent and to motivate believers to live lives of continuous watchfulness and faithful stewardship, recognizing that the "day" will indeed come for everyone. It calls for a sober assessment of one's spiritual state and priorities in light of eternity.

* [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3](/1_thessalonians/5-2-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [Revelation 3:3](/revelation/3-3 "Revelation 3:3 - I Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:35 is a timeless and urgent call to spiritual vigilance, challenging every believer to live with an acute awareness of God's sovereign timeline and the ultimate return of Christ. It compels us to examine our daily lives, asking whether our priorities align with an eternal perspective or if we are becoming entangled in the "cares of this life" that can dull our spiritual senses. The metaphor of the "snare" serves as a powerful reminder that the Lord's coming, or our own personal encounter with eternity, will be sudden and definitive. Therefore, our response should be one of continuous readiness, cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, obedience, and active anticipation of His return. This isn't about living in fear, but living with purpose, ensuring that we are found faithful and prepared to stand before Him, having lived lives that reflect our hope in His glorious appearing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "cares of this life" or worldly pleasures be acting as a "snare" in my own spiritual walk, distracting me from eternal priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return or my own appointed time?**
* **How does the universal scope of this warning ("on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth") impact my understanding of evangelism and sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**What does "that day" refer to in the context of Luke 21:35?**

Answer: In the broader context of Jesus' Olivet Discourse ([Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse")), "that day" carries a dual fulfillment. Primarily, it refers to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70, an event that indeed came suddenly and devastatingly upon the Jewish people. However, Jesus' prophecies often have a layered meaning, pointing also to the ultimate, future "Day of the Lord"—the Second Coming of Christ, His final judgment, and the consummation of all things. The "snare" metaphor applies equally well to both events, emphasizing their unexpected and inescapable nature for the unprepared.

**Is this warning only for those living at the time of Jesus, or does it apply to us today?**

Answer: While the immediate audience was Jesus' disciples, the warning in [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") is timeless and universally applicable. The phrase "on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth" extends its relevance to all generations. The principles of vigilance, preparedness, and avoiding spiritual complacency are perennial commands for believers throughout history. Just as the destruction of Jerusalem came as a snare to many, so too will the ultimate return of Christ or the moment of one's death come unexpectedly to individuals in every age, underscoring the ongoing need for spiritual readiness.

**How can I ensure I am not caught "as a snare" by the coming day?**

Answer: Jesus provides the answer in the very next verse, [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Call to Watchfulness and Prayer"): "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." This involves actively guarding your heart against the distractions and temptations of the world ([Luke 21:34](/luke/21-34 "Luke 21:34 - Warning Against Dissipation")), living a life of consistent prayer, maintaining a close relationship with God, and faithfully obeying His commands. It's about cultivating a lifestyle of spiritual alertness and readiness, rather than a last-minute scramble.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") warns of a coming "snare" of judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and the believer's hope are profoundly centered in Christ. The "day" that comes like a snare is ultimately the Day of the Lord, a day of both judgment for the unrepentant and glorious vindication for those who belong to Christ. Jesus, as the promised Messiah, is not only the one who warns of this day but also the one who delivers from its snare. Through His first coming, His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, Christ has provided the only means of escape from the condemnation that will fall upon the unprepared. Those who trust in Him are not destined for wrath but for salvation ([1 Thessalonians 5:9](/1_thessalonians/5-9 "1 Thessalonians 5:9 - God Appointed Us to Obtain Salvation")). His second coming, though sudden for the world, will be a joyful reunion for His watchful bride, the Church ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - I Will Come Again and Take You to Myself")). Thus, the call to vigilance in [Luke 21:35](/luke/21-35 "Luke 21:35 - The Day Comes Like a Snare") is not rooted in fear of an unknown future, but in the confident expectation of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our sure hope and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Looking for the Blessed Hope")). He is the one who empowers us to "stand before the Son of Man" ([Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Call to Watchfulness and Prayer")) not in our own righteousness, but in His.

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

Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Jeremiah 48:43

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [shall be] upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 9:12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Psalms 11:6

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

Luke 17:37

And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body [is], thither will the eagles be gathered together.

Isaiah 24:17

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [are] upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.