Luke 21:35

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 21:35 delivers a stark warning from Jesus Christ, emphasizing the sudden and inescapable nature of significant future events, particularly those surrounding His return and the end of the age. It underscores the universal impact these events will have, likening their arrival to an unforeseen trap.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive "Olivet Discourse" (Luke 21:5-36), a prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives. In this discourse, Jesus foretells the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, describes signs that will precede His second coming, and stresses the critical importance of spiritual preparedness. The preceding verse, Luke 21:34, warns against being "overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life," lest "that day come upon you unawares." Verse 35 then explains the consequence of such spiritual lethargy: the day will come "as a snare" upon all.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Suddenness of Judgment: The central message is the unexpected and unavoidable nature of the future events, whether referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 or the ultimate day of Christ's return and judgment. It will catch many unprepared.
  • Universality of Impact: The phrase "on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth" highlights that these events will have a global reach, affecting everyone without exception. No one will be immune to their consequences.
  • Call to Vigilance: Implicit in this warning is an urgent call for believers to remain spiritually alert and watchful. The "snare" metaphor serves as a powerful incentive for continuous readiness, as further emphasized in the very next verse, Luke 21:36, which urges disciples to "watch ye therefore, and pray always."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "as a snare" translates the Greek word pagis (παγίς), which literally means a trap, noose, or gin, typically used for catching birds or wild animals. This imagery powerfully conveys a sudden, unexpected, and inescapable capture. The emphasis is on the lack of awareness and the swiftness with which the event will occur, leaving no time for escape or preparation once it arrives. It's not a gradual process but an instantaneous seizing.

Related Scriptures

  • This warning echoes similar sentiments found in other Gospels, such as Matthew 24:44, which states, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
  • The apostle Paul also uses similar imagery in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, describing the Day of the Lord coming "as a thief in the night" when people are proclaiming "Peace and safety."
  • Another parallel can be seen in Luke 12:40, where Jesus again commands, "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

Practical Application

Luke 21:35 serves as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance for all believers. It challenges us to live with a continuous awareness of God's sovereignty and the ultimate return of Christ. This verse encourages us to:

  1. Guard Against Distractions: Be mindful of worldly concerns and pleasures that can dull our spiritual senses and lead to unpreparedness.
  2. Live Purposefully: Cultivate a life of faith, prayer, and obedience, actively anticipating the Lord's coming rather than being caught off guard.
  3. Maintain Spiritual Readiness: Recognize that whether through personal death or the Second Coming, the day of accountability will arrive for everyone. This verse urges us to live in a way that we are always ready to stand before the Son of Man.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 16:15 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 48:44 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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