Luke 21:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Watch ye {G69} therefore {G3767}, and pray {G1189} always {G1722}{G3956}{G2540}, that {G2443} ye may be accounted worthy {G2661} to escape {G1628} all {G3956} these things {G5023} that shall {G3195} come to pass {G1096}, and {G2532} to stand {G2476} before {G1715} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”

Berean Standard Bible

So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

American Standard Version

But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:36 serves as Jesus' concluding exhortation to His disciples, urging them to maintain constant spiritual vigilance and persistent prayer. This command is given in light of His preceding prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His second coming, emphasizing the critical need for believers to remain spiritually alert and devoted to God so that they may be found prepared and faithful to endure the coming tribulations and confidently stand in the presence of the Son of Man.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-33). Having detailed the destruction of the temple, the signs preceding His return, and the certainty of His coming kingdom, Jesus shifts from prophecy to practical instruction. He warns against spiritual complacency, specifically cautioning His disciples not to be "weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life" (Luke 21:34). Verse 36, therefore, provides the proactive antidote to such spiritual lethargy, offering a clear path for remaining spiritually ready and discerning amidst the escalating chaos and uncertainty of the end times. It functions as a direct command building upon the warnings of the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse was delivered in Jerusalem, likely on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple. The prophecy of the temple's destruction (Luke 21:6) would have been shocking, as the temple was the center of Jewish religious and national identity. The disciples lived under Roman occupation, a period often marked by political instability, messianic expectations, and various forms of oppression. The "things that shall come to pass" would have initially resonated with the impending Roman-Jewish War and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, a cataclysmic event for the Jewish people. However, Jesus' words also point to a future, ultimate eschatological culmination, a period of global tribulation preceding His glorious return. The cultural expectation of a coming Messiah and a final judgment would have provided a framework for understanding Jesus' warnings and exhortations to readiness.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:36 encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout Jesus' eschatological teaching in this chapter and beyond. The primary theme is **Vigilance and Readiness**, underscoring the imperative for believers to be spiritually awake and prepared for the unexpected timing of the Lord's return, a theme echoed in parables like the Ten Virgins (e.g., [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins")). Closely related is **Persistent Prayer**, presented as the essential spiritual discipline for maintaining this readiness and strength in the face of tribulation, aligning with Jesus' teaching on prayer found in other contexts (e.g., [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Preservation and Vindication**, suggesting that those who watch and pray will be divinely enabled to "escape all these things" and "stand before the Son of man," implying not necessarily physical removal from all hardship, but spiritual endurance and ultimate acceptance in His presence. This connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people through trials, as seen in the deliverance of Noah from the flood or Lot from Sodom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watch (Greek, _agrypnéō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "sleepless," signifies to be awake, to be vigilant, or to keep watch. In the New Testament, it consistently conveys the idea of spiritual alertness and readiness, particularly in anticipation of Christ's return or in the context of resisting temptation. It implies a conscious, active state of awareness, not merely a passive waiting.
* **pray (Greek, _déomai'_):** This term denotes a strong request or supplication, often implying a sense of need or urgency. It suggests a heartfelt begging or petitioning, emphasizing the earnestness and dependence inherent in prayer. The command to "pray always" (using G1722 _en_ and G2540 _kairós_ with G3956 _pâs_ to mean "at every time" or "at all seasons") indicates a continuous, persistent, and comprehensive prayer life that is not limited to specific moments but pervades all circumstances.
* **accounted worthy (Greek, _kataxióō'_):** This verb means "to deem entirely deserving" or "to count worthy." It implies a divine judgment or assessment where one is found fit or qualified. In this context, it does not suggest earning worthiness through human merit, but rather being found in a state of grace-enabled faithfulness and readiness as a result of watching and praying, thus being deemed appropriate by God to escape the impending trials and stand before Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Watch ye therefore, and pray always,"**: This opening clause presents two imperative commands that form the core of Jesus' exhortation. "Watch ye therefore" (G69 _agrypnéō_ and G3767 _oûn_) establishes a direct consequence of the preceding prophetic warnings; because these things *will* happen, vigilance is non-negotiable. It calls for spiritual alertness, discernment of the times, and active anticipation. Coupled with this is "and pray always" (G1189 _déomai_ and G1722 _en_ G3956 _pâs_ G2540 _kairós_), emphasizing the continuous and persistent nature of prayer as the means by which believers maintain spiritual strength, connection with God, and discernment amidst trials and uncertainty.
* **"that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass,"**: This clause reveals the first purpose of watching and praying. The Greek conjunction "that" (G2443 _hína_) indicates purpose or result. "Accounted worthy" (G2661 _kataxióō_) signifies being divinely judged as fit or prepared. The "escape" (G1628 _ekpheúgō_) refers to being delivered or fleeing out from the full destructive power or impact of the predicted tribulations (G5023 _taûta_ "these things") that are "about to come to pass" (G3195 _méllō_ G1096 _gínomai_). This escape is understood not necessarily as physical removal from all hardship, but as divine protection, spiritual endurance, or being preserved through the most severe aspects of the tribulation.
* **"and to stand before the Son of man."**: This final clause states the ultimate, glorious purpose of vigilance and prayer. "To stand" (G2476 _hístēmi_) implies not just physical presence, but a confident, vindicated, and accepted posture. It suggests being able to face the "Son of man" (G5207 _huiós_ G444 _ánthrōpos_), Jesus Himself in His divine authority as Judge and King, without fear or condemnation. This standing signifies being found faithful and welcomed into His presence at His return, rather than being cast away with the unprepared.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:36 is a powerful **Exhortation** from Jesus, directly commanding His disciples to specific actions. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Watch ye," "pray") underscores the urgency and non-negotiable nature of these commands. The phrase "Son of man" is a significant **Messianic Title**, often used by Jesus to refer to Himself, highlighting His dual nature as both fully human and divinely authoritative, particularly in His role as eschatological Judge and King. There is a clear **Contrast** implied between the fate of the watchful and prayerful versus the unprepared, who will be caught off guard by the coming events. The concept of "escaping" and "standing before" also employs **Metaphorical Language**, representing spiritual deliverance and vindication rather than merely physical evasion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:36 is deeply rooted in biblical eschatology, emphasizing the tension between God's sovereign plan and human responsibility. It underscores the New Testament's consistent call for believers to live in active expectation of Christ's return, not with fear, but with hopeful readiness. The "worthiness" mentioned is not a merit-based achievement but a state of being found faithful and prepared through God's grace and the believer's obedient response of watching and praying. This verse highlights the profound spiritual battle believers face in the last days, where spiritual vigilance and persistent communion with God are the primary means of endurance and ultimate vindication. It connects the practical disciplines of discipleship (watching and praying) directly to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate consummation of His kingdom.

* [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be on the alert")
* [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Praying at all times")
* [Revelation 3:10](/revelation/3-10 "Revelation 3:10 - Preservation from the hour of trial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:36 provides a timeless and urgent call for every believer to cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual readiness. In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, distraction, and moral decay, Jesus' command to "watch" means more than just being aware of current events; it means discerning them through a biblical lens, recognizing the spiritual forces at play, and understanding God's overarching purposes. It calls us to be sober-minded, not easily swayed by worldly anxieties or temptations that can dull our spiritual senses. Coupled with watching, the command to "pray always" underscores our absolute dependence on God. Prayer is not merely an activity but a continuous posture of reliance, a lifeline that keeps us connected to divine strength, wisdom, and peace amidst the storms of life. Together, vigilance and prayer empower us to navigate life's challenges with spiritual resilience, enabling us to stand firm in our faith and be found faithful when Christ returns. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our lives are aligned with God's will and that we are actively preparing for His glorious appearing, living with an eternal perspective that shapes our daily choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I need to "watch" more closely in my daily life, both in discerning the times and guarding against spiritual complacency?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent and "always" prayer life, moving beyond sporadic prayers to a continuous communion with God?**
* **What "things that shall come to pass" (personal, global, or eschatological) do I fear, and how does the promise of being "accounted worthy to escape" encourage me?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "stand before the Son of man" with confidence, and what steps can I take today to prepare for that moment?**

### FAQ
**What does "accounted worthy" mean in this context? Is it about earning salvation?**

Answer: "Accounted worthy" (Greek: _kataxióō_) in Luke 21:36 does not imply earning salvation through human merit. Instead, it refers to being divinely deemed fit, qualified, or prepared. It's about being found in a state of readiness and faithfulness when the Lord returns or when trials intensify. This worthiness is a result of God's grace enabling a believer's obedient response to Jesus' commands to watch and pray. It's about being found in Christ, having faithfully stewarded the spiritual disciplines He prescribed, rather than having accumulated enough good works to "deserve" escape or standing. The emphasis is on faithful perseverance and spiritual alertness, which God graciously recognizes and honors.

**What are "all these things that shall come to pass" that believers are to escape?**

Answer: "All these things that shall come to pass" refers to the severe tribulations and judgments that Jesus prophesied would precede His return. In the immediate context of Luke 21, this includes the destruction of Jerusalem (which occurred in A.D. 70) and its temple, as well as broader signs of the end times such as wars, famines, pestilences, persecutions, and cosmic disturbances (see [Luke 21:7-27](/luke/21-7-27 "Luke 21:7-27 - Signs of the End")). The "escape" (Greek: _ekpheúgō_) does not necessarily promise a physical removal from all suffering or hardship, but rather a spiritual preservation, divine protection, or enablement to endure and be delivered through the most devastating aspects of these events. It signifies being spared from the full force of God's wrath or being found faithful and secure in Christ when these events unfold.

**How does prayer help us "escape" and "stand before the Son of man"?**

Answer: Prayer is presented as a vital means by which believers maintain spiritual strength and discernment, enabling them to navigate and endure the coming tribulations. By "praying always," believers stay intimately connected to God, receiving His wisdom, guidance, and power. This continuous communion helps them remain spiritually vigilant ("watch"), resist temptation, and avoid being weighed down by worldly anxieties (as warned in [Luke 21:34](/luke/21-34 "Luke 21:34 - Warning against dissipation")). This spiritual readiness, nurtured through prayer, is what makes them "accounted worthy" to escape the full destructive impact of the trials and to confidently "stand before the Son of man" at His return, being found among the faithful who are welcomed into His eternal presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:36 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ, who is both the object of our watchful expectation and the one who enables our "worthiness" to stand before Him. The "Son of man" is Jesus Himself, who will return in power and glory as judge and king (as described in [Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Son of Man Coming")). Our ability to "escape all these things" and "stand before the Son of man" is not based on our own merit, but entirely on the finished work of Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making us righteous in God's sight (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He has secured our salvation and given us access to God's grace, allowing us to approach His throne with confidence (as encouraged in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the throne of grace with confidence")). The call to watch and pray, therefore, is an invitation to abide in Him, to draw upon His strength, and to live in light of His promised return, knowing that our ultimate hope and security are found in Him alone, ensuring that we will not be put to shame at His coming (as promised in [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abide in Him, so that when He appears...")) but will confidently stand in His glorious presence.

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

1 John 2:28

¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

1 Peter 4:7

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

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Mark 13:33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.