Luke 21:5

KJV

¶ And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as some {G5100} spake {G3004} of {G4012} the temple {G2411}, how {G3754} it was adorned {G2885} with goodly {G2570} stones {G3037} and {G2532} gifts {G334}, he said {G2036},

Complete Jewish Bible

As some people were remarking about the Temple, how beautiful its stonework and memorial decorations were, he said,

Berean Standard Bible

As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said,

American Standard Version

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:5 initiates a pivotal discourse by Jesus, where the disciples' admiration for the magnificent Jerusalem Temple—adorned with impressive stones and votive offerings—prompts a profound and sobering prophecy from Him. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' declaration regarding the Temple's imminent and complete destruction, contrasting human awe at material grandeur with God's ultimate perspective on the transient nature of earthly institutions and the coming shift in redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching within the Temple courts, where He has just concluded a series of confrontations with religious authorities (Luke 20). Having exposed their hypocrisy and asserted His divine authority, Jesus now prepares His disciples for a radical shift in the divine economy. Luke 21:5 serves as the direct catalyst for the "Olivet Discourse," Jesus' extended prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, the signs of the end times, and His second coming, which unfolds throughout the remainder of the chapter. It transitions from Jesus' public ministry and debates to His private instruction of His disciples, revealing future events of immense theological significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple referenced was Herod's Temple, a colossal undertaking begun by Herod the Great around 20-19 BC. It was a massive expansion and renovation of the Second Temple, designed to be a grand architectural marvel and a symbol of Jewish national and religious pride. At the time of Jesus' ministry, construction was still ongoing, and it would not be fully completed until 63 AD, only seven years before its destruction. It was renowned for its immense, precisely cut white stones (some reportedly over 40 feet long) and lavish gold adornments, making it one of the ancient world's most impressive structures. The "gifts" (Greek: _anathemas_) were valuable votive offerings, treasures, and dedications made by individuals and nations, often displayed within the Temple precincts, further enhancing its splendor and signifying the devotion and wealth of the Jewish people. For first-century Jews, the Temple was the very heart of their identity, the dwelling place of God, and the center of their worship and national life.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:5 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Olivet Discourse and beyond. Firstly, it starkly highlights the **contrast between human admiration for material grandeur and divine perspective**. While people were captivated by the Temple's visible splendor, Jesus immediately shifts the focus to its impermanence, foreshadowing a judgment that transcends human values. This leads to the theme of **the transience of earthly glory and institutions**. Even the most magnificent human achievements, like the Temple, are temporary and subject to divine will and judgment. This prepares the disciples for the dismantling of the old covenant system centered on the physical Temple. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial **foreshadowing of prophecy and eschatological discourse**. It directly precedes Jesus' profound declarations about the Temple's utter destruction (see [Luke 21:6](/luke/21-6 "Luke 21:6 - Jesus Foretells the Temple's Destruction")) and the broader signs of the end times, linking the immediate historical event of Jerusalem's fall to the ultimate consummation of history. This echoes earlier statements by Jesus about a new "temple" not made with hands, referring to His own body and the new spiritual reality He would inaugurate (compare [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This term refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Temple complex in Jerusalem, including its courts, porticos, and surrounding structures, rather than the inner sanctuary (which would be _naós_). The use of _hierón_ here emphasizes the vastness and public accessibility of the area where people were speaking and marveling at its overall grandeur and the impressive outward display of its adornments.
* **Adorned (Greek, _kosméō'_):** Derived from _kosmos_ (world, order, beauty), this verb means "to put in proper order," "to decorate," or "to arrange beautifully." It highlights the deliberate and impressive design, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the aesthetic appeal of the Temple. The word choice underscores the human effort and pride invested in making the Temple a visually stunning and orderly masterpiece.
* **Gifts (Greek, _anáthēma'_):** This word denotes a "votive offering" or something "set up" or "dedicated" to God. These were often valuable objects, treasures, or dedications brought by worshippers or benefactors, displayed within the Temple to honor God and demonstrate piety. They added to the Temple's splendor and symbolized the wealth and devotion of the Jewish people and their patrons.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as some spake of the temple,"**: This clause sets the scene, indicating that Jesus was present while others were engaged in conversation about the Jerusalem Temple. The "some" (Greek: _tìs_) suggests a general observation from those around Jesus, possibly disciples or other onlookers, reflecting a common sentiment of awe and pride regarding the Temple.
* **"how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts,"**: This part describes the specific focus of their conversation: the Temple's magnificent appearance. The "goodly stones" (Greek: _kalós líthos_) refer to the massive, finely cut, and beautiful white stones used in its construction, which were a source of great wonder. The "gifts" (Greek: _anáthēma_) signify the votive offerings and treasures that further enhanced its splendor, showcasing the immense wealth and devotion dedicated to God's house.
* **"he said,"**: This simple phrase marks a dramatic transition. Jesus' response is not a continuation of the admiring conversation but a profound, counter-cultural declaration that immediately shifts the focus from the Temple's material glory to its impending doom, setting the stage for His prophetic discourse.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:5 employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the disciples' admiration for the Temple's beauty directly precedes Jesus' prophecy of its utter destruction, creating a sense of dramatic irony. The verse also establishes a powerful **Contrast** between human perception and divine reality; what humans deem magnificent and enduring, God declares transient. The Temple itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a building but the entire system of the Old Covenant, its worship, and the national identity of Israel. Jesus' subsequent prophecy thus symbolizes the end of an era and the inauguration of a new one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:5, while seemingly a simple observation, carries profound theological weight. It highlights the inherent human tendency to place ultimate value and security in visible, tangible structures, even those dedicated to God. The disciples' awe at the Temple's physical grandeur reflects a common human inclination to equate spiritual significance with material impressiveness. However, Jesus' immediate response challenges this perspective, asserting God's sovereignty over all human achievements and His intention to move beyond a localized, physical dwelling place for worship. This sets the stage for the New Covenant understanding where God's presence is not confined to a building but dwells in His people through the Holy Spirit, and true worship is in spirit and truth. The transient nature of the Temple points towards the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the ultimate fulfillment found not in structures, but in Christ Himself.

* [Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1-2 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")
* [Mark 13:1-2](/mark/13-1-2 "Mark 13:1-2 - Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple")
* [John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:5 serves as a timeless reminder not to place our ultimate trust, admiration, or security in temporary earthly structures, achievements, or institutions, no matter how grand, beautiful, or seemingly enduring they appear. Whether it's impressive buildings, financial empires, political systems, or even religious organizations, all are subject to decay, change, and divine judgment. This verse challenges us to critically examine where our true treasures lie and what truly captures our awe and devotion. If our hope is anchored in anything less than the eternal God and His unfailing kingdom, we are building on shifting sand. It compels us to cultivate a divine perspective, recognizing that God's values often diverge radically from human values, and what He deems eternal is often unseen by the world. We are called to invest in what has lasting spiritual significance—our relationship with God, the building up of His spiritual body, the church, and the pursuit of righteousness and justice—rather than being captivated by the fleeting glories of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "goodly stones and gifts" in my own life or culture do I tend to admire or rely on more than God?**
* **How does Jesus' response challenge my perspective on what truly holds value and permanence?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing outward appearances or material grandeur over spiritual depth and truth?**
* **What does it mean practically to shift my focus from the transient to the eternal in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Herod's Temple to the Jewish people?**

Answer: Herod's Temple was far more than just a building; it was the epicenter of Jewish religious, cultural, and national identity. It was believed to be the dwelling place of God's presence (the Shekinah glory) on earth, the only legitimate place for sacrificial worship, and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. Its immense size, beauty, and the treasures it housed were sources of immense pride and represented the nation's devotion and its unique relationship with Yahweh. For many, its grandeur signified the enduring nature of their faith and God's protection.

**Why did Jesus respond to the admiration of the Temple with such a stark prophecy?**

Answer: Jesus' response was not dismissive of the Temple's beauty but prophetic of a profound shift in God's redemptive plan. By declaring that "not one stone shall be left upon another" (as stated in [Luke 21:6](/luke/21-6 "Luke 21:6 - Jesus Foretells the Temple's Destruction")), Jesus was signaling the impending end of the Old Covenant system centered on the physical Temple and its sacrificial rituals. His words foreshadowed the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but more importantly, they pointed to the inauguration of a New Covenant in His blood, where He Himself would become the true Temple and the ultimate sacrifice, making the physical structure obsolete. His prophecy served as a warning against misplaced trust in physical symbols over spiritual reality.

**Did Jesus ever speak about the Temple in other contexts?**

Answer: Yes, Jesus frequently interacted with and spoke about the Temple. He cleansed it twice, rebuking those who turned it into a "den of thieves" ([Matthew 21:13](/matthew/21-13 "Matthew 21:13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), asserting its purpose as a "house of prayer." Most significantly, He alluded to His own body as the new Temple when He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). This statement, initially misunderstood, revealed His identity as the ultimate fulfillment of the Temple's purpose and the establishment of a new, spiritual dwelling place for God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:5, with its focus on the magnificent but ultimately transient Jerusalem Temple, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the disciples marveled at the physical structure, Jesus' prophetic response signaled that the era of a localized, material dwelling for God was drawing to a close, making way for a new reality centered on Himself. Jesus is the true and ultimate Temple, the place where God fully dwells among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He declared that His own body would be the "temple" that would be destroyed and raised in three days, a clear reference to His crucifixion and resurrection ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus became the perfect and final offering, rendering the Temple's sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His resurrection established a new way of worship, not confined to a building in Jerusalem, but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth")), accessible to all through Him. Furthermore, in Christ, believers themselves become living stones in a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), collectively forming the new Temple where the Holy Spirit dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built Together into a Holy Temple")). Thus, the destruction of the physical Temple, foreshadowed in Luke 21:5, paved the way for the greater glory of Christ's indwelling presence in His church.

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

Matthew 24:1

¶ And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Matthew 24:51

And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

John 2:20

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

Mark 13:1

¶ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]!

Mark 13:37

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.