Luke 21:5

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 21:5 sets the scene for one of Jesus' most significant and sobering prophecies concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. As Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, His disciples, or others present, drew His attention to the magnificent structure itself.

Historical and Cultural Context

The temple being discussed was Herod's Temple, an ambitious rebuilding and expansion project begun by King Herod the Great around 20-19 BC. While Jesus' ministry occurred during its construction, which continued for decades after His death, it was already a marvel of ancient architecture. It was renowned for its immense size, dazzling white stones, and gold adornments, making it one of the wonders of the ancient world. The "goodly stones" refer to these massive, precisely cut stones, some reportedly over 40 feet long. The "gifts" (Greek: anathemas) were votive offerings or treasures dedicated to God, often displayed in the temple, further enhancing its grandeur and showcasing the devotion and wealth of the Jewish people and their benefactors. For the Jews, the Temple was the center of their religious, cultural, and national identity, a symbol of God's presence among them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Admiration vs. Divine Perspective: This verse highlights the contrast between human appreciation for material grandeur and God's ultimate perspective. People were impressed by the visible splendor, but Jesus immediately shifts the focus to its impermanence.
  • The Transience of Earthly Glory: The disciples' awe at the temple's beauty serves as a perfect setup for Jesus' teaching that even the most magnificent human achievements are temporary. This foreshadows the coming judgment and the dismantling of the old covenant system.
  • Foreshadowing of Prophecy: This seemingly innocuous observation about the temple's beauty directly precedes Jesus' profound prophecy about its utter destruction, which came to pass in 70 AD. It introduces the discourse on the end times and the signs of His coming.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "adorned" is kosmeo (κοσμέω), from which we get words like "cosmetic" and "cosmos." It implies an ordered, beautiful arrangement, highlighting the temple's impressive and deliberate design. The "gifts" are anathemas (ἀναθήμασιν), signifying things set up, dedicated, or consecrated to God, often as votive offerings. These were tangible expressions of devotion and wealth, further contributing to the temple's perceived invincibility.

Related Scriptures

This verse serves as the immediate prelude to Jesus' prophecy found in Luke 21:6, where He declares that "not one stone shall be left upon another." Parallel accounts of this event and discourse can be found in Matthew 24:1-2 and Mark 13:1-2. Jesus had previously alluded to a new temple not made with hands, referring to His own body (John 2:19-21), hinting at the obsolescence of the physical structure in light of His redemptive work.

Practical Application

Luke 21:5 reminds us not to place our ultimate trust or admiration in temporary earthly structures or achievements, no matter how grand or enduring they seem. Whether it's impressive buildings, financial security, or human institutions, all are subject to decay and change. This verse challenges us to consider where our true treasures lie (Matthew 6:19-21) and to focus on what is eternal. It also teaches us that God's perspective often differs vastly from our own; what humans highly value, God may deem transient or even destined for judgment if it has replaced true spiritual devotion.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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