Luke 21:6

KJV

[As for] these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for these things {G5023} which {G3739} ye behold {G2334}, the days {G2250} will come {G2064}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} there shall {G863} not {G3756} be left {G863} one stone {G3037} upon {G1909} another {G3037}, that {G3739} shall {G2647} not {G3756} be thrown down {G2647}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“The time is coming when what you see here will be totally destroyed — not a single stone will be left standing!”

Berean Standard Bible

“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

American Standard Version

As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:6 records Jesus' profound and startling prophecy concerning the magnificent Second Temple in Jerusalem. In direct response to His disciples' admiration for its impressive stones and dedicated gifts, Jesus declares that a time is coming when this grand structure will be utterly demolished, with not a single stone remaining upon another. This declaration foreshadows the complete destruction of the Temple, an event that would dramatically reshape Jewish life and worship, and confirm Jesus' prophetic authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Olivet Discourse," a pivotal teaching by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, as recorded in Luke 21, Matthew 24, and Mark 13. Immediately preceding this prophecy, Jesus had just observed the temple treasury, commending the poor widow's sacrificial offering over the large contributions of the wealthy ([Luke 21:1-4](/luke/21-1-4 "Luke 21:1-4 - The Widow's Offering")). The disciples' subsequent admiration for the Temple's "goodly stones and gifts" ([Luke 21:5](/luke/21-5 "Luke 21:5 - Disciples Admire the Temple")) serves as the direct catalyst for Jesus' somber prediction in verse 6. His words pivot from an observation of human piety and material offerings to a stark revelation of the impermanence of even the most sacred physical structures, setting the stage for a broader discourse on the signs of the end times and His second coming.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Second Temple, rebuilt by Herod the Great, was an architectural marvel and the epicenter of Jewish religious, national, and cultural life in the 1st century AD. Its construction involved massive, finely cut stones, some reportedly over 40 feet long, and it was adorned with precious metals and votive gifts, inspiring awe and national pride. For a Jew of that era, the Temple was considered inviolable, a symbol of God's presence and Israel's enduring covenant. The idea of its complete destruction would have been almost unthinkable, akin to the collapse of their entire world. Jerusalem itself was a bustling city, the capital, and a pilgrimage destination, making the prophecy of its desolation a profound and deeply unsettling statement about the future of the Jewish nation and its relationship with God. The prophecy was literally fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman army under General Titus besieged Jerusalem, leading to the Temple's complete destruction, a catastrophic event that profoundly impacted Jewish history.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:6 contributes significantly to several major themes within the chapter and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Prophetic Foresight and Divine Authority**, demonstrating Jesus' omniscience and His authority to speak definitively about future events, including the seemingly impossible destruction of the Temple, which was fulfilled with chilling precision in 70 AD. Secondly, it highlights the **Transience of Earthly Structures and Institutions**, emphasizing that even the most revered and seemingly permanent human creations are subject to decay and destruction, contrasting sharply with the enduring nature of God's spiritual kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26-28 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). Thirdly, the prophecy subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Shifting of Covenants**. While not explicitly stated as judgment in this verse, the Temple's destruction was widely understood by early Christians as a consequence of Israel's rejection of its Messiah, marking a decisive shift from the Old Covenant's Temple-centric worship to the New Covenant's emphasis on Christ as the ultimate sacrifice and the spiritual nature of God's dwelling among His people ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** (G3037) This word refers to a literal stone, but in this context, it carries immense symbolic weight. The Temple was renowned for its massive, finely cut stones, making "not one stone upon another" a powerful idiom for absolute and complete demolition. The prophecy's fulfillment in 70 AD, where the Roman soldiers reportedly pried apart the stones to recover melted gold, underscored the literal precision of Jesus' words, leaving the Temple mount utterly desolate.
* **thrown down (Greek, _katalýō'_):** (G2647) Derived from _katá_ (down) and _lýō_ (to loosen), this verb means "to loosen down," "disintegrate," or "demolish." It conveys a sense of total destruction, not just damage or partial collapse, but a complete dismantling. The use of this word emphasizes the thoroughness of the impending devastation, implying that the structure would be reduced to rubble, its components scattered and no longer forming a coherent edifice.
* **not be left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** (G863) From _apó_ (from) and _hiēmi_ (to send), this verb means "to send forth," "leave," "forsake," or "permit." In the passive voice with a negative particle ("not be left"), it strongly emphasizes the absence of any remaining structure. The phrase "not be left one stone upon another" is a powerful hyperbole, signifying an unparalleled and absolute destruction, leaving nothing intact or standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for these things which ye behold":** This opening phrase directly connects Jesus' prophecy to the disciples' immediate observation and admiration of the Temple's grandeur. It highlights the contrast between their perception of its permanence and Jesus' divine insight into its future. "Behold" (G2334, _theōréō_) implies not just a casual glance, but a careful, perhaps awe-struck, observation of the Temple's impressive architecture.
* **"the days will come":** This phrase introduces a prophetic declaration, indicating a future event that is certain to occur. It signals a shift from the present moment of observation to a divinely ordained future, emphasizing the inevitability and certainty of what is about to be revealed. The "days" (G2250, _hēméra_) refer to a specific, albeit undefined, period of time.
* **"in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another":** This is the core of the prophecy, vividly describing the extent of the Temple's destruction. The idiom "not be left one stone upon another" (G3037, _líthos_ for stone; G863, _aphíēmi_ for "be left"; G1909, _epí_ for "upon") powerfully conveys absolute and complete demolition. It means the structure will be so thoroughly dismantled that no two stones will remain in their original stacked position.
* **"that shall not be thrown down":** This final clause reinforces the previous statement, reiterating the totality of the destruction. The double negative ("not... not be thrown down") serves to emphasize the certainty of every single stone being cast down (G2647, _katalýō_). It leaves no room for partial survival or reconstruction, underlining the finality of the Temple's fate.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." While literally fulfilled in 70 AD, the language is an exaggerated expression to convey the absolute and utter completeness of the destruction. This vivid imagery ensures the audience grasps the unprecedented nature of the impending event. The verse also functions as a direct **Prophecy**, a divine foretelling of future events, demonstrating Jesus' supernatural knowledge and authority. This prophecy is starkly **Ironic**, as it contrasts the disciples' admiration for the Temple's perceived invincibility with Jesus' pronouncement of its total demise, highlighting the impermanence of human achievements in the face of divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:6 stands as a powerful testament to the transient nature of even the most sacred physical structures when compared to the enduring reality of God's spiritual kingdom. The Temple, a symbol of God's presence and the center of Israel's worship for centuries, was prophesied to be utterly destroyed, signifying a pivotal shift in salvation history. This destruction underscored that God's presence was no longer confined to a physical edifice but was moving to a new, spiritual dwelling place in Christ and His people. It also served as a stark reminder of divine judgment, not merely on a building, but on a system and a people who had largely rejected their Messiah. The fulfillment of this prophecy in 70 AD validated Jesus' authority and the reliability of His words, pointing to a new era where worship would be in spirit and truth, independent of a physical temple.

* [Matthew 24:2](/matthew/24-2 "Matthew 24:2 - Jesus Predicts Temple Destruction")
* [Mark 13:2](/mark/13-2 "Mark 13:2 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Temple's Fall")
* [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' prophecy in Luke 21:6 serves as a profound reminder that our ultimate security and hope should never be placed in earthly structures, institutions, or even cherished traditions, no matter how grand or sacred they may seem. The Temple, the very heart of Jewish identity and worship, was destined for complete demolition, illustrating that all temporal things are subject to decay and change. For believers today, this calls us to cultivate a deep spiritual resilience, anchoring our faith not in the visible and tangible, but in the eternal and unseen realities of God's kingdom. It challenges us to examine where our true trust lies – is it in human achievements, material possessions, or fleeting cultural norms, or is it in the unchanging character and promises of God? This passage encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that while earthly foundations may crumble, the spiritual house built upon Christ, the true cornerstone, will stand forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "goodly stones" or impressive earthly structures (e.g., career, reputation, material possessions, even religious traditions) might I be placing too much trust or admiration in today?**
* **How does the impermanence of the physical Temple challenge my understanding of where God's true presence resides and how He is to be worshipped?**
* **In what ways can I shift my focus from the temporary to the eternal, aligning my priorities more closely with Christ's enduring kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus' prophecy about the Temple's destruction fulfilled literally?**

Answer: Yes, Jesus' prophecy in Luke 21:6 was fulfilled with chilling precision in 70 AD. The Roman army, under General Titus, besieged Jerusalem and completely destroyed the Second Temple. Historical accounts, such as those by Josephus, confirm that the Romans dismantled the Temple stone by stone, reportedly to recover melted gold that had seeped into the cracks during the fires. This literal fulfillment underscores the accuracy of Jesus' prophetic words, leaving no doubt about the totality of the destruction, just as He had declared that "there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

**What is the significance of the Temple's destruction for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians, the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD holds profound theological significance. It marked the definitive end of the Old Covenant system of worship centered on a physical temple and animal sacrifices, ushering in the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. Jesus Himself declared that He was the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), and that true worship would no longer be confined to a specific geographical location but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The destruction of the physical Temple symbolized the transition to a spiritual reality where believers, individually and corporately, become the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). It reminds us that our faith is not tied to earthly structures but to the living Christ and His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:6, while a prophecy of physical destruction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the demolition of a building, but in the profound theological shift from a physical temple to the person of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He declared, "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")), referring to His own body and resurrection. The tearing down of the Jerusalem Temple symbolized the end of an old covenant era and the inauguration of a new one, where access to God is no longer mediated by priests and sacrifices within a stone edifice, but directly through Christ's finished work on the cross. His sacrifice became the final and perfect atonement, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices and the Temple system obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers themselves become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), signifying that God's presence now indwells His people, the Church, which is the body of Christ and the new spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Believers as the Temple")). Thus, the destruction prophesied in Luke 21:6 powerfully points to Christ as the fulfillment of all that the Temple foreshadowed, establishing a new and eternal way of worship and communion with God.

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 24:2

And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Mark 13:2

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Lamentations 5:18

Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Jeremiah 26:6

Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.

Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.