Luke 21:7

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign [will there be] when these things shall come to pass?

And {G1161} they asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, but {G3767} when {G4219} shall {G2071} these things {G5023} be {G2071}? and {G2532} what {G5101} sign {G4592} will there be when {G3752} these things {G5023} shall {G3195} come to pass {G1096}?

They asked him, “Rabbi, if this is so, when will these events take place? And what sign will show that they are about to happen?”

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?

Luke 21:7 records the disciples' direct questions to Jesus following His startling prophecy about the destruction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. They sought clarity on two key aspects: the timing of these events and the specific signs that would precede their fulfillment. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' extensive discourse on the end times, often referred to as part of the Olivet Discourse.

Context

Just prior to this verse, in Luke 21:5-6, Jesus had declared that the grand Temple, admired by His disciples for its beautiful stones and dedicated gifts, would be completely demolished, "not one stone upon another." This prophecy of the Temple's ruin would have been shocking, as the Temple was central to Jewish life, identity, and worship. The disciples' questions in verse 7 naturally arose from this profound statement, reflecting their concern and desire to understand the implications of such a catastrophic event. Their query also subtly connects the destruction of the Temple with the broader concept of the "end of the age" or the coming of the Son of Man, as seen in parallels in the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.

Key Themes

  • Disciples' Curiosity: The verse highlights the disciples' natural human curiosity about future events, particularly those of such monumental significance. They want to know "when" and "what sign."
  • Prophetic Inquiry: It underscores the nature of prophetic inquiry, where listeners often seek specific details about timing and indicators.
  • Transition to Eschatological Discourse: This question acts as a crucial pivot, prompting Jesus to deliver one of His most detailed prophecies concerning Jerusalem's fall and the signs leading up to His second coming. His subsequent detailed prophecy begins in Luke 21:8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Master" is the Greek word didaskale (διδάσκαλε), meaning "teacher." This form of address emphasizes their respect for Jesus' authority and wisdom, acknowledging Him as their instructor who possesses knowledge beyond their own. The word "sign" is semeion (σημεῖον), which denotes a mark, token, or indication. The disciples were not just looking for a general warning but for specific, identifiable omens that would clearly signal the approach of these foreseen events.

Practical Application

The disciples' questions resonate with humanity's enduring fascination with the future and the "end times." While Jesus provides signs, He also consistently emphasizes the importance of readiness and faithfulness over precise timing. For believers today, Luke 21:7 reminds us that while we may be curious about future prophecies, our primary focus should be on living faithfully, being watchful, and sharing the Gospel, rather than obsessing over dates or specific signs. Jesus' response to their questions, which follows, provides guidance on how to live in light of these future realities.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

  • Acts 1:6

    ¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

  • Mark 13:3

    And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

  • Mark 13:4

    Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

  • Luke 21:20

    And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

  • Luke 21:21

    Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

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