Luke 21:7

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:7 captures the disciples' urgent and inquisitive response to Jesus' shocking prophecy regarding the complete destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Their questions reveal a natural human desire to understand the timing and specific indicators of monumental future events, particularly those with such profound implications for their world and faith. This verse serves as a crucial transition, setting the stage for Jesus' comprehensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, where He addresses both the immediate future of Jerusalem and the ultimate signs of His return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' pronouncements about the Temple's destruction in [Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Jesus Prophesies the Temple's Destruction"). The disciples had just marveled at the Temple's magnificent stones and dedicated gifts, making Jesus' declaration that "not one stone will be left on another" all the more startling and incomprehensible to them. Their questions in verse 7 are a direct, natural reaction to this profound and unsettling prophecy, seeking clarification on "when" these things would occur and "what sign" would precede them. This inquiry then prompts Jesus to deliver an extensive discourse on the signs of the end times, which continues through the remainder of [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Second Temple, greatly expanded and beautified by Herod the Great, was the center of Jewish religious, national, and cultural life. It represented God's dwelling among His people, the place of sacrifice, and a symbol of national identity and divine favor. Its destruction, therefore, would have been an unimaginable catastrophe, akin to the end of their world. The disciples, rooted in Jewish apocalyptic expectations, would have associated such an event with the coming of the Messiah and the end of the age. Their questions reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking omens or signs to interpret divine will or impending events, a practice deeply embedded in their cultural framework.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:7 contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative. It highlights the **disciples' limited understanding** of Jesus' prophetic words, as they initially focus on the physical temple's fate rather than the broader spiritual implications of the new covenant. It also underscores the **nature of prophetic inquiry**, where human curiosity often seeks specific details about timing and visible indicators, even when divine revelation emphasizes readiness and spiritual discernment. Most significantly, this verse acts as a **crucial pivot to eschatological discourse**, prompting Jesus to provide detailed teachings on the signs of His coming and the end of the age, a theme found also in parallel accounts like [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Signs of the End of the Age") and [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** This term, meaning "teacher" or "instructor," is the disciples' respectful address to Jesus. It highlights their recognition of His authority and wisdom, approaching Him as their authoritative source of knowledge for understanding the profound prophecy He had just uttered. Their use of "Master" underscores their position as students seeking clarity from their esteemed Rabbi.
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb signifies "to ask for," "inquire," or "seek." It implies a direct and earnest questioning, indicating the disciples' deep concern and desire for specific information. Their inquiry is not casual but stems from a genuine need to comprehend the implications of Jesus' startling prophecy about the Temple's demolition.
* **sign (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This word denotes an "indication," "mark," or "token," often with a ceremonial or supernatural connotation. The disciples were not merely asking for a general warning but for concrete, discernible omens or portents that would clearly signal the approach and fulfillment of the events Jesus had foretold, particularly the destruction of the Temple and, by extension, the broader "end of these things."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they asked him, saying,"**: This introductory clause sets the scene, indicating a direct and immediate response from the disciples to Jesus' preceding prophecy. The "and" (Greek, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, linking their question directly to Jesus' previous statement about the Temple's destruction.
* **"Master, but when shall these things be?"**: The disciples' first question focuses on timing. The use of "Master" (Greek, _didáskalos'_) reflects their respect and expectation that Jesus, their teacher, possesses the answers. The "but" (Greek, _oûn_) introduces a natural, almost urgent, follow-up to Jesus' shocking prophecy, expressing their desire for a timeline for such a catastrophic event.
* **"and what sign [will there be] when these things shall come to pass?"**: Their second question seeks specific indicators. They are not only concerned with "when" but also "how" they will know. The word "sign" (Greek, _sēmeîon'_) suggests a desire for clear, observable phenomena that would herald the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, allowing them to discern the approach of these momentous events. The phrase "shall come to pass" (Greek, _méllō gínomai'_) emphasizes the future, impending nature of these events.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:7 primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting the disciples' exact questions to Jesus, which lends immediacy and authenticity to the narrative. The verse also functions as a **Transitional Device**, shifting the narrative from Jesus' direct prophecy about the Temple to His more extensive eschatological discourse. Furthermore, the disciples' questions themselves serve as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the detailed prophetic teachings that Jesus is about to deliver concerning the signs of the end times and His second coming. The structure of their inquiry—asking "when" and "what sign"—highlights **Inquiry as a Narrative Catalyst**, driving the subsequent revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:7 serves as a crucial pivot in the Olivet Discourse, bridging Jesus' prophecy of the Temple's destruction with His broader teachings on the end times and His second coming. The disciples' questions reveal a common human desire for clear signs and timelines regarding future events, especially those of cosmic significance. Theologically, this verse underscores the theme of divine revelation and human inquiry, as Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, is approached for understanding God's unfolding plan. It also implicitly highlights the tension between human curiosity about specific dates and God's emphasis on readiness and faithfulness, a theme Jesus will elaborate on in His subsequent teaching. The destruction of the Temple, prompted by these questions, prefigures a shift from the old covenant system to a new, spiritual reality in Christ.

* [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions on the End")
* [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples Ask About the Signs")
* [Acts 1:6-7](/acts/1-6-7 "Acts 1:6-7 - Jesus' Response to Timing Questions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' questions in Luke 21:7 resonate deeply with humanity's enduring fascination with the future, particularly with "end times" prophecies. We, too, often desire precise timelines and clear signs, hoping to predict or control what lies ahead. However, Jesus' subsequent discourse, prompted by these very questions, consistently steers the focus away from speculative curiosity about dates and towards a posture of spiritual readiness, vigilance, and faithful living. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that while prophetic revelation is given for our instruction and encouragement, our primary calling is not to obsess over the "when" but to diligently live out the "what now." It challenges us to be watchful, to persevere through trials, and to actively participate in God's mission, knowing that the Lord's return is certain, even if its timing remains unknown. Our lives should be marked by a confident expectation of Christ's return, translating into a commitment to holiness, service, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of the future do I find myself most curious or anxious about, and how does this verse challenge my focus?**
* **How can I cultivate a posture of spiritual readiness and vigilance in my daily life, rather than merely seeking to understand prophetic timelines?**
* **In what ways does my understanding of future events impact my present actions, priorities, and commitment to God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Olivet Discourse," and how does Luke 21:7 relate to it?**

Answer: The "Olivet Discourse" refers to a significant teaching by Jesus, recorded in [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24-25 "Matthew 24-25 - The Olivet Discourse"), [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"), and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse"), which He delivered on the Mount of Olives. It primarily concerns the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, the signs preceding His second coming, and the end of the age. Luke 21:7 is the pivotal verse that directly prompts this discourse. Following Jesus' prophecy about the Temple's destruction in [Luke 21:5-6](/luke/21-5-6 "Jesus Prophesies the Temple's Destruction"), the disciples' questions about "when" these things would occur and "what sign" would precede them directly lead into Jesus' detailed explanation of future events, making this verse the immediate catalyst for one of the most comprehensive prophetic teachings in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:7, with the disciples' questions about signs and timing, inherently points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy. Jesus, as the Prophet par excellence, is not merely delivering predictions but revealing God's sovereign plan, a plan centered on Himself. The destruction of the Temple, which the disciples inquire about, is a profound sign of the transition from the old covenant, with its physical temple and sacrificial system, to the new covenant established in Christ's body. As the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple's Replacement")), Jesus' death and resurrection inaugurate a new era where God is worshipped in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The "signs" the disciples seek are ultimately fulfilled in Christ's first coming, which initiated the "last days" ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Peter's Sermon on the Last Days")), and will culminate in His glorious second coming ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")), when all prophecies will reach their final, perfect realization in Him. Thus, the disciples' questions, though focused on temporal events, ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of Christ's ongoing work as Lord of history and the coming King.

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

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.