Luke 21:25
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
signs, &c.--Though the grandeur of this language carries the mind over the head of all periods but that of Christ's second coming, nearly every expression will be found used of the Lord's coming in terrible national judgments, as of Babylon, &c.; and from Luk 21:28, Luk 21:32, it seems undeniable that its immediate reference was to the destruction of Jerusalem, though its ultimate reference beyond doubt is to Christ's final coming.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. The notice Christ took, and the approbation he gave, of a poor widow that cast two mites into the treasury (Luk 21:1-4). II. A prediction of future events, in answer to his disciples' enquiries concerning them (Luk 21:5-7). 1. Of what should happen between that and the destruction of Jerusalem - false Christs arising, bloody wars and persecutions of Christ's followers (Luk 21:8-19). 2. Of that destruction itself (Luk 21:20-24). 3. Of the second coming of Jesus Christ to judge the world, under the type and figure of that (Luk 21:25-33). III. A practical application of this, by way of caution and counsel (Luk 21:34-36), and an account of Christ's preaching and the people's attendance on it (Luk 21:37, Luk 21:38).
Open source ↗21:25 The prophets predicted that heavenly signs would precede the judgment of God at the end of the age (Isa 13:9-10; 34:4; Jer 4:23, 28; Ezek 32:7-8; Joel 2:10, 30-31; cp. Rev 6:13-14; 8:10; 9:1; 12:1, 3; 15:1).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.
The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.
“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of Hosts is His name.
Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;
though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’