In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

LUKE 17:31KJV
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Luke 17:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:31 mean?

Luke 17:31 warns that when a certain day comes, anyone on the housetop or out in the field should not go back for their belongings. The verse urges immediate action, not hesitating or returning for possessions when the time to flee arrives.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples about a future time of sudden crisis or judgment. He uses everyday examples—someone on a housetop or working in a field—to show how urgent the situation will be. The main idea is that when this moment comes, nothing should be more important than responding right away, even if it means leaving behind valuable things.

The Greek behind Luke 17:31

  • ἐπὶ (epi): This word means "upon" or "on." Here, it describes someone physically on the housetop, a common place in ancient homes for work or rest.
  • σκεῦος (skeuos): Translated as "stuff" or "belongings," this word refers to household goods or personal property. The verse highlights that even these important things should not delay someone’s escape.
  • ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō): Meaning "to return," this word is used for the person in the field, emphasizing not to turn back or reverse direction, stressing the urgency and seriousness of the warning.

Why Luke 17:31 matters

  • Luke 17:31 clarifies that Jesus is not speaking about ordinary daily life, but about a moment of crisis where hesitation could be dangerous.
  • The verse connects to the larger context, where Jesus describes the suddenness of the coming of the Son of Man and the need for readiness.
  • This warning helps clear up the idea that material possessions or routines should take priority in moments of spiritual or physical urgency.

Where else these words appear

“housetop” Greek G1430 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

“stuff” Greek G4632 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

“likewise” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

“field” Greek G68 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.