But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

LUKE 21:12KJV
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Luke 21:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:12 mean?

Luke 21:12 means that before the dramatic events Jesus has just described, his followers will face arrest, persecution, and be handed over to religious and political authorities because of their association with him. Jesus is warning his disciples that hardship and opposition will come specifically because they identify with his name.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples in Jerusalem, preparing them for the difficulties they will encounter as his followers. He tells them that they will be seized, persecuted, and brought before both Jewish (synagogues) and non-Jewish (kings and rulers) authorities. The focus is on the reality that following Jesus will bring real-world consequences, including imprisonment and public trials, not just spiritual challenges.

The Greek behind Luke 21:12

  • The word "persecute" (διώξουσιν, diōxousin) comes from the Greek διώκω (diōkō), which means to pursue or harass. This word carries the sense of being actively hunted or pressured, not just passively disliked.
  • "Delivering you up" (παραδιδόντες, paradidontes) is from παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi), meaning to hand over or betray. This highlights that the disciples will be turned over to authorities, sometimes by others.
  • "For my name's sake" (ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, heneken tou onomatos mou) uses ὄνομα (onoma), meaning "name," which in this context refers to Jesus' identity and authority. The trouble comes specifically because of allegiance to Jesus, not just general trouble.

Why Luke 21:12 matters

  • Luke 21:12 clarifies that suffering and opposition are not signs of failure or abandonment, but are expected experiences for Jesus' followers.
  • The verse shows that the persecution will come from both religious and secular sources, emphasizing that following Jesus can bring conflict in many areas of life.
  • This warning sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ teaching in this chapter, helping readers understand that faithfulness may lead to hardship before any final deliverance or resolution.

Where else these words appear

“lay” Greek G1911 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • John 7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

“rulers” Greek G2232 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
  • Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

“for” Greek G1752 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;