And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

LUKE 21:13KJV
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Luke 21:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:13 mean?

Luke 21:13 means that the difficult events Jesus describes will become an opportunity for his followers to give a testimony about their faith. Jesus is telling his disciples that what seems like trouble or persecution will actually serve as a chance to speak out and bear witness.

In this part of Luke, Jesus is talking to his disciples about coming hardships and persecution for those who follow him. He reassures them that these challenges are not just meaningless suffering; instead, they will lead to moments where his followers can share their beliefs and experiences. The verse highlights that adversity can have a purpose, turning into a platform for sharing the truth.

The Greek behind Luke 21:13

  • μαρτυρία (martyria, G3142): This Greek word is translated as "testimony." It refers to giving witness or evidence, especially in a legal or public sense. Here, it suggests that the disciples' experiences under pressure will allow them to publicly explain and defend their faith.
  • ἀποβήσεται (apobēsetai, G576): This word, translated as "shall turn," carries the sense of something resulting in or leading to a particular outcome. It emphasizes that the trials will not be pointless but will result in a meaningful opportunity.

Why Luke 21:13 matters

  • Luke 21:13 clarifies that persecution or hardship is not a sign of failure or abandonment, but can be used for a greater purpose—giving testimony.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Jesus prepares his followers not just for suffering, but for the chance to speak about him in those moments.
  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that trouble is always negative; instead, Jesus frames it as a meaningful opportunity for witness.

Where else these words appear

“turn” Greek G576 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
  • Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

“testimony” Greek G3142 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.