And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

LUKE 21:16KJV
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Luke 21:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:16 mean?

Luke 21:16 means that some of Jesus’ followers will be handed over to authorities and betrayed even by their closest family members and friends, and that some will be put to death because of this betrayal. Jesus is warning his disciples that loyalty to him may lead to deep personal loss and danger, even from those they trust most.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the hardships and persecutions they will face for following him. The setting is a conversation where Jesus describes future troubles before his return, including betrayal by parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. The verse highlights how following Jesus could bring division even into the most intimate relationships, and that the cost of discipleship may include facing death.

The Greek behind Luke 21:16

  • παραδοθήσεσθε (paradothēsesthe, "betrayed"): This word means to be handed over or delivered up, often with the sense of being given into the hands of enemies. Here, it stresses the active role others will play in exposing Jesus’ followers to danger.
  • γονέων (goneōn, "parents"), ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn, "brethren"), συγγενῶν (syngenōn, "kinsfolks"), φίλων (philōn, "friends"): The Greek terms list out specific relationships, emphasizing that betrayal could come from any close connection, not just outsiders.
  • θανατώσουσιν (thanatōsousin, "cause to be put to death"): This word means to put to death or kill. The Greek carries a directness that makes clear some followers will lose their lives because of these betrayals.

Why Luke 21:16 matters

  • Luke 21:16 clears up any idea that following Jesus would guarantee safety or harmony in personal relationships; instead, it prepares readers for possible conflict and loss.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of discipleship and the reality of persecution, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teaching about the end times.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the wider passage, where Jesus is honest about the cost of following him, but also offers hope and encouragement in the verses that follow.

Where else these words appear

“death” Greek G2289 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

“kinsfolks” Greek G4773 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

“parents” Greek G1118 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • 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,
  • John 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

“friends” Greek G5384 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
  • John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.