But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

LUKE 21:18KJV
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Luke 21:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:18 mean?

Luke 21:18 promises that not even a single hair on the heads of Jesus’ followers will be lost or destroyed. This verse assures protection and care, even in the midst of coming troubles that Jesus is describing to his disciples.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about difficult times ahead, including persecution and hardship. Despite warning them of these dangers, Jesus uses this vivid phrase to emphasize that God’s care for them is so complete that even the smallest detail of their well-being is not overlooked.

The Greek behind Luke 21:18

  • ἡ τρίξ (trix, “hair”): This word highlights just how detailed the protection is—Jesus is not speaking only about general safety, but about every tiny part of a person.
  • ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, “perish”): This word often means to be destroyed or lost completely. Here, it stresses that not even the smallest part of the disciples’ lives will be ultimately lost, despite appearances.

Why Luke 21:18 matters

  • Luke 21:18 clears up the misunderstanding that following Jesus means being spared from all trouble; instead, it shows that God’s care is present even in danger.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s attention to detail and personal concern, not just general promises of safety.
  • In the context of Jesus’ warnings about persecution, this assurance stands out as a strong encouragement to his followers to trust in God’s ultimate protection.

Where else these words appear

“hair” Greek G2359 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
  • John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

“head” Greek G2776 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
  • Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“perish” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.