And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

LUKE 21:20KJV
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Luke 21:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:20 mean?

Luke 21:20 means that when people see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they should recognize that the city’s destruction is very close. Jesus is warning his listeners to watch for this clear sign as an indication that a time of devastation for Jerusalem is about to happen.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about future events, specifically warning them about the coming siege of Jerusalem. The setting is a conversation where Jesus describes signs that will precede great trouble. The verse is a straightforward alert: the presence of armies around Jerusalem is the unmistakable signal that the city’s ruin is near.

The Greek behind Luke 21:20

  • The word "compassed" is from the Greek κυκλουμένην (kykloumenēn, from G2944), which means "being surrounded" or "encircled." This word paints a vivid picture of armies completely enclosing the city, leaving no way out.
  • The Greek word for "desolation" is ἐρήμωσις (erēmōsis, from G2050), which refers to devastation, ruin, or being laid waste. This term emphasizes not just defeat but a thorough destruction and abandonment.
  • The word "nigh" is ἤγγικεν (ēngiken, from G1448), meaning "has drawn near" or "is at hand." This signals urgency and immediacy, showing that the event is not distant but about to happen.

Why Luke 21:20 matters

  • Luke 21:20 clarifies that the warning sign for Jerusalem’s destruction is not vague or hidden but something visible and unmistakable: armies surrounding the city.
  • This verse helps readers understand that Jesus’ prophecy was specific and practical, giving his followers a way to recognize when to take action.
  • The verse connects to the larger context of Luke 21, where Jesus describes signs of coming judgment, helping to set apart the fall of Jerusalem from other future events he discusses.

Where else these words appear

“desolation” Greek G2050 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)
  • Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not,(let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

“compassed” Greek G2944 · used in 5 verses

  • John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
  • Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
  • Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

“nigh” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.