For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

LUKE 21:22KJV
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Luke 21:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:22 mean?

Luke 21:22 describes a time of judgment as “the days of vengeance,” saying that everything written beforehand will be fulfilled. This means that a period is coming when God’s warnings and promises, as recorded in Scripture, will come true in full.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He explains that this event is not random, but is the fulfillment of what has been written in the Hebrew Scriptures about judgment and accountability. The verse highlights that the events Jesus is describing are part of a larger, foretold plan, not just a sudden disaster.

The Greek behind Luke 21:22

  • ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis, “vengeance”): This word often means retribution or justice, not just personal revenge. Here, it points to a time when wrongs are set right according to God’s standards.
  • πληρόω (plēroō, “fulfilled”): This word means to bring something to completion. In this context, it emphasizes that the prophecies and warnings given in Scripture will reach their intended outcome during these days.
  • γεγραμμένα (gegrammena, “written”): This refers to things already recorded in Scripture, underlining that the coming events were foretold and are now coming to pass.

Why Luke 21:22 matters

  • Luke 21:22 clarifies that the destruction Jesus predicts is not accidental, but the result of a long-standing divine plan revealed in Scripture.
  • The verse connects the immediate historical situation (the fall of Jerusalem) to the broader story of God’s dealings with His people, showing continuity between prophecy and fulfillment.
  • By calling this period “the days of vengeance,” Jesus frames the coming hardship as a time of justice, not just suffering, helping readers understand the seriousness and purpose behind these events.

Where else these words appear

“vengeance” Greek G1557 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
  • Acts 7:24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“be” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.