Luke 21:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:24 mean?

Luke 21:24 describes a time when many people in Jerusalem will be killed by violence and others taken away as captives to different nations, and Jerusalem itself will be controlled by non-Jewish people ("Gentiles") until a certain period, called "the times of the Gentiles," is completed. This verse points to a long season of suffering and foreign rule over Jerusalem before a future change.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about events that will happen to Jerusalem. He warns them of coming destruction and hardship, which historically many connect to the Roman conquest of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The phrase "the times of the Gentiles" suggests a set period when non-Jewish nations will have authority over Jerusalem, hinting at a larger plan or timeline in God's view.

The Greek behind Luke 21:24

• "Edge" (στόμα, stoma): This word literally means "mouth," but in Greek it is often used for "edge" or "blade" of a sword, painting a vivid picture of people falling by deadly violence.
• "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This word means "nations," but in the context of Jewish thought, it refers to non-Jewish peoples. The verse emphasizes that Jerusalem will be under the control of these non-Jewish nations.
• "Times" (καιροί, kairoi): This word means appointed times or seasons, suggesting that the period of Gentile control is not random but has a set limit.

Why Luke 21:24 matters

• Luke 21:24 helps clarify that Jesus foresaw a specific, difficult future for Jerusalem, including both violence and a long period of foreign domination.
• The verse introduces the idea of "the times of the Gentiles," which connects to broader biblical themes about God's plans for different peoples and eras.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see how Jesus' words fit into both the immediate history of Jerusalem and ongoing questions about its future in the Bible.