And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

LUKE 21:25KJV
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Luke 21:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:25 mean?

Luke 21:25 describes a time of great turmoil and unusual events in the natural world, with signs appearing in the sun, moon, and stars, and people on earth experiencing distress and confusion as the sea and waves roar. This verse points to a period of worldwide anxiety and cosmic disturbance.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, warning them of signs that will signal significant changes or troubles ahead. The language paints a vivid picture of chaos both in the heavens and on earth, showing that these events will be obvious and deeply unsettling to all nations. The verse sets the stage for the following verses, which continue describing these extraordinary times.

The Greek behind Luke 21:25

  • σημεῖα (sēmeia, "signs"): This word refers to unusual or significant events that serve as indicators or warnings. In this context, it suggests that the changes in the sun, moon, and stars are not ordinary but are meant to get people's attention.
  • συνοχή (synochē, "distress"): This word carries the idea of being pressed in or squeezed, often used for severe anxiety or distress. It highlights the intense emotional and societal pressure people will feel.
  • ἀπορία (aporia, "perplexity"): This word means confusion or being at a loss, emphasizing that people will not know what to do in the face of these events.
  • ἠχούσης (ēchousēs, "roaring"): This word describes a loud, echoing sound, used here for the noise of the sea and waves, adding to the sense of chaos and fear.

Why Luke 21:25 matters

  • Luke 21:25 clarifies that the signs Jesus describes are not hidden or subtle, but dramatic and unmistakable, affecting both the sky and the earth.
  • The verse emphasizes that the distress will be global, involving all nations, not just a single group or region.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see how it fits into Jesus' broader teaching about being alert and prepared for significant changes, connecting to the themes of watchfulness and readiness in the surrounding passage.

Where else these words appear

“distress” Greek G4928 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

“roaring” Greek G2278 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

“stars” Greek G798 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
  • Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
  • Hebrews 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

“moon” Greek G4582 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
  • Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
  • Revelation 8:12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.