And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

LUKE 21:28KJV
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Luke 21:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:28 mean?

Luke 21:28 tells listeners that when the troubling events Jesus describes begin to happen, they should not be afraid or discouraged, but instead be hopeful and confident, because their rescue or deliverance is near. The verse encourages a posture of expectation and courage in the face of unsettling times.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about future difficulties and signs that will come before God's kingdom arrives in fullness. The verse uses the image of looking up and lifting heads as a way to show readiness and hope, not shame or fear, because "redemption"—often understood as God's act of saving or setting free—is close at hand.

The Greek behind Luke 21:28

  • ἀνάκυψατε (anakypsate, "look up"): This word means to straighten up or stand tall. It suggests a physical and emotional response of confidence, not shrinking back in fear.
  • ἐπάρατε (eparate, "lift up"): This means to raise or lift up, especially the head. In the culture of the time, lifting one's head was a sign of hope or dignity, rather than despair.
  • ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis, "redemption"): This word refers to being set free, often with the idea of being released from bondage or captivity. Here, it points to the coming deliverance God promises.
  • ἐγγίζει (engizei, "draweth nigh"): This means to come near or approach. The sense is that the promised rescue is not far off, but very close.

Why Luke 21:28 matters

  • Luke 21:28 shifts the focus from fear to hope, reminding readers that difficult times are not the end, but a sign that God's promise is approaching fulfillment.
  • The verse connects the coming troubles to God's larger plan, helping readers see that hardship is not pointless but leads to redemption.
  • By telling listeners to "look up" and "lift up your heads," Jesus encourages an attitude of trust and expectation, rather than anxiety or defeat.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G352 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
  • John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
  • John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

“redemption” Greek G629 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
  • Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
  • Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

“up” Greek G1869 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
  • John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
  • Acts 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

“for” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.