So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

LUKE 21:31KJV
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Luke 21:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:31 mean?

In Luke 21:31, Jesus tells his listeners that the events he has described will show them that God’s kingdom is near. “Kingdom of God” refers to God’s rule, and Jesus presents the events as signs that its arrival is close.

Jesus draws a comparison with the fig tree in the preceding verses. Just as new leaves tell people that summer is near, the events he describes will tell his listeners that God’s kingdom is near. His words ask them to recognize what those events signify.

The Greek behind Luke 21:31

  • “know” — γινώσκω (ginōskō): This word can carry the sense of recognizing or understanding. Here it points to drawing a conclusion from what Jesus’ listeners see.
  • “kingdom” — βασιλεία (basileia): This word can refer to the rule or reign of a king, as well as to a kingdom. “Kingdom of God” therefore points to God exercising rule, not merely to a place.

Why Luke 21:31 matters

  • The fig tree comparison explains how the events function as signs. In Luke 21:30, people see leaves and know that summer is near; in verse 31, seeing the events leads to another recognition.
  • Jesus places the verse within an answer to a question about timing and signs. Earlier, his listeners ask when the temple’s destruction will happen and what sign will precede it (Luke 21:7).
  • The kingdom’s nearness is stated alongside Jesus’ words about the Son of man. In Luke 21:27, he speaks of the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.