For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

LUKE 21:35KJV
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Luke 21:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:35 mean?

Luke 21:35 warns that a coming event will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly, like a trap, affecting everyone living across the whole earth. The verse emphasizes that no one who dwells on the earth will be able to escape or avoid its impact.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future times of trouble and judgment. He uses the image of a "snare" to describe how this event will catch people off guard, much like an animal trap that springs shut without warning. The language underscores the universal scope—this is not a local or isolated event, but something that concerns all humanity.

The Greek behind Luke 21:35

  • "snare" (παγίς, pagís): This word refers to a trap or device used for catching animals suddenly and unexpectedly. Jesus uses it to stress the surprise and inescapability of what is coming.
  • "dwell" (καθήμενοι, kathēmenoi): This word means "those who sit" or "those who dwell," painting a picture of people settled or going about daily life, unaware of the danger.
  • "face" (πρόσωπον, prosōpon): This word literally means "face," here used in the phrase "face of the whole earth" to indicate the entire inhabited world, not just a single region.
  • "whole" (πᾶς, pas): This word means "all" or "every," reinforcing the idea that no one is excluded from this warning.

Why Luke 21:35 matters

  • Luke 21:35 clarifies that Jesus’ warning is not just for a select group or a specific place, but for everyone living on earth, highlighting the global reach of what He describes.
  • The verse uses the image of a snare to emphasize how sudden and unavoidable the coming event will be, urging readers to be alert rather than complacent.
  • This statement fits into Jesus’ broader teaching in Luke 21 about being watchful and prepared for times of crisis, tying personal readiness to a worldwide event.

Where else these words appear

“snare” Greek G3803 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
  • 1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“come” Greek G1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“dwell” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,