And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

LUKE 21:5KJV
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Luke 21:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:5 mean?

Luke 21:5 describes how some people were talking about the temple in Jerusalem, admiring how beautifully it was decorated with impressive stones and valuable gifts. Jesus responds to their comments, setting the stage for what he will say next about the temple’s future.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples in Jerusalem. The group is looking at the temple, which was famous for its grand architecture and the treasures donated by worshipers. The verse shows the disciples’ awe at the temple’s outward beauty, which leads into Jesus’ teaching about things that seem permanent but are not.

The Greek behind Luke 21:5

  • The word for "adorned" is κατεκόσμητο (katekosmēto), from κοσμέω (kosmeō), which means to arrange or decorate. This highlights that the temple was not just functional but made to impress and inspire.
  • The word for "gifts" is ἀναθήμασιν (anathēmasin), referring to offerings or dedicated items given to the temple. These were often valuable objects donated out of devotion, adding to the temple’s splendor.

Why Luke 21:5 matters

  • This verse sets up the contrast between the disciples’ admiration for the temple’s physical beauty and Jesus’ coming warning about its destruction, which follows in the next verses.
  • It helps readers understand the historical and emotional significance of the temple for Jewish people at the time, making Jesus’ later statements more striking.
  • The verse reminds us that what people value and see as lasting can be temporary, introducing a theme that runs through the rest of Jesus’ teaching in this chapter.

Where else these words appear

“adorned” Greek G2885 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
  • 1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

“stones” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

“temple” Greek G2411 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
  • Luke 19:45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
  • Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

“goodly” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;