As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

LUKE 21:6KJV
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Luke 21:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:6 mean?

Luke 21:6 records Jesus telling his listeners that the impressive buildings they see—specifically the temple—will one day be completely destroyed, with not a single stone left on top of another. This is a warning that even the most solid and admired human achievements can come to a sudden and total end.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples in Jerusalem, right after they commented on the beauty and grandeur of the temple. Jesus’ words would have been shocking, as the temple was the center of Jewish worship and national pride. He is preparing them for a future event—what many understand as the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans in 70 AD—showing that physical structures, no matter how grand, are not permanent.

The Greek behind Luke 21:6

  • The word for “behold” (θεωρεῖτε, theōreite) means more than just seeing; it carries the sense of looking at something with attention or admiration. This highlights how the disciples were not just noticing the temple, but were truly impressed by it.
  • The phrase “not be left one stone upon another” uses the Greek word λίθος (lithos) for “stone” and emphasizes total destruction. The repetition (“stone upon stone”) underlines the completeness of what Jesus is predicting.
  • The word for “thrown down” (καταλυθήσεται, katalythēsetai) means to demolish or destroy completely, not just damage. This makes clear that Jesus is not talking about minor damage, but a thorough leveling.

Why Luke 21:6 matters

  • Luke 21:6 corrects the common assumption that religious buildings or institutions are permanent or untouchable, reminding readers that even sacred places can be lost.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 21, where he talks about future troubles and the need for spiritual readiness, not just trust in physical things.
  • Understanding the historical context—how shocking this prediction would have sounded—helps readers grasp the seriousness of Jesus’ warning and the depth of change he was preparing his followers to face.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“behold” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“stone” 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.

“shall” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.