But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

LUKE 21:9KJV
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Luke 21:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:9 mean?

Luke 21:9 means that when people hear about wars and unrest, they should not be frightened, because these troubling events must happen first, but they do not signal that the final end is happening immediately. Jesus is reassuring his listeners that such events are not the ultimate sign of the end times.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as they ask about the future and the destruction of the temple. He warns them that alarming events like wars and chaos will occur, but these are not the final events they should be looking for. Instead, Jesus is helping his followers understand that fear is not the right response to these signs, and that God’s plan unfolds in stages, not all at once.

The Greek behind Luke 21:9

  • The word for "wars" is πόλεμοι (polēmoi), which refers to armed conflicts or battles. Jesus uses this word to describe large-scale violence that might seem like a sign of the end.
  • The word for "commotions" is ἀκαταστασίαι (akatastasiai), often understood as disturbances, uprisings, or general disorder. This word covers not just war, but social or political upheaval.
  • The phrase "be not terrified" uses the Greek word πτοηθῆτε (ptoēthēte), which means to be thrown into panic or fear. Jesus is telling his followers not to let fear control them when these things happen.
  • The word for "end" is τέλος (telos), meaning the final outcome or completion. Jesus clarifies that these events are not the immediate arrival of the ultimate end.

Why Luke 21:9 matters

  • Luke 21:9 helps clear up the misunderstanding that every war or crisis is a direct sign that the world is ending, reminding readers to avoid panic and keep perspective.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 21, where he explains what signs truly matter and how his followers should respond to trouble.
  • By emphasizing that "the end is not by and by," Jesus teaches patience and discernment, encouraging his followers to trust in God’s timing rather than react to every frightening headline.