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Luke 21:20

Luke 21:20 in Multiple Translations

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

But when you see armies all round about Jerusalem, then be certain that her destruction is near.

However, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you know that its destruction is near.

And when ye see Hierusalem besieged with souldiers, then vnderstand that the desolation thereof is neere.

'And when ye may see Jerusalem surrounded by encampments, then know that come nigh did her desolation;

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its desolation is nigh.

And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed about with an army; then know that the desolation thereof is at hand.

“But when you see that Jerusalem has been surrounded by the armies of your enemies, you will know that it is time for this city to be completely destroyed {them to completely destroy this city}.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 21:20

BAB
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Luke 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οταν δε ιδητε κυκλουμενην υπο στρατοπεδων την ιερουσαλημ τοτε γνωτε οτι ηγγικεν η ερημωσις αυτης
οταν hotan G3752 when(-ever) Conj
δε de G1161 then Conj
ιδητε horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAS-2P
κυκλουμενην kukloō G2944 to surround Verb-PPP-ASF
υπο hupo G5259 by/under: by Prep
στρατοπεδων stratopedon G4760 army camp Noun-GPN
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
ιερουσαλημ Hierousalēm G2419 Jerusalem Noun-PRI
τοτε tote G5119 then Adv
γνωτε ginōskō G1097 to know Verb-2AAM-2P
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
ηγγικεν engizō G1448 to come near Verb-RAI-3S
η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF
ερημωσις erēmōsis G2050 devastation Noun-NSF
αυτης autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSF
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 21:20

οταν hotan G3752 "when(-ever)" Conj
When or whenever refers to an uncertain future time, as in Matthew 6:2 and Mark 14:7, where it is used to describe expected events.
Definition: ὅταν (for ὅτ᾽ ἄν = ὅτε ἄν), temporal particle, with a conditional sense, usually of things expected to occur in an indefinite future; __1. prop., whenever; __(a) (a) with subjc. praes.: Mat.6:2, 5 Mrk.14:7, Luk.11:36, Jhn.7:27, Act.23:35, 1Co.3:4, al.; ἕως τ. ἡμέρας ἐκείνης, ὅ., Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25; before τότε, 1Th.5:3; __(b) with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 185): Mat.5:11, Mrk.4:15, Luk.6:22, Jhn.2:10 8:28 (Field, Notes, 94), 10:4, al. __2. As in Hom. (LS, see word), but not in cl. prose, with indic., when (M, Pr., 167f.; Bl., §65, 9): with impf., Mrk.3:11(cf. Gen.38:9, al.); with praes., Mrk.11:25; with fut.. Rev.4:9 (Swete, in l.); with aor., Mrk.11:19, Rev.8:1 (Swete, in ll.; M, Pr., 168, 248; Field, Notes, 35). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 118 NT verses. KJV: as long (soon) as, that, + till, when(-soever), while See also: 1 Corinthians 3:4; Luke 16:4; Hebrews 1:6.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ιδητε horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAS-2P
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
κυκλουμενην kukloō G2944 "to surround" Verb-PPP-ASF
To surround or encircle something, like in John 10:24 where Jesus is surrounded by people. It can also mean to move in a circle. In Acts 14:20, Paul is surrounded by a crowd after being stoned.
Definition: κυκλόω, -ῶ (κύκλος), [in LXX chiefly for סָבַב ;] __1. to move in a circle, revolve. __2. to surround, encircle: with accusative of person(s), Jhn.10:24 (WH, txt., cf. -εύω), Act.14:20; pass., Luk.21:20, Heb.11:30 (cf. περι-κυκλόω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: compass (about), come (stand) round about See also: Acts 14:20; John 10:24; Hebrews 11:30.
υπο hupo G5259 "by/under: by" Prep
Under or by something, like under a person's authority, as in Matthew 8:9, or under a place, as in Luke 7:8.
Definition: ὑπό (before smooth breathing ὑπ᾽, Mat.8:9b, Luk.7:8b; before rough breathing ὑφ᾽, Rom.3:9; on the neglect of elision in Mt, Lk, ll. witha, Gal.3:22, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., iv), prep. with genitive, dative (not in NT), accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place, under, hence, metaphorically, of the efficient cause, by: after passive verbs, with genitive of person(s), Mat.1:22, Mrk.1:5, Luk.2:18, Jhn.14:21, Act.4:11, 1Co.1:11, Heb.3:4, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Mat.8:24, Luk.7:24, Rom.3:21, al.; with neut. verbs and verbs with pass, meaning, Mat.17:12, Mrk.5:26, 1Co.10:9, 10 1Th.2:14, al. __II. C. accusative, under; __1. of motion: Mat.5:15 8:8, Mrk.4:21, Luk.13:34; hence, metaphorically, of subjection, Rom.7:14, 1Co.15:27, Gal.3:22, 1Pe.5:6, al. __2. Of position: Jhn.1:49, Act.4:12, Rom.3:13, 1Co.10:1, al.; hence, metaphorically, under, subject to, Mat.8:9, Rom.3:9, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5, al. __3. Of time, about: Act.5:21. __III. In composition: under (ὑποδέω), hence, of subjection (ὑποτάσσω), compliance (ὑπακούω), secrecy (ὑποβάλλω), diminution (ὑποπνέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 209 NT verses. KJV: among, by, from, in, of, under, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 2:4.
στρατοπεδων stratopedon G4760 "army camp" Noun-GPN
An army camp is a place where troops gather and stay, as mentioned in Luke 21:20. It can also refer to the army itself, a large body of soldiers.
Definition: στρατό-πεδον, -ου, τό (στρατός + πέδον, a plain), [in LXX: Jer.34:1 (חַיִל), 2Ma.8:12, al. ;] __(a) a military camp; __(b) an army: Luk.21:20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: army See also: Luke 21:20.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ιερουσαλημ Hierousalēm G2419 "Jerusalem" Noun-PRI
Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, an important city in the Bible. It's mentioned in Matthew 2:3 and many other places, often as a center of worship and faith.
Definition: Ἱερουσαλήμ, see: Ἱεροσόλυμα - (WH, Ἰερ-, see Intr., § 408), -ων, τά (on πᾶσα Ἱ., Mat.2:3, see WM, 794; M, Pr., 48, 244; Thayer, see word), and Ἱερουσαλήμ (WH, Ἰερ-), ἡ., indecl., as always in LXX exc. some parts of Apocr.. (Heb. יְרוּשָׁלִַם), the former always in FlJ, Mk, Jo EV. and Mt (except. Mat.27:37), and most frequently in Lk, the latter always in He, Re, and by St. Paul (except. Gal.1:17-18 2:1), Jerusalem: Mat.2:1, Mrk.3:8, Jhn.1:19, al.; its inhabitants, Mat.2:3 3:5 23:37, Luk.13:34, Symbolically, ἡ- ἄνω Ἱ., Gal.4:26, contrasted with ἡ νῦν Ἱ., Gal.4:25; Ἱ. ἐπουράνιος, Heb.12:22; ἡ καινὴ Ἱ., Rev.3:12 21:2, 10 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: Jerusalem See also: 1 Corinthians 16:3; Acts 25:20; Hebrews 12:22.
τοτε tote G5119 "then" Adv
The Greek word for then, used to describe a specific point in time, as seen in Matthew 2:17 and Galatians 4:8. It can refer to concurrent or consequent events, and is often used to introduce a new action or event.
Definition: τότε, demonstr. adv. of time, correlat. of ὅτε, then, at that time; __(a) of concurrent events: Mat.2:17 3:5 and freq., Rom.6:21; before ptcp., Mat.2:16, Gal.4:8; opposite to νῦν, Gal.4:29, Heb.12:26; ὁ τ. κόσμος, 2Pe.3:6; __(b) of consequent events, then, thereupon: Mat.2:7 3:5 4:1 and freq., Luk.11:26; τ. οὖν, Jhn.11:14 19:1, 16 20:8; εὐθέως τ., Act.17:14; ὅτε . . . τ., Mat.13:26 21:1, Jhn.12:16; ἀπὸ τ., Mat.4:17 16:21 26:16, Luk.16:16; __(with) of things future: Mat.24:28, 40 25:1, 31ff.; opposite to ἄρτι, 1Co.13:12; καὶ τ., Mat.7:23, Mrk.13:21, Luk.21:27, 1Co.4:5, al.; ὅταν . . . τ., Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35, 1Th.5:3, al. (more frequently in Mt than in the rest of the NT). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 156 NT verses. KJV: that time, then See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 7:5; Hebrews 10:7.
γνωτε ginōskō G1097 "to know" Verb-2AAM-2P
To know or understand something, as in Matthew 22:18 and Mark 5:43, where it means to recognize or perceive.
Definition: γινώσκω (= γιγν-: see previous word. So also vulgar Attic, in Inscr., see Thumb, MGV, 207), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] to be taking in knowledge, come to know, recognize, perceive, understand; in past tenses to know, realize; pass., to become known: with accusative, Mat.22:18, Mrk.5:43, Col.4:8, 1Th.3:5, al. Pass., Mat.10:26, Php.4:5, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.21:45, Jhn.4:1, al.; τί, Mat.6:3; ἀπό, Mrk.15:45; ὅ, Rom.7:15; τ. λεγόμενα, Luk.18:34; τ. θέλημα, Luk.12:47; τ. καρδίας, Luk.16:15; with accusative of person(s), of recognition by God, 1Co.8:3, Gal.4:9; by Christ, neg., Mat.7:23; frequently of the knowledge of divine things, of God and Christ; τ. θεόν, Rom.1:21 Gal.4:9; τ. πατέρα, Jhn.8:55; τ. κύριον, Heb.8:1 (LXX); νοῦν κυρίου, Rom.11:34; Χριστόν, Jhn.17:3, 1Jn.3:6; τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, 1Co.2:14; τ. πνεύμα, 1Jn.4:6; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.8:32; of Christ's knowledge of the Father (ἐπιγ.), Mat.11:27 (Dalman, Words, 282ff.). In Hellenistic writers [LXX for Heb. ידע, Gal.4:1, al.], of sexual intercourse, to know carnally: Mat.1:25, Luk.1:34 (Cremer, 153). SYN.: γ., to know by observation and experience is thus prop. disting. from οἶδα, to know by reflection (a mental process, based on intuition or information); cf. also ἐφίστημι, συνίημι. (Cf. ἀνα-, δια-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-γινώσκω.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 207 NT verses. KJV: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 1:21; John 8:55; Hebrews 3:10.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
ηγγικεν engizō G1448 "to come near" Verb-RAI-3S
To come near or approach, often used to describe someone drawing closer to God or a physical location. It appears in Matthew 26:46 and Luke 18:40, describing Jesus' approach to his disciples and a blind man.
Definition: ἐγγίζω (ἐγγύς). [in LXX for נגשׁ, קרב, etc. ;] __1. trans., to bring near: Gen.48:10, Isa.5:8. __2. Intrans., to come near: absol., Mat.26:46, Mrk.14:42, Luk.18:40 19:41 21:20, 28 24:15, Act.21:33 23:15; with adv., ὅπου, Luk.12:33; with dative, Luk.7:12 15:1, Luke.15.25 22:47, Act.9:3 10:9 22:6; τ. θεῷ, Heb.7:19, Jas.4:8; before εἰς, Mat.21:1, Mrk.11:1, Luk.18:35 19:29 24:28; πρός, with dative, Luk.19:37; μέχρι θανάτου, Php.2:30; of time, ὥρα, Mat.26:45; ἡμέρα, Rom.13:12, Heb.10:25; καιρός, Mat.21:34, Luk.21:8; χρόνος, Act.7:17; ἑορτή, Luk.22:1; παρουσία, Jas.5:8; τέλος, 1Pe.4:7; ἐρήμωσις, Luk.21:20; ἀπολύτρωσις, Luk.21:28; ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία (for similar expressions in Targ., see Dalman, 106), Mat.3:2 4:17 10:7 Mrk.1:15, Luk.10:9 (ἐφ ̓ ὑμᾶς) 10:11 (cf. προσ-εγγίζω), and see Cremer, 224).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh See also: 1 Peter 4:7; Luke 19:41; Hebrews 7:19.
η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ερημωσις erēmōsis G2050 "devastation" Noun-NSF
Devastation refers to the act of making something desolate or laying it waste, as seen in Luke 21:20 and Matthew 24:15, where it talks about the destruction of Jerusalem.
Definition: ἐρήμωσις, -εως, ἡ (ἐρημόω), [in LXX for שָׁמֵם, שָׁמֵם, Lev.26:34-35, Psa.73:10, Dan.9:27 11:31 12:11, al.; חׇרְבָּה, Jer.7:34 22:5, al. ;] a making desolate, laying waste: Luk.21:20; βδέλυγμα ἐρημώσεως (Da, ll. with, 1Ma.1:54), Mat.24:15" (LXX), Mrk.13:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: desolation See also: Luke 21:20; Mark 13:14; Matthew 24:15.
αυτης autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSF
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Luke 21:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Luke 19:43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side.
2 Daniel 9:27 And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him. ”
3 Mark 13:14 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
4 Luke 21:7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
5 Matthew 24:15 So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Luke 21:20 Summary

In Luke 21:20, Jesus warns His disciples that when they see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, it will be a sign that the city's destruction is near. This is a call to pay attention to the signs around us and to trust in God's sovereignty, just as we see in Psalm 46:1-3 and Jeremiah 29:11. When we face challenges or pressures in our own lives, we can remember that God is our refuge and strength, and that He will sustain us through patient endurance, as encouraged in Romans 5:3-5 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. By trusting in God's promises and seeking to obey His will, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies in Luke 21:20?

This event is a sign of Jerusalem's impending desolation, as Jesus warns His disciples of the city's destruction, which is also prophesied in Daniel 9:26 and fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman armies besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, as recorded in Matthew 24:2 and Luke 19:43-44.

How does this verse relate to the disciples' endurance and gaining their souls, as mentioned in Luke 21:19?

The disciples' patient endurance, as mentioned in Luke 21:19, is crucial in the face of persecution and tribulation, and it is through this endurance that they will gain their souls, trusting in God's sovereignty and promises, as seen in Psalm 37:7 and Romans 8:28.

What is the connection between this verse and the days of vengeance in Luke 21:22?

The desolation of Jerusalem, as warned in Luke 21:20, is part of the days of vengeance, when God's judgment is poured out on the city, fulfilling all that is written in Scripture, including the prophecies of Isaiah 63:4 and Jeremiah 30:7.

How can we apply the warning signs in Luke 21:20 to our own lives?

Just as the disciples were to recognize the sign of Jerusalem's desolation, we can apply this principle by being attentive to the signs of God's working in our lives, trusting in His sovereignty, and seeking to obey His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'armies' in my life that may be signaling a need for spiritual adjustment or warning of impending desolation?
  2. How can I cultivate patient endurance in the face of trials and tribulations, trusting in God's promises to sustain me, as seen in Isaiah 40:31 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
  3. In what ways can I be prepared for the 'days of vengeance' in my own life, and how can I trust in God's justice and mercy, as revealed in Nahum 1:3 and Romans 11:22?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to 'flee to the mountains' or seek spiritual refuge when faced with challenges or pressures, as encouraged in Psalm 11:1 and Hebrews 6:18?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 21:20

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,.... The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Persic versions read, "with an army"; that is, with the Roman army, as it was by the army which Titus

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 21:20

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, Far the exposition, see the notes at Mark 13:1-37.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 21:20

Ver. 20-22. After our Saviour’ s ascension, the seditions amongst the Jews were so many, and they rebelled so often against the Romans, during the governments of Felix, Festus, Albinus, and Florus, that the Romans resolved wholly to destroy them, and to that purpose Titus Vespasian was sent with an army against them, who took the city. Our Saviour foresaw, that when that time should come there would be some vain persons full of stomach for their liberties, that would be prophesying their deliverance, and encouraging them to hold out to the last. He warns his disciples to give no credit to them, for God would certainly deliver the city into their hands; therefore he advises them, as soon as they should see the city besieged, they should all shift for themselves as first as they could, for there was no true ground to hope for any deliverance. The time of God’ s vengeance was come, when God would most certainly fulfil against that place whatsoever he had foretold against it.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 21:20

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Ver. 20. Jerusalem compassed with armies] By Cestius Gallus, a little before that fatal siege by Titus. So God gave his people this sign, to take best course for their own safety.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 21:20

(20-24) When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies.—See Notes on Matthew 23:15-21; Mark 13:14-19. This is St. Luke’s equivalent, possibly chosen as more intelligible for his Gentile readers, for “the abomination of desolation,” which we find in St. Matthew and St. Mark. As far as it goes, it favours the view that he and others saw the “abomination” in the presence of the invading armies. On the other hand, it is possible, accepting, as we must accept, the thought of a substituted phrase, that we have one which, while it gives a partial explanation, fails to exhaust the meaning of the darker and more mysterious phrase. The occurrence of the word “desolation” in the latter clause of the verse, obviously favours the hypothesis now suggested.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 21:20

20. Jerusalem compassed with armies] See on Luke 19:43, and Jos. B.J. v. 2, § 6, 12. Some regard this as the “abomination that maketh desolate.”

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 21:20

§ 118.—JESUS THE OF , AND IT FROM THE FINAL , Luke 21:5-36.Matthew 24, 25; Mark 13.Of our Lord’s discourse, Matthew’s report reads like a somewhat verbal sketch of an actual hearer, yet so abridged

Sermons on Luke 21:20

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Milton Green In the Word #14 by Milton Green This sermon focuses on the importance of repentance, highlighting the sins of the church and the need for a godly repentance. It emphasizes the urgency of turning back to God, ackn
Zac Poonen In the Things to Come-Jerusalem vs. Babylon by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the significance of Jesus Christ's return to earth and the completion of redemption. It explores the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, pointing to
Zac Poonen Building the Body of Christ - 9 Enoch and Noah Walked With God by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the story of Enoch, the first preacher in the Bible who preached about the second coming of Christ and judgment against sin. It emphasizes the importance of
Vance Havner Weep Not for Me by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene where Jesus is being crucified and the women are crying for him. He explains that Jesus was not a helpless victim, but willingly
William Kelly The Tribulation, and Those Who Are to Pass Through It. by William Kelly William Kelly preaches about the great tribulation, emphasizing the distinction between the tribulation that the Christian must endure in this world and the specific trouble at the
David Servant Day 59, 1 Thessalonians 2 by David Servant David Servant preaches about Paul's journey from being tested and approved by God to being entrusted with the gospel, emphasizing the importance of being found faithful in ministry

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