Luke 21:35
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 13
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
παγὶς
a snare
G3803
παγὶς
a snare
Strong's:
G3803
Word #:
2 of 13
a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐπελεύσεται
shall it come
G1904
ἐπελεύσεται
shall it come
Strong's:
G1904
Word #:
4 of 13
to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθημένους
them that dwell
G2521
καθημένους
them that dwell
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
8 of 13
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πρόσωπον
the face
G4383
πρόσωπον
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
10 of 13
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
Historical Context
First-century Christians anticipated Christ's imminent return, but Jesus warns that 'that day' will affect all earth-dwellers regardless of expectation. The global scope challenges parochial views of judgment limited to Israel or Jerusalem. Revelation 3:10 promises believers will be kept 'from the hour of trial coming on the whole world.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of a snare emphasize the suddenness and inescapability of judgment for the unprepared?
- What does the universal scope ('whole earth') teach about God's sovereignty and the gospel's global implications?
- How can you avoid becoming so 'settled' in earthly dwelling that you lose awareness of eternal realities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth (ὡς παγὶς γὰρ ἐπεισελεύσεται ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς καθημένους ἐπὶ πρόσωπον πάσης τῆς γῆς, hōs pagis gar epeiseleusetai epi pantas tous kathēmenous epi prosōpon pasēs tēs gēs)—Pagis (snare, trap) describes sudden, inescapable capture. The verb epeiserchomai (to come upon, rush in) in future tense guarantees certainty. The scope is universal: pantas tous kathēmenous epi prosōpon pasēs tēs gēs (all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth).
This echoes Old Testament prophetic warnings about the Day of the LORD (Joel 2:1-2, Zephaniah 1:14-18)—a day of reckoning for all humanity, not just Israel. The kathēmenous (dwelling, settling) implies those comfortably established in earthly life, unaware of impending judgment. A snare works through deception—the victim doesn't see it coming. Similarly, those absorbed in earthly concerns won't recognize eschatological signs until too late.