Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλοντα
that shall
G3195
μέλλοντα
that shall
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
13 of 21
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
γίνεσθαι
come to pass
G1096
γίνεσθαι
come to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σταθῆναι
to stand
G2476
σταθῆναι
to stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
16 of 21
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
17 of 21
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
19 of 21
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Matthew 25:13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Matthew 24:42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Mark 13:33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.
Historical Context
Early church practiced vigilant prayer in expectation of Christ's return (Acts 1:14, 2:42, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The exhortation to 'escape' doesn't promise tribulation-free existence but persevering faith that endures to the end (Matthew 24:13). Church fathers like Tertullian and Cyprian encouraged watchfulness amid persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How do watching and praying work together to maintain spiritual readiness for Christ's return?
- What does being 'accounted worthy' teach about grace-enabled perseverance rather than earning salvation?
- How should the prospect of 'standing before the Son of Man' motivate both holy living and confident hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Watch ye therefore, and pray always (ἀγρυπνεῖτε δὲ ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ δεόμενοι, agrypneite de en panti kairō deomenoi)—Agrypneō (to watch, be vigilant, stay awake) in present imperative commands continuous alertness. En panti kairō deomenoi (praying in every season/opportunity) uses present participle deomenoi (from deomai, to ask, petition, beseech) for habitual prayer. Vigilance and prayer form dual strategy against spiritual drowsiness.
That ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass (ἵνα κατισχύσητε ἐκφυγεῖν ταῦτα πάντα τὰ μέλλοντα γίνεσθαι, hina katischysēte ekphygein tauta panta ta mellonta ginesthai)—hina katischysēte (that you may prevail, be strong enough) expresses purpose. Ekphygein (to escape, flee out from) suggests not immunity from tribulation's presence but deliverance from its ultimate destruction. The phrase 'all these things about to happen' (tauta panta ta mellonta ginesthai) references both near events (Jerusalem's fall) and distant ones (final tribulation).
And to stand before the Son of man (καὶ σταθῆναι ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, kai stathēnai emprosthen tou huiou tou anthrōpou)—stathēnai (to stand) in aorist passive infinitive conveys eschatological standing at judgment/vindication. Standing 'before the Son of Man' echoes Daniel 7:13-14's vision of Messiah receiving kingdom. For believers, standing before Christ isn't terror but reward (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10).