Luke 21:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 21:16
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 21:16
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
Analysis
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Jesus reveals persecution's most painful dimension: paradothēsesthe de kai hypo goneōn kai adelphōn kai syngenōn kai philōn (παραδοθήσεσθε δὲ καὶ ὑπὸ γονέων καὶ ἀδελφῶν καὶ συγγενῶν καὶ φίλων, 'you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends'). The verb paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι, 'betray/hand over/deliver up') is the same word used for Judas betraying Jesus—intimate treachery. Persecution comes not from strangers but from goneōn (γονέων, 'parents'), adelphōn (ἀδελφῶν, 'siblings'), syngenōn (συγγενῶν, 'relatives'), and philōn (φίλων, 'friends').
The consequence: kai thanatōsousin ex hymōn (καὶ θανατώσουσιν ἐξ ὑμῶν, 'and they will put to death some of you'). Family members will facilitate believers' executions. This fulfills Jesus' earlier prophecy that He came to bring division, setting family members against each other (Luke 12:51-53). Allegiance to Christ supersedes blood relationships; when families oppose faith, believers must choose Christ over kinship. This is Christianity's costliest demand—losing not just possessions or freedom but family love and loyalty.
Historical Context
This prophecy has been horrifically fulfilled throughout church history. Early Christians faced family betrayal when parents reported converted children to authorities, or children reported believing parents. Roman law prioritized family and state loyalty; Christianity's exclusive claims threatened both. Jewish families sat shiva (mourned as dead) children who converted to Christianity. During various persecutions—Diocletian, Reformation conflicts, Communist regimes—family members betrayed believers. In modern Islamic, Hindu, or Buddhist contexts, conversion often means family rejection, persecution, or honor killing. Chinese house church members face betrayal by relatives. This prophecy remains painfully relevant wherever following Christ conflicts with family or cultural loyalty.
Reflection
- Why does Jesus warn specifically about betrayal by family members and friends, and why is this persecution's most painful form?
- How should believers prepare spiritually for potential family rejection or persecution because of faith in Christ?
- What does this passage teach about the priority of allegiance to Christ over natural family relationships when they conflict?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:53, Jeremiah 9:4, Revelation 6:9