Luke 21:31
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Luke 21:31
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, discipleship, truth. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 21:31
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Analysis
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Jesus applies the parable explicitly—houtōs kai hymeis (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, "so also you"), drawing direct parallel between natural observation and prophetic discernment. The temporal clause hotan idēte tauta ginomena (ὅταν ἴδητε ταῦτα γινόμενα, "when you see these things happening") references the prophetic signs just described (vv. 7-28)—wars, earthquakes, persecution, Jerusalem's destruction, cosmic disturbances, Christ's return. The present participle ginomena (γινόμενα, "happening") emphasizes ongoing fulfillment—not all at once but progressively.
The command is decisive: ginōskete hoti engys estin hē basileia tou theou (γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, "know that the kingdom of God is near"). The imperative ginōskete (γινώσκετε, "know") requires certain knowledge, not speculation. The phrase engys estin (ἐγγύς ἐστιν, "is near") echoes verse 30's "summer is near"—temporal proximity, not distant futurity. Hē basileia tou theou (ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, "the kingdom of God") here refers to the kingdom's consummation, Christ's visible reign (v. 27), the full manifestation of God's rule already inaugurated in Jesus' first coming.
This verse establishes a dual application: near-term fulfillment in AD 70 (the kingdom advancing through Jerusalem's destruction, ending the old covenant age) and ultimate fulfillment at Christ's return (the kingdom consummated in visible, universal glory). Both fulfillments validate Jesus' prophetic authority and demonstrate that observable signs should produce expectant readiness.
Historical Context
Jesus' disciples witnessed the first fulfillment within their generation—Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70 validated His prophetic authority and marked a decisive transition in redemptive history. The temple's destruction ended the Levitical system, demonstrating that the old covenant was obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). The kingdom advanced as the gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire unhindered by Jerusalem's religious-political opposition. Yet the ultimate fulfillment awaits—when cosmic signs appear, believers should recognize Christ's imminent return and the kingdom's full manifestation. Early church lived in expectant readiness; successive generations have maintained this posture, recognizing that history's trajectory points toward Christ's visible reign.
Reflection
- How does the kingdom's 'nearness' apply to both AD 70 fulfillment and ultimate consummation at Christ's return?
- What does Jesus' command to 'know' rather than speculate teach about the certainty and clarity of prophetic signs?
- How should awareness that the kingdom is 'nigh at hand' affect Christian priorities, values, and daily living?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 10:37, James 5:9, 1 Peter 4:7