Luke 21:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 21:6
6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, truth, love. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 21:6
6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Analysis
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Jesus delivers one of Scripture's most shocking prophecies: ouk aphethēsetai lithos epi lithō hos ou katalythēsetai (οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται λίθος ἐπὶ λίθῳ ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται, 'not will be left stone upon stone which will not be thrown down'). The double negative emphasizes totality—complete, utter destruction. The verb katalyō (καταλύω) means 'demolish,' 'destroy utterly,' 'throw down.' This isn't damage or defeat; it's obliteration.
The prophecy was fulfilled with horrifying precision in AD 70 when Roman legions under Titus besieged Jerusalem, slaughtered hundreds of thousands, and systematically dismantled the temple. Soldiers pried apart stones to retrieve gold that had melted in fires. The magnificent structure admired moments earlier in Jesus' prophecy ceased to exist. This demonstrates Christ's prophetic authority and teaches that no human institution, however impressive or religiously significant, stands unless God sustains it. External grandeur means nothing if internal corruption prevails.
Historical Context
The destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 was catastrophic for Judaism. After a brutal siege, Roman forces breached the city walls, burned the temple, and demolished its structures. Josephus estimated 1.1 million Jews died in the siege and war. The temple's destruction ended the sacrificial system, scattered the Jewish people, and forced rabbinic Judaism to develop without temple worship. Jesus prophesied this destruction forty years before it occurred. His words would have seemed incredible to hearers—the temple had stood for centuries, represented Jewish identity, and symbolized God's presence. Yet history vindicated Christ's prophecy exactly. Early Christians remembered this prophecy and escaped Jerusalem before the siege, heeding Jesus' warning (Luke 21:20-21).
Reflection
- What does the temple's destruction teach about the difference between human impressiveness and divine approval?
- How should the fulfillment of Jesus' detailed prophecy forty years later strengthen confidence in His other unfulfilled prophecies?
- What modern 'temples'—institutions, traditions, or structures Christians consider permanent—might God judge as He judged Jerusalem's temple?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2