“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus shifts the focus from general distress to a very specific, observable military event: Jerusalem being encircled by armies. This isn't just another war rumor; it’s the clear, immediate signal that the city's judgment has arrived, demanding swift action and flight, not passive observation.
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus' disciples marvel at the temple's grandeur, he foretells its complete destruction, warning that this will not be an immediate sign of the end times. Instead, he specifically instructs them to recognize the visible sign of Jerusalem being surrounded by enemy armies, signaling that its judgment is imminent and escape is crucial. This dramatic military encirclement was understood to be the "abomination of desolation" Daniel prophesied, a clear indicator that the period of God's mercy on the city was over, prompting Christians to flee to safety.
Jesus gave his followers specific signs to watch for. One particular event was the unmistakable signal that judgment was imminent for Jerusalem.
Jesus wasn't speaking in vague riddles. He provided a very clear, observable sign: 'when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies.' This wasn't a matter of interpreting complex celestial events or listening to rumors. It was a visible, geopolitical reality.
This imagery points to a siege – the city encircled, cut off. For those living in Jerusalem and Judea, this sight would be terrifying. But Jesus instructs them to see it not just as a military event, but as a divine signal.
The 'Abomination of Desolation': Some scholars connect this imagery to the 'abomination of desolation' mentioned by the prophet Daniel, often understood to refer to the Roman army's standards (idolatrous ensigns) being set up in or near the holy city. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the presence of hostile armies was the key indicator.
Why was the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies such a significant sign? It wasn't just about military defeat; it was about God's judgment being executed.
When Jesus says 'know that its desolation has drawn near,' he's telling his followers that this military siege signifies a deeper, divine judgment.
God's House Abandoned: This event marked the end of God's protective presence over the Temple and the city. The commentaries suggest that God had, in essence, 'left his house.' The chosen people had reached a point where mercy was past, and judgment was inevitable.
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Fulfillment of Prophecy: This desolation was not an unexpected tragedy but the foreseen fulfillment of God's word. The surrounding armies were the instrument through which prophetic warnings about judgment would be realized. The city’s fate was sealed, a testament to the consequences of rejecting God's ways.
Recognizing the imminent desolation wasn't just for information; it was a critical alarm bell demanding immediate, life-saving action.
For Jesus' followers, seeing the armies surrounding Jerusalem was not a cue to stay and fight, nor to seek shelter within the city walls. It was a signal for urgent flight.
Fleeing the 'Holy' Place: The text and commentaries highlight that believers were to flee from both the city and the Temple. This would have been incredibly counter-intuitive, given the sacredness of Jerusalem and its Temple.
Wisdom Over Obstinacy: Unlike the Jewish leadership and populace, who often clung to hope even as destruction loomed, Christians were warned to heed Jesus' words. Their wisdom lay in obedience to his prophetic instruction, leading many to safety in places like Pella. This emphasized that true security was found not in the city's defenses, but in trusting Jesus' foresight and commands.
Understand the original words
Hierosoluma · Greek Noun
The capital city of Israel and the center of God's dwelling/worship in the Old Testament; it symbolizes God's covenant people and serves as a focal point for judgment and eschatological events.
eremosis · Greek Noun
The state of being laid waste, deserted, or ruined; often associated with divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness.
Jesus' warning about armies surrounding Jerusalem was a specific, actionable sign for his followers. It wasn't just a general prediction of doom, but a clear signal to flee, distinguishing them from those who stayed and perished.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus teaches and predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple to his followers.
c. AD 60-62
Roman Procurators in Judea
A period of increasing unrest and heavy-handed Roman rule in Judea, contributing to the volatile atmosphere.
AD 66
Outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule begins, escalating tensions and leading to Roman military responses.
AD 66
Roman Withdrawal from Jerusalem
The Roman governor Cestius Gallus suddenly withdraws his legions from Jerusalem, an unexpected event that emboldened the Jewish rebels.
AD 67— this verse
Christian Flight to Pella
Following Jesus' prophetic warning, many Christians flee Jerusalem and its surrounding areas for the city of Pella in Transjordan.
AD 70
Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army, led by Titus, lays siege to Jerusalem. The city is eventually breached, sacked, and its Second Temple is destroyed.
This passage in Daniel speaks of a covenant being confirmed for many, and in the midst of the week it causes sacrifice and offering to cease, directly relating to the 'desolation' Jesus speaks of in Luke.
Matthew 24:15-16Jesus uses the same imagery of the 'abomination of desolation' standing in the holy place, directly paralleling Luke's description of armies surrounding Jerusalem as a sign of impending doom.
Luke 19:41-44Just prior to this warning, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretelling its destruction and the enemies who will surround it, setting the stage for the specific sign mentioned in Luke 21:20.
Jeremiah 6:3This Old Testament prophecy describes shepherds (armies) coming to surround Jerusalem, vividly echoing the visual and thematic elements of Jesus' warning in Luke 21:20.
Revelation 11:2This passage in Revelation speaks of the outer court of the temple being given to the Gentiles, which connects to the theme of Jerusalem being 'trodden down' and its desolation by foreign powers.
pulpitLuke 21:20: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh."
Verses 20-24. - The true signs which his people are to be on the watch for. Verse 20. - And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. This is to be the sign that the end has come for temple, city, and people. Wars and rumors of wars, physical portents, famine and pestilence succeeding each other with a terrible persistence, a…
meyerLuke 21:20: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh."
Luke 21:20-22 . Comp. Matthew 24:15-18 ; Mark 13:14-16 . What was to happen πρὸ τούτων πάντων , Luke 21:12 , is now concluded. From this point the discourse continues where it broke off at Luke 21:12 . κυκλουμ .] representing the object as already conceived in the situation and therein perceived (Bernhardy, p. 477; Kühner, II. p. 357), being surrounded on all sides .[242] Luke 21:…
Jesus shifts the focus from general distress to a very specific, observable military event: Jerusalem being encircled by armies. This isn't just another war rumor; it’s the clear, immediate signal that the city's judgment has arrived, demanding swift action and flight, not passive observation.
As Jesus' disciples marvel at the temple's grandeur, he foretells its complete destruction, warning that this will not be an immediate sign of the end times. Instead, he specifically instructs them to recognize the visible sign of Jerusalem being surrounded by enemy armies, signaling that its judgment is imminent and escape is crucial. This dramatic military encirclement was understood to be the "abomination of desolation" Daniel prophesied, a clear indicator that the period of God's mercy on the city was over, prompting Christians to flee to safety.
As Jesus' disciples marvel at the temple's grandeur, he foretells its complete destruction, warning that this will not be an immediate sign of the end times. Instead, he specifically instructs them to recognize the visible sign of Jerusalem being surrounded by enemy armies, signaling that its judgment is imminent and escape is crucial. This dramatic military encirclement was understood to be the "abomination of desolation" Daniel prophesied, a clear indicator that the period of God's mercy on the city was over, prompting Christians to flee to safety.
"“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near." — Jesus shifts the focus from general distress to a very specific, observable military event: Jerusalem being encircled by armies. This isn't just another war rumor; it’s the clear, immediate signal th…
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Last reviewed October 2026