Luke 21:20
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a general warning about war; Jesus is giving a very specific, tangible sign: the armies surrounding Jerusalem. When you see that, it's not a "maybe soon" signal, but a "it's happening now, get out" alarm.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' awe at the temple's grandeur, revealing that its destruction is imminent. He's just described general signs of upheaval and persecution, but now he pinpoints the undeniable signal: the sight of Jerusalem surrounded by enemy armies signals that its final ruin is at hand. This vivid image served as a crucial warning, prompting Jesus' followers to flee the city and escape the devastating Roman siege that would soon fulfill these prophecies.
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' words in Luke 21:20 provided a stark, specific sign for his followers: the surrounding of Jerusalem by enemy armies. This was not merely a prediction of war, but a clear signal for believers to flee the city, thereby escaping the devastating Roman siege of AD 70 and fulfilling ancient prophecies.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus delivers this prophecy during his earthly ministry, likely in the days leading up to his crucifixion. His words are heard by his disciples who are curious about the signs of the end times.
c. AD 62
Roman General Cestius Gallus' Siege
Roman legions under Cestius Gallus briefly lay siege to Jerusalem but unexpectedly withdraw. This event is seen by some historians as a partial fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, potentially allowing some Christians to escape before the main siege.
AD 66
Jewish Revolt Begins
The First Jewish-Great Revolt against Roman rule erupts in Judea. This marks the beginning of the intense conflict that will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem.
AD 70
Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem
Roman armies led by Titus lay siege to Jerusalem. After months of starvation and fierce fighting, the Romans breach the city walls, destroy the Temple, and bring an end to the Jewish state.
This verse in Daniel, often interpreted as the 'abomination of desolation' mentioned in the parallel passages of Matthew and Mark, speaks of a covenant being confirmed for many, and then sacrifices and offerings ceasing, which ties into the eventual destruction and desolation of Jerusalem.
Luke 19:43Jesus directly laments over Jerusalem, stating 'For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side.' This is a powerful precursor, foretelling the very siege Jesus warns about in Luke 21:20.
Matthew 24:15-16Jesus uses the same imagery of the 'abomination of desolation' standing in a holy place and instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains, directly correlating the appearance of hostile armies with the need for immediate escape.
Jeremiah 6:12-15The prophet Jeremiah vividly describes a similar scenario where Jerusalem is surrounded by enemies, and the people are consumed by shame because they acted without shame. This ancient prophecy foreshadows the same judgment and consequences for Jerusalem's unfaithfulness.
2 Chronicles 36:17-19This passage recounts God bringing the king of the Chaldeans against Jerusalem and allowing the destruction of the temple and city due to their persistent sinfulness, illustrating the historical precedent of divine judgment falling upon Jerusalem when it was 'compassed with armies'.
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:…
This isn't just a general warning about war; Jesus is giving a very specific, tangible sign: the armies surrounding Jerusalem. When you see that, it's not a "maybe soon" signal, but a "it's happening now, get out" alarm.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' awe at the temple's grandeur, revealing that its destruction is imminent. He's just described general signs of upheaval and persecution, but now he pinpoints the undeniable signal: the sight of Jerusalem surrounded by enemy armies signals that its final ruin is at hand. This vivid image served as a crucial warning, prompting Jesus' followers to flee the city and escape the devastating Roman siege that would soon fulfill these prophecies.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' awe at the temple's grandeur, revealing that its destruction is imminent. He's just described general signs of upheaval and persecution, but now he pinpoints the undeniable signal: the sight of Jerusalem surrounded by enemy armies signals that its final ruin is at hand. This vivid image served as a crucial warning, prompting Jesus' followers to flee the city and escape the devastating Roman siege that would soon fulfill these prophecies.
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"“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near." — This isn't just a general warning about war; Jesus is giving a very specific, tangible sign: the armies surrounding Jerusalem. When you see that, it's not a "maybe soon" signal, but a "it's happening…
