for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the coming judgment is not a surprise to God, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. The word for "vengeance" carries the weight of exacting full justice, a divine reckoning that had been foretold for generations.
for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spoken about the coming destruction of the Temple, warning his disciples to flee when they see Jerusalem surrounded. This verse explains that this impending destruction is not a random event but a divinely ordained "day of vengeance" meant to bring to completion all the judgments prophesied against Israel's unfaithfulness. The context is Jesus' detailed prophecy of Jerusalem's fall, foretelling severe judgment in fulfillment of ancient warnings.
When we hear the word 'vengeance,' we often think of personal anger or retaliation. But in the Bible, God's 'vengeance' is something much grander and more serious.
The Greek word used here, 'ekdikesis,' speaks of full justice being rendered. It's not about God losing His temper; it's about Him bringing His promised judgment to completion. Think of it as a cosmic court case finally reaching its verdict. For centuries, the people of Jerusalem had ignored God's warnings and continued in their wickedness. This 'vengeance' is God's righteous response to their persistent rebellion, a satisfaction of justice that was long overdue and prophesied by His servants, the prophets.
Jesus doesn't just predict the future; He anchors it firmly in the past. Why is it so important that 'all that is written' would be fulfilled?
This phrase, 'that all that is written may be fulfilled,' is a powerful statement of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His Word. For generations, prophets like Daniel had laid out the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The destruction of Jerusalem wasn't a surprise event; it was the divinely ordained outcome of sin, foretold in Scripture. Jesus is declaring that this moment of judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary, predetermined fulfillment of God's own promises and warnings. It underscores that God’s plan, even in judgment, is unfolding precisely as He ordained.
Understand the original words
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ekdikēseōs · Greek Noun
A term often used in Scripture to denote divine justice executed against those who have rejected God's covenant or harmed His people, asserting His sovereignty and righteousness.
plēsthenai · Greek Verb
The concept that God's revealed will in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms must come to pass; it affirms the reliability and authority of Scripture.
Jesus' words in Luke 21:22 connect the impending destruction of Jerusalem to a long history of prophetic warnings and divine judgment, emphasizing that this devastating event was the fulfillment of what God had declared through His prophets.
c. 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled many Jews. This event was seen as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings against the nation's sin and disobedience.
c. 5th-2nd century BC
Prophetic Warnings of Judgment
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel delivered stark warnings of divine judgment upon Jerusalem and Israel for their persistent wickedness and idolatry.
c. 445 BC
Daniel's Prophecy of Messiah's Coming and City's Destruction
The prophet Daniel received a vision (Daniel 9:24-27) foretelling the coming of the Messiah and the future destruction of the city and sanctuary by a 'people of a prince who is to come'.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Olivet Discourse
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the devastation of the city, linking these events to a coming time of unparalleled distress and judgment.
c. AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War and Siege of Jerusalem
A massive rebellion against Roman rule led to a brutal war, culminating in the Roman army's siege and complete destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
This passage directly prophesies the destruction of the city and the sanctuary, aligning with the 'days of vengeance' that 'all things written' are to be fulfilled in Luke 21:22.
Deuteronomy 28:49-57This extensive passage in Deuteronomy details the curses and judgments that would fall upon Israel if they disobeyed God, providing the 'written' context for the vengeance Jesus describes.
Matthew 24:21Jesus uses similar language in Matthew, referring to a 'great tribulation' that will come upon Jerusalem, highlighting the fulfillment of prophetic judgment.
Jeremiah 25:12-14Jeremiah prophesied a time of judgment and punishment for Babylon, but also for the nations that oppressed Judah, showing the broader biblical theme of divine vengeance being executed.
Luke 18:7-8Jesus speaks of God 'bringing to justice' His chosen ones who cry out day and night, connecting the concept of 'vengeance' to God's ultimate righteousness and the fulfillment of His purposes.
pooleLuke 21:22: "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
See Poole on "Luke 21:21"
vincentLuke 21:22: "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
Vengeance (ἐκδικήσεως)Of rendering full justice, or satisfaction. See on avenge, Luke 18:3.
This verse highlights that the coming judgment is not a surprise to God, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. The word for "vengeance" carries the weight of exacting full justice, a divine reckoning that had been foretold for generations.
Jesus has just spoken about the coming destruction of the Temple, warning his disciples to flee when they see Jerusalem surrounded. This verse explains that this impending destruction is not a random event but a divinely ordained "day of vengeance" meant to bring to completion all the judgments prophesied against Israel's unfaithfulness. The context is Jesus' detailed prophecy of Jerusalem's fall, foretelling severe judgment in fulfillment of ancient warnings.
Jesus has just spoken about the coming destruction of the Temple, warning his disciples to flee when they see Jerusalem surrounded. This verse explains that this impending destruction is not a random event but a divinely ordained "day of vengeance" meant to bring to completion all the judgments prophesied against Israel's unfaithfulness. The context is Jesus' detailed prophecy of Jerusalem's fall, foretelling severe judgment in fulfillment of ancient warnings.
"for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written." — This verse highlights that the coming judgment is not a surprise to God, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. The word for "vengeance" carries the weight of exacting full justice, a divine re…
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Last reviewed October 2026