Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "trodden down" paints a vivid picture of utter humiliation and subjugation, going beyond mere conquest to include contempt. This isn't just about being defeated; it's about being treated like dirt underfoot, a status that would last until a specific, divinely appointed "time of the Gentiles" was completed, hinting at a future restoration.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of his coming. He has just described devastating signs like wars and famines, and now focuses on the specific judgment that will fall upon Jerusalem, leading to its conquest and the exile of its people. This destruction by Gentile armies will mark a long period of oppression for the city until a future appointed time.
The text describes the fate of Jerusalem with vivid imagery. What does it mean for people to fall 'by the edge of the sword'?
The phrase 'fall by the edge of the sword' (Greek: stoma - mouth) conjures a powerful image. It's not just about dying in battle; it's as if the sword itself is a devouring mouth, consuming lives. This imagery emphasizes the ferocity and totality of the destruction that befell Jerusalem and its people. It speaks to a violent, overwhelming end where life itself is swallowed up.
Think of it like a monstrous entity unleashing its jaws. This was the horrific reality for many during the siege, a brutal end to a devastating conflict. The scholars note over a million lives lost and tens of thousands taken captive in the siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the immense scale of this catastrophe.
Beyond the immediate violence, the verse speaks of Jerusalem being 'trodden underfoot.' What does this lasting oppression signify?
The language 'trodden down' (Greek: patoumenē) goes beyond mere conquest. It signifies a state of prolonged oppression, contempt, and desecration. Imagine a conqueror literally placing their foot on the neck of a defeated foe, or a city reduced to rubble and walked over by the victorious. This was the fate of Jerusalem.
For centuries, Jerusalem, the holy city, would be under the control of various Gentile powers – Romans, Saracens, Turks, and others. This wasn't just a political change; it was a spiritual humiliation, a constant reminder of God's judgment on the nation's disobedience. The city, once a symbol of God's presence, became a place of Gentile dominion and sometimes, outright disrespect.
The prophecy concludes with a specific timeframe: 'until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.' What does this pivotal phrase mean?
This phrase, 'the times of the Gentiles' (Greek: kairoi ethnōn), marks a divinely appointed era. It signifies the period during which Gentile nations would hold sway over Jerusalem and the people of Israel, a time set by God. This wasn't an endless dominion; it had a divine limit.
Understand the original words
Hierousalēm · Greek Noun
The holy city of God, symbolizing the center of Jewish worship and the focal point of God's interaction with His people; in prophecy, its destruction signifies the end of an era of covenantal transition.
ethnē · Greek Noun
A term referring to non-Jewish peoples (nations), often highlighting their role as instruments of judgment or the recipients of the gospel message after the transition of the covenant to the church.
Jesus' prophecy points to the devastating Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, marking the start of a long period of Gentile control and Jewish diaspora, which will last until a future, divinely appointed 'fulfillment' of Gentile times.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport many Judeans into exile. This marks an earlier period of Gentile dominance and desecration of the holy city.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of Second Temple
Following their return from Babylonian exile, the Jews rebuild the Temple. This signifies a period of restored Jewish worship and governance, though under Persian oversight.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Jerusalem
Rome gains control of Judea, bringing the region under direct Roman authority. This sets the stage for future conflicts and the eventual Roman destruction of the city.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Ministry
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem during his earthly ministry, speaking of future desolation and judgment.
This passage speaks of Jerusalem becoming a heavy burden and a source of great distress for all nations, echoing the 'trampled underfoot' imagery and the idea of a significant period of Gentile involvement with the city.
Daniel 2:44This verse describes God establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will crush all other kingdoms, directly relating to the 'times of the Gentiles' being fulfilled and a divine intervention.
Romans 11:25This passage directly parallels the concept of 'the times of the Gentiles being fulfilled,' explaining it as the period until the full number of Gentiles comes into God's plan, after which Israel will also be restored.
Revelation 11:2This verse mentions the holy city being trodden underfoot by the Gentiles for a specific period (42 months), which is a more detailed look at the 'trampled' aspect of Jerusalem described in Luke.
vincentLuke 21:24: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
Edge (στόματι)Lit., the mouth. So Wyc. Either in the sense of the foremost part, or picturing the sword as a devouring monster. In Hebrews 11:33, Hebrews 11:34, the word is used in both senses: "the mouths of lions;" "the edge of the sword."Led away captiveSee on captives, Luke 4:18.Trodden…
barnesLuke 21:24: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
Shall fall ... - No less than one million one hundred thousand perished in the siege of Jerusalem. Shall be led away captive - More than 90,000 were led into captivity. See the notes at Matthew 24. Shall be trodden down by the Gentiles - Shall be in possession of the Gentiles, or be subject…
The phrase "trodden down" paints a vivid picture of utter humiliation and subjugation, going beyond mere conquest to include contempt. This isn't just about being defeated; it's about being treated like dirt underfoot, a status that would last until a specific, divinely appointed "time of the Gentiles" was completed, hinting at a future restoration.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of his coming. He has just described devastating signs like wars and famines, and now focuses on the specific judgment that will fall upon Jerusalem, leading to its conquest and the exile of its people. This destruction by Gentile armies will mark a long period of oppression for the city until a future appointed time.
Jesus is responding to his disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of his coming. He has just described devastating signs like wars and famines, and now focuses on the specific judgment that will fall upon Jerusalem, leading to its conquest and the exile of its people. This destruction by Gentile armies will mark a long period of oppression for the city until a future appointed time.
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It points to a significant shift in divine administration. Israel, through disobedience, lost its unique position of favor, and the 'times of the Gentiles' began. This period is understood to extend until a future fulfillment, often linked to the ultimate conversion of the Gentiles and the restoration of Israel, as hinted at in Romans. It's a promise that God's plan, though involving judgment, is ultimately moving towards restoration and reconciliation. The Gentile era will cease, not by human effort alone, but by divine decree when their appointed time is complete.
AD 66-70— this verse
First Jewish-Roman War
A major revolt of Judean Jews against Roman rule erupts, leading to brutal Roman suppression and the siege of Jerusalem.
AD 70
Destruction of Second Temple
Roman armies under Titus capture and raze Jerusalem, destroying the Second Temple and massacring or enslaving vast numbers of its inhabitants. This event fulfills Jesus' prophecy in Luke 21:24.
c. AD 135
Bar Kokhba Revolt Aftermath
Following another revolt, the Romans rename Jerusalem 'Aelia Capitolina,' ban Jews from the city, and further solidify Gentile control. This period represents the continuation of Jerusalem being 'trodden down.'
"They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." — The phrase "trodden down" paints a vivid picture of utter humiliation and subjugation, going beyond mere conquest to include contempt. This isn't just about being defeated; it's about being treated l…
