“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "roaring of the sea and waves" isn't just a description of a chaotic natural event; it’s presented as the very source of the nations' "perplexity," a terrifying sound that leaves them utterly bewildered and without a clue what to do. This isn't just noise; it's the sound of utter disorientation, a profound sense of being overwhelmed by forces beyond control.
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking about future events, moving from the destruction of Jerusalem to the signs that will herald His second coming. This passage vividly describes the cosmic and earthly turmoil that will precede His final return, emphasizing universal distress and overwhelming natural phenomena. The roaring sea and waves are not just literal events but powerful metaphors for the chaotic and terrifying state of the world and its peoples during those end times.
The heavens themselves will react to the coming judgment. What does it mean for celestial bodies to act as 'signs'?
Jesus describes a dramatic upheaval in the natural world, with signs appearing in the sun, moon, and stars. This isn't just random chaos; these celestial disturbances are signs (Greek: semeia). In Scripture, 'signs' often point to a divine purpose or message. They are not merely events but indicators of God's work, particularly in judgment and in signaling pivotal moments in His plan. Think of the sun being darkened or stars falling – these are meant to grab attention and signify that something monumental and terrifying is unfolding, linked to God's sovereign hand.
These celestial phenomena are described in conjunction with earthly troubles, suggesting a cosmic scale to the events. The ancient world often saw such cosmic disturbances as omens or indicators of divine displeasure or impending doom. Jesus uses this imagery to convey the profound and widespread impact of the judgments He describes.
Beyond the stars, the earth will experience a terrifying crisis. What does it mean for nations to be in 'distress' and 'perplexity'?
The verse pivots from the celestial to the terrestrial, describing 'distress of nations' (Greek: sunechē). This word captures a sense of being tightly held or hemmed in, a feeling of intense pressure and constriction. It’s more than just political unrest; it's a deep, existential crisis.
This distress leads to 'perplexity' (Greek: aporia). This is a state of being lost, without a way forward, utterly confused about what to do. Imagine leaders and populations alike facing overwhelming, unprecedented calamities, with no solutions apparent. The additional phrase, 'because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,' vividly illustrates the source or intensifying factor of this confusion. The chaotic, uncontrollable power of the sea becomes a metaphor for the terrifying forces overwhelming humanity. This isn't just a local problem; it's a global crisis of nations facing a situation beyond their control and comprehension.
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Understand the original words
sēmeia · Greek Noun
Miraculous or significant occurrences in the natural world that serve as harbingers of divine intervention or the shifting of historical eras.
aporia · Greek Noun
A state of being completely at a loss, bewildered, or without a way forward, specifically resulting from the realization of divine judgment or unmanageable catastrophic events.
Jesus' prophecy of cosmic signs and earthly distress speaks powerfully to the experience of the Jewish people during the turbulent period leading up to and including the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The upheaval of this time, marked by both celestial portents and societal collapse, would have felt like the very foundations of the world were shaking.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event marks a significant upheaval and loss of national sovereignty for the Israelites, foreshadowing future exiles.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, destroys Jerusalem and its First Temple, exiling a large portion of the Jewish population. This catastrophe profoundly impacts Jewish identity and theology, leading to questions about God's faithfulness and presence.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II deports a group of Jewish nobles and skilled laborers, including figures like Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of intense suffering and reflection for the Jewish people.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus teaches and performs miracles throughout Judea, culminating in his crucifixion in Jerusalem. His teachings often alluded to future tribulations and the coming 'kingdom of God.'
c. AD 60-70— this verse
Jewish Revolt and Roman Intervention
Growing tensions between Jewish zealots and the Roman authorities escalate into open rebellion. Rome dispatches legions to quell the uprising, leading to widespread conflict and destruction.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple
The Roman army, led by Titus, decisively crushes the Jewish revolt, sacking Jerusalem and razing the Second Temple. This event is a devastating fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies, marking a new era of dispersion for the Jewish people.
This passage also foretells celestial signs – sun, moon, and stars obscured – immediately preceding a day of great judgment, mirroring the cosmic disruptions described in Luke.
Isaiah 13:10Similar to Luke's description, Isaiah prophesies that the heavens will withdraw their light (sun, moon, and stars will not show their light) as a sign of divine judgment and the upheaval of the earth.
Psalm 46:3This psalm speaks of the earth's upheaval and nations in turmoil when God 'thunders,' their waters (seas and waves) roaring, which echoes the 'distress of nations' and 'roaring of the sea' in Luke.
Revelation 6:12This book of Revelation describes a similar scene of cosmic signs—the sun turning black and the moon like blood—occurring during a time of intense judgment and earth-shattering events.
vincentLuke 21:25: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;"
Signs (σημεῖα)See on Matthew 24:24.Distress (συνοχὴ)Only here and 2 Corinthians 2:4. Kindred with συνεχομένη, taken (Luke 4:38), on which see note. The original idea of the word is being held in a tight grasp.With perplexity, the sea and the waves roaringThe A. V. follows the reading ἠχούσης, the participle, roaring. T…
meyerLuke 21:25: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;"
Luke 21:25-26 . There now follows what should come to pass at the end of the said times of the Gentiles before the Parousia . Since Luke, writing in the time in which such καιροὶ ἐθνῶν are still passing, has adopted these also into the prophecy from the tradition expanded ex eventu , the Parousia in his statement could not…
The "roaring of the sea and waves" isn't just a description of a chaotic natural event; it’s presented as the very source of the nations' "perplexity," a terrifying sound that leaves them utterly bewildered and without a clue what to do. This isn't just noise; it's the sound of utter disorientation, a profound sense of being overwhelmed by forces beyond control.
Jesus is speaking about future events, moving from the destruction of Jerusalem to the signs that will herald His second coming. This passage vividly describes the cosmic and earthly turmoil that will precede His final return, emphasizing universal distress and overwhelming natural phenomena. The roaring sea and waves are not just literal events but powerful metaphors for the chaotic and terrifying state of the world and its peoples during those end times.
Jesus is speaking about future events, moving from the destruction of Jerusalem to the signs that will herald His second coming. This passage vividly describes the cosmic and earthly turmoil that will precede His final return, emphasizing universal distress and overwhelming natural phenomena. The roaring sea and waves are not just literal events but powerful metaphors for the chaotic and terrifying state of the world and its peoples during those end times.
"“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves," — The "roaring of the sea and waves" isn't just a description of a chaotic natural event; it’s presented as the very source of the nations' "perplexity," a terrifying sound that leaves them utterly bew…
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Last reviewed October 2026