Luke 21 10

Luke 21:10 kjv

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Luke 21:10 nkjv

Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21:10 niv

Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21:10 esv

Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21:10 nlt

Then he added, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 10 Meaning

Luke 21:10 is part of Jesus' prophetic discourse to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, detailing the signs that will precede the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and His second coming. This verse specifically warns of widespread geopolitical upheaval: nations rising violently against one another, and established kingdoms engaging in warfare. These conflicts are presented not as the ultimate end, but as foundational indicators, or "birth pains," signalling the commencement of a period of distress that points towards the future return of the Son of Man and the consummation of the age.

Luke 21 10 Context

Luke 21:10 is embedded within the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36), delivered by Jesus shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples, marvelling at the splendor of the Temple, asked Jesus about the timing of its destruction and the signs of His coming. Jesus' response addresses two intertwined themes: the specific destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple (which occurred in 70 AD), and broader signs pointing to the end of the age and His glorious return. Luke's account uniquely emphasizes the persecution of believers (verses 12-19) alongside these global signs. Historically, the period immediately following Jesus' ascension and throughout the Roman Empire was marked by frequent localized rebellions, Roman imperial expansion, ethnic conflicts (e.g., Jewish-Roman Wars), and civil strife. The Jewish concept of "birth pangs of the Messiah" (חֶבְלֵי מָשִׁיחַ, chevelimashiach) referred to a period of intense suffering, tribulation, and societal upheaval that was believed to precede the coming of the Messiah and the Messianic age. Jesus presents "nation against nation" as part of these escalating "birth pains" — painful, but ultimately leading to a new birth.

Luke 21 10 Word analysis

• Then said he unto them: This phrase signifies a direct declaration by Jesus to His disciples, establishing the words as prophetic and authoritative teachings from the Lord Himself.
• Nation (Greek: ἔθνος, ethnos): This term typically refers to a people group, an ethnic group, or a distinct race/tribe, often implying shared culture and lineage. In the New Testament, it can also refer to Gentiles (non-Jewish nations). The use of ethnos here suggests conflicts driven by ethnic identity, cultural differences, and tribal loyalties. It signifies widespread global unrest beyond just internal civil wars.
• shall rise (Greek: ἐγερθήσεται, egerthēsetai): This is a future passive indicative verb derived from egeirō, meaning "to rouse," "to awaken," "to be raised up." The passive voice implies that these conflicts will not just happen, but they will be actively instigated or will inevitably erupt. It carries a sense of an unfolding event, a powerful emergence or violent uprising, signaling a decisive act of confrontation.
• against (Greek: ἐπὶ, epi): This preposition indicates hostile opposition, an encounter, or direct confrontation. "Upon," or "against" in the sense of hostile action.
• nation: Repetition of ethnos, reinforcing the widespread nature of the conflicts. This is not just one isolated war but a recurring pattern of one group rising against another.
• and kingdom (Greek: βασιλεία, basileia): This term denotes a kingdom, a reign, or royal power. It signifies an established political entity, a sovereign state with a defined government and territory. The use of basileia alongside ethnos suggests a progression or broadening of conflict.
• against kingdom: The parallelism with "nation against nation" (ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος... βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν) is a common biblical literary device used for emphasis and amplification. It indicates that the conflicts will encompass not only ethnic groups but also formally organized political powers, extending the scale of conflict to international or imperial warfare. This pairing implies conflict across the entire spectrum of human organization, from localized ethnic disputes to large-scale wars between established governments. It signals deep-seated, systemic global unrest.

Luke 21 10 Bonus section

The consistent presence of "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" across centuries challenges the notion of historical progress leading inevitably to universal peace. Instead, it aligns with a biblical worldview that posits humanity's continued fallenness necessitates a divine intervention for true shalom. This particular sign has always been and continues to be observable globally, suggesting a persistent prophetic unfolding rather than a single past or future event. For believers, the prophetic fulfillment observed in these continuous conflicts reinforces the call to participate in the gospel message of true peace in Christ, offering a contrasting vision to the world's inherent strife. The spiritual discernment of these "birth pains" should not lead to despair or sensationalism, but to patient endurance, hopeful expectation, and readiness for Christ's promised return.

Luke 21 10 Commentary

Luke 21:10 succinctly presents one of the foundational "signs of the times" that Jesus prophesied. The prophecy of "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" points to a consistent reality of conflict throughout history, intensified and culminating in the period leading to the end of the age. This is not a new phenomenon; human history is replete with wars and strife (Psa 2:1-2). However, Jesus presents these escalating conflicts, along with other signs, as specific indicators for His disciples. They are "the beginning of sorrows" or "birth pains" (Mt 24:8), meaning they mark the onset of a progressive intensification of distress that precedes a significant new event – the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the return of His Son.

These wars are a direct consequence of humanity's fallen state (Jas 4:1-2; Gal 5:19-21) and the adversarial work of spiritual forces (Eph 6:12). While disheartening, believers are instructed not to be terrified (Lk 21:9), but rather to understand these events as confirmation of biblical prophecy, serving as calls to spiritual alertness and perseverance. They signify that despite humanity's efforts, lasting peace will not be achieved apart from Christ's return (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3). The presence of such geopolitical instability serves as a perpetual reminder that the current world system is temporary and God's Kingdom is surely advancing towards its full establishment.