Luke 21 17

Luke 21:17 kjv

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

Luke 21:17 nkjv

And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.

Luke 21:17 niv

Everyone will hate you because of me.

Luke 21:17 esv

You will be hated by all for my name's sake.

Luke 21:17 nlt

And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 17 Meaning

Luke 21:17 serves as a stark prophecy from Jesus to His disciples, foretelling the pervasive antagonism they would experience. The verse asserts that followers of Christ would face widespread hatred, with the definitive cause being their association with, and allegiance to, His "name." This "name" encapsulates His person, authority, teachings, and redemptive work. Consequently, the world's hostility towards believers is not merely personal, but a direct reflection of its rejection of Jesus Christ Himself.

Luke 21 17 Context

Luke 21:17 is part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, often called the "Olivet Discourse" (Luke 21:5-36). Specifically, it falls within a section (verses 12-19) where Jesus prepares His disciples for the period before the cataclysmic cosmic signs and the fall of Jerusalem. He predicts arrests, trials before religious and political authorities, betrayal even by family, and ultimately, widespread hatred. This particular verse explicitly states that the underlying reason for this pervasive animosity will be their allegiance to "My name." This passage served to warn early believers of impending suffering and to mentally equip them to endure, viewing these tribulations not as defeat, but as opportunities for testimony and a confirmation of their genuine faith. In a broader Lukan context, Jesus frequently emphasizes the costly nature of discipleship and the paradox of those blessed by God being rejected by the world.

Luke 21 17 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): This conjunction serves to link the current prophecy with the preceding warnings of arrests and various forms of persecution. It signals that widespread hatred is another assured and inevitable consequence that will befall those who follow Christ.
• you (ὑμεῖς - hymeis): This plural pronoun is directed specifically at Jesus' disciples present during His teaching, but by divine intent, it extends its meaning to encompass all future adherents and followers of Jesus throughout the course of history. It serves to personalize the prophecy, emphasizing its universal relevance to every genuine believer.
• will be hated (μισούμενοι - misoumenoi): This is a present passive participle derived from the Greek verb miseō (μισέω), meaning to detest, abhor, or harbor active dislike and hostility towards someone. The passive voice emphasizes that the disciples are not initiating this hatred but are the recipients of an intense antipathy that is aggressively directed towards them. The present participle form signifies a continuous or ongoing state, highlighting the certainty, pervasive nature, and enduring character of this animosity.
• by all (πάντων - pantōn): This is the genitive plural form of pas (πᾶς), which means "all," "every," or "the whole." In this prophetic context, "all" signifies widespread and comprehensive opposition, indicating that the hatred will emanate from diverse societal groups and be extensively encountered, rather than implying a literal universal hatred from every single person on the planet. It underlines the formidable and encompassing nature of the antagonism believers will face.
• for My name's sake (διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου - dia to onoma mou): This is the critical phrase that specifies the fundamental reason for the foretold hatred.
  • διὰ (dia): This Greek preposition means "on account of," "because of," or "for the sake of," explicitly denoting the direct cause or underlying reason.
  • τὸ ὄνομά μου (to onoma mou): Translated as "My name." In the rich tapestry of biblical and Semitic thought, "the name" of a person signifies much more than a mere designation. It represents their entire essence, their inherent character, their inherent authority, their reputation, their manifest presence, and everything they embody. Therefore, to be hated "for My name's sake" implies that the animosity stems fundamentally from:
    • Direct identification with the person of Jesus Christ Himself.
    • The active proclamation and unwavering upholding of His unique Lordship, divine claims, and saving work.
    • The lifestyle of living out and adhering to the profound ethical standards and transformative principles that He embodies, which stand in stark contrast and challenge to the values and norms of the fallen world.
    • The very act of bearing the designation "Christian," which signifies an allegiance to Him. This clarifies that the hatred is not primarily due to personal flaws or societal missteps by believers (though imperfect), but originates profoundly from who Jesus is and the nature of the Kingdom He represents, which is inherently opposed by the world.

Luke 21 17 Bonus section

• The prediction of being "hated by all" is not meant to imply literally every person on earth, but rather emphasizes a profound, universal, and intense antipathy from various segments of society and from all opposing spiritual forces.
• This specific form of hatred, experienced "for My name's sake," distinctly sets apart Christian persecution from other forms of suffering or social opposition, linking it intimately and exclusively to the believer's unique relationship and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
• This verse illuminates the deep spiritual dimension of conflict: the world's hatred of Christ's followers is a direct extension and redirection of its inherent hatred for God and His Son, demonstrating that spiritual opposition fuels earthly animosity (cf. John 15:23).
• Jesus’ prophecy served a dual purpose: it psychologically prepared His disciples for inevitable adversity, reducing the surprise or demoralization that might otherwise occur, and simultaneously served as a future validation for their suffering. When persecution arose, it confirmed the truth of Jesus' very words and validated the authenticity of their faith, rather than being a sign of divine displeasure or abandonment.
• This prophetic hatred, when faithfully endured, paradoxically becomes a source of blessedness for those who persevere, directly aligning with the promises found within the Beatitudes, such as those in Matt 5:10-12 and Luke 6:22.

Luke 21 17 Commentary

Luke 21:17 functions as a stark and sobering warning within Jesus' prophetic discourse. It underscores an uncomfortable but inescapable reality for genuine believers: they will face widespread hostility, not despite their devotion to Christ, but precisely because of it. The phrase "for My name's sake" is paramount, revealing that the true cause of this antagonism is the person and identity of Jesus Christ Himself. His "name" encapsulates His divine authority, His holy character, His truth, and His exclusive claims over human life. When followers identify with and proclaim this name, they embody values, truths, and a kingdom that are fundamentally opposed to a world governed by sin, pride, and humanistic ideals. This prophetic hatred, though painful, is therefore a badge of authentic discipleship and a sign of divine validation (cf. Matt 5:11-12). It refines faith, separates true believers, and provides an unparalleled opportunity to bear witness to Christ's enduring power and truth even amidst profound suffering, preparing His followers for faithful endurance in a hostile world.