Luke 21 36

Luke 21:36 kjv

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 21:36 nkjv

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21:36 niv

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21:36 esv

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21:36 nlt

Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 36 Meaning

Luke 21:36 is an urgent exhortation from Jesus to His disciples concerning the events preceding and surrounding His second coming. It calls for continuous spiritual vigilance and fervent prayer, empowering believers to navigate successfully through impending severe trials and to ultimately stand in God's approval when Christ appears in His glory. The emphasis is on active spiritual preparedness rather than mere intellectual knowledge of end-time prophecies.

Luke 21 36 Context

Luke 21:36 concludes Jesus' Olivet Discourse in Luke's Gospel. Preceding this verse, Jesus describes the signs leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem (fulfilled in A.D. 70) and broader, future signs of His glorious second coming, including cosmic disturbances and distress among nations. He speaks of the "Fig Tree Parable" (vv. 29-33) to emphasize the certainty of these events and His words. He also warns against self-indulgence and worldly distractions that could lead to unpreparedness (v. 34). Verse 36 is thus a direct and urgent pastoral application of these prophecies, calling the disciples, and subsequent believers, to practical spiritual readiness in the face of inevitable, difficult future events, culminating in His grand appearance.

Luke 21 36 Word analysis

• But (δέ - de): A strong adversative or connective particle. It signals a shift from the description of future events and warnings against worldly cares (v. 34) to a direct, imperative exhortation. It introduces a necessary response.
• stay awake (ἀγρυπνεῖτε - agrypneite): From agrypneō, meaning to be sleepless, vigilant, watchful, to keep oneself awake. It signifies not merely a physical state but a spiritual alertness, a mental and moral readiness. This goes beyond passive observation; it implies active heedfulness against spiritual drowsiness or indifference. It stands in direct contrast to the spiritual "sleep" of the unprepared, warned against in Luke 21:34-35.
• at all times (ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ - en panti kairō): Lit. "in every season" or "in every opportune time." It means continually, constantly, seizing every moment as an opportunity for spiritual vigilance. It highlights an unceasing commitment to alertness, not just in specific moments of crisis.
• praying (δεόμενοι - deomenoi): From deomai, meaning to pray, beseech, beg, implore. It implies earnest, insistent prayer, a desperate appeal or supplication. It's a recognition of utter dependence on God.
• that you may have strength (ἵνα κατισχύσητε - hina katischysēte): A purpose clause ("in order that you may prevail"). Katischyō means to be strong enough, to prevail, overcome, overpower, get the upper hand. The strength desired is not merely to survive, but to overcome, to stand firm amidst immense pressures. This strength is granted by God in response to prayer.
• to escape (ἐκφυγεῖν - ekphygein): From ekpheugō, meaning to flee out, to escape completely, to get away safely. This refers to a preservation through or from the predicted tribulations. The "escape" is generally understood as divine preservation and enablement to navigate these times, rather than a physical removal from all hardship. It signifies being spared from the ultimate destructive force of "these things."
• all these things that are going to take place (πάντα ταῦτα τὰ μέλλοντα γίνεσθαι - panta tauta ta mellonta ginesthai): Refers to the series of traumatic and chaotic events Jesus just described (wars, commotions, signs in the heavens, persecution, Jerusalem's destruction, cosmic upheaval, distress of nations) leading up to His second coming. It signifies the immense scale and severity of the prophesied tribulation.
• and to stand (καὶ σταθῆναι - kai stathēnai): From histēmi, meaning to stand, to take a stand, to be set, to endure, to be presented. It means to be approved, to maintain one's integrity, and be found righteous, without stumbling or collapsing. It is to remain firm, spiritually intact, and morally upright.
• before the Son of Man (ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου - emprosthen tou Huiou tou Anthrōpou): Emprosthen means in the presence of, before, in sight of. "The Son of Man" is Jesus' favored self-designation, highlighting both His humanity and His divine authority, especially as the eschatological judge and glorious redeemer. To "stand before" Him implies standing approved at His coming in judgment and glory, ready to give an account.

• "stay awake at all times, praying": This phrase links continuous spiritual vigilance directly to persistent, urgent prayer. True alertness isn't just cognitive; it's maintained and empowered through consistent communion with God. This coupling emphasizes the dynamic, active nature of spiritual readiness.
• "that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place": Prayer is the conduit through which divine power is accessed, enabling believers not just to endure but to prevail and be delivered from the overwhelming pressures of the end times. The "escape" is God's provision for navigating the difficult period.
• "and to stand before the Son of Man": This is the ultimate goal and validation. It signifies vindication, being found acceptable and blameless in the presence of the returning Christ. The preceding vigilance and prayer are means to this end of spiritual approval at the final appearing. It implies surviving not just physically, but spiritually and morally, ready for accountability and reward.

Luke 21 36 Bonus section

This verse offers a comprehensive model for eschatological living, bridging knowledge of prophecy with practical Christian discipline. It highlights that the appropriate response to understanding biblical prophecy is not speculation or fear, but proactive spiritual preparation and dependence on God. The concept of "strength" to "escape" suggests an empowerment that allows one to successfully complete a divine mandate in the midst of trials, like a runner escaping the pack to finish the race. "To stand before the Son of Man" is the believer's highest aspiration and proof of faith's endurance, embodying the reward for faithful perseverance. This teaching counters any belief in effortless salvation, emphasizing co-working with God's grace through disciplined spiritual living.

Luke 21 36 Commentary

Luke 21:36 encapsulates Jesus' vital charge to His followers amidst discussions of tumultuous future events. It's a command for relentless, spiritual watchfulness, empowered by fervent, continual prayer. The purpose is dual: first, to receive the divine strength necessary to navigate and "escape" – or rather, to endure and be preserved through – the escalating tribulations and chaotic events preceding Christ's return. This "escape" points to spiritual perseverance and being spared the ultimate destructive consequences, rather than a physical absence from all trial. Second, and crucially, it is for the believer to "stand" successfully and with integrity before the returning Son of Man, Jesus Christ. This "standing" signifies vindication, approval, and accountability; being found blameless and ready when He appears in glory, rather than being condemned or shamed. The verse is a powerful call against complacency, worldly entanglement, and spiritual sloth, urging believers to remain fixed on eternal realities and dependent on God's sustaining grace.Practical usage examples: Constant prayer during personal anxieties for divine peace. Seeking wisdom through prayer to make wise choices during global instability. Prioritizing spiritual growth and discernment in daily life to remain alert against deceptions.