Luke 21 5

Luke 21:5 kjv

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

Luke 21:5 nkjv

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,

Luke 21:5 niv

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

Luke 21:5 esv

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,

Luke 21:5 nlt

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 5 Meaning

This verse records Jesus' observation about certain people admiring the temple buildings, which prompts His subsequent discourse on the temple's destruction and the signs of the end times. The verse highlights human admiration for material grandeur and spiritual traditions, set against Jesus' foreknowledge of impending judgment.

Luke 21 5 Context

This verse is found in the Olivet Discourse, delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives shortly before His crucifixion. The preceding verses (Luke 21:1-4) describe the commendation of a poor widow who gave her last two mites to the temple treasury. This event highlights true devotion over outward displays of wealth or generosity. Luke 21:5 directly follows this by showing some disciples drawing Jesus' attention to the magnificent physical structure of Herod's Temple, shifting the focus from personal sacrifice to architectural marvels. This sets the stage for Jesus to deliver prophecies about the temple's destruction, linking it to the broader themes of end times, tribulation, and His second coming.

Luke 21 5 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "And." A conjunction that connects this verse to the preceding narrative, indicating a transition in focus from the widow's offering to the disciples' observation.
• δὲ (de): "But" or "now." This particle signifies a shift in emphasis or a new point being introduced. Here, it contrasts the spiritual devotion just witnessed with the disciples' focus on the physical structure.
• ὄντων (ontōn): Present participle of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." Means "while they were," indicating the ongoing state of conversation or observation.
• τινῶν (tinōn): "Some" or "certain." Refers to unspecified individuals among the disciples.
• λεγόντων (legontōn): Present participle of λέγω (lego), "to say" or "to speak." Means "saying" or "speaking."
• ὅτι (hoti): "That." A conjunction introducing the content of what was being said.
• τοῖς (tois): The definite article, "the," in the dative plural.
• μὲν (men): "Indeed" or "on the one hand." Paired with a following δέ (de) in some constructions to create a contrast or parallel. Here, it introduces the subject of admiration.
• ἀναθήμασιν (anathēmasin): Dative plural of ἀνάθημα (anathēma). Means "offerings," "consecrated gifts," or "dedications." In this context, it refers to the beautiful and ornate gifts or votive offerings with which the temple complex was adorned. This implies that the disciples were admiring the various adornments and possibly architectural aspects contributed by different patrons.
• τοῦ ἱεροῦ (tou hierou): Genitive singular of ἱερόν (hieron). Means "of the temple." This refers specifically to the temple precinct, the complex of buildings, courtyards, and perhaps associated structures, rather than just the innermost sanctuary.
• κόσμου (kosmou): Genitive singular of κόσμος (kosmos). Means "of the world," "of the universe," or "adornment/ornament." In this context, it is commonly understood to modify ἀναθήμασιν (anathēmasin), meaning "adornments" or "ornaments of the world" or "beautiful offerings." The emphasis is on the rich and beautiful objects and structures that decorated the temple. It highlights the outward splendor and material investment in the religious edifice.

Group Analysis:The phrase "μὲν ἀναθήμασιν τοῦ ἱεροῦ κόσμου" (men anathēmasin tou hierou kosmou) can be interpreted as "with offerings/dedications of the temple's adornment" or "with beautiful dedications for the temple." This points to the tangible, visible aspects of the temple—its valuable gifts and perhaps its architectural grandeur.

Luke 21 5 Bonus Section

The admiration of the temple's structure and offerings also reflects the significant role the temple played in Jewish religious life and national identity at the time. It was the central point of worship and a symbol of God's covenant presence. The disciples' observation could also be interpreted as a form of lingering attachment to the Old Covenant system, even as Jesus was introducing the New. The mention of "offerings of the temple's adornment" could include valuable treasures and ornate decorations funded by rulers and wealthy individuals throughout its history, contributing to its magnificence and its vulnerability to plunder. This magnificence, ironically, would also make it a target for future invaders, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.

Luke 21 5 Commentary

The disciples, likely impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of Herod's Temple, express their admiration. This human reaction is natural, given the architectural splendor of the Second Temple complex, renowned for its gleaming white marble and impressive stonework, some stones weighing many tons. However, Jesus, with divine foresight, seizes this moment to pivot the conversation towards the impermanence of physical structures and the enduring significance of His own spiritual kingdom. He subtly corrects their focus from external grandeur to the deeper, unseen realities of God's presence and purpose. Their admiration, though understandable, highlights a common human tendency to place ultimate value in material manifestations rather than spiritual truths.