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 depicts the scene where some individuals, likely disciples of Jesus, are admiring and discussing the magnificent appearance of the Jerusalem Temple. Their conversation focuses on its physical splendor—its construction with impressive, high-quality stones and the valuable dedicated gifts, or offerings, that adorned it. This admiration of the Temple's external glory sets the immediate context for Jesus' subsequent prophetic declaration about its inevitable destruction, pivoting the narrative from human observation of temporary grandeur to divine foresight of future events.

Luke 21 5 Context

Luke 21:5 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (parallels in Matt 24 and Mk 13). It immediately precedes Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. The conversation recorded here initiates a lengthy teaching by Jesus regarding the end times, the destruction of Jerusalem, and His second coming.

Historically, the Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a place of worship but a monumental structure of immense pride and significance for the Jewish people. Herod the Great began its massive renovation and expansion around 20-19 BCE, and construction continued well into the first century CE. It was renowned throughout the Roman world for its grandeur, enormous stones (some estimated to be over 40 feet long), impressive height, and elaborate adornments, including dedicated gifts of immense value from devout individuals and even Gentile rulers. The disciples' remarks in this verse reflect the widespread admiration and national reverence for this physical embodiment of Jewish faith and heritage.

Luke 21 5 Word analysis

• And as some were speaking: This serves as a narrative bridge, transitioning from previous teachings to a specific observation by some people, likely Jesus' disciples, that directly prompts Jesus' subsequent prophetic statements. It highlights a common, everyday conversation that Jesus then reorients.
• of the temple (ἱεροῦ - hierou): This term refers to the entire sacred complex, including its various courtyards, porticos, and surrounding buildings, not just the inner sanctuary (naos). It signifies the whole magnificent precinct that stood as the center of Jewish worship, national identity, and perceived divine presence. Its destruction was an unimaginable thought for many.
• how it was adorned (κεκόσμηται - kekosmētai): This verb, in the perfect passive indicative, means "it has been adorned," "it was beautified," or "it stands decorated." The perfect tense suggests a completed action with continuing results, emphasizing the Temple's existing state of impressive, enduring beauty and elaborate ornamentation at that very moment. It speaks to a conscious effort to make it visually splendid.
• with noble stones (λίθοις καλοῖς - lithois kalois): This phrase translates to "good/fine stones" or "noble/beautiful stones." It refers to the massive, costly, polished white stones, some likened to marble, used in Herod's grand architectural project. These were not just functional, but selected for their quality, size, and aesthetic appeal, contributing significantly to the Temple's visual splendor. They symbolized permanence and grandeur.
• and offerings (ἀναθήμασιν - anathēmasin): These were votive offerings or consecrated gifts. They were valuable objects—such as golden wreaths, shields, costly vessels, or other treasures—that individuals or nations dedicated to God and displayed within the Temple. They demonstrated wealth, piety, and devotion, adding to the Temple's perceived richness and sacredness.
• he said: This simple phrase abruptly shifts the narrative. It marks Jesus' response, interrupting the conversation about the Temple's external glory and introducing a divine, prophetic perspective that dramatically contrasts with the human admiration for physical structures.

Words-group analysis:

• "of the temple, how it was adorned": This grouping highlights the core focus of the human observers – their profound admiration for the physical edifice of the Temple and its elaborate ornamentation. Their attention is drawn to the outward appearance and the visual spectacle.
• "with noble stones and offerings": This phrase details the specific components contributing to the Temple's renowned grandeur. It points to both the structural excellence achieved through high-quality materials (noble stones) and the added splendor and sacred value bestowed by dedicated precious items (offerings), collectively symbolizing immense earthly value and perceived spiritual sanctity.

Luke 21 5 Bonus section

The Herodian Temple, largely completed in Jesus' era, was described by historians like Josephus as dazzling in the sun due to its white marble-like stone and golden ornamentation. It was an iconic representation of Jewish identity and the focal point of their religious life. The destruction of this Temple in 70 CE by the Roman general Titus fulfilled Jesus' prophecy to the letter. This verse, by setting up the disciples' admiration against Jesus' prophetic pronouncement, firmly establishes Jesus' authority over even the most sacred and revered human achievements, revealing His foresight and calling followers to look beyond the temporary and material to the eternal purposes of God.

Luke 21 5 Commentary

Luke 21:5 presents a poignant contrast between human perception and divine revelation. The disciples' remarks are a natural response to the universally recognized magnificence of Herod's Temple—a breathtaking structure of immense architectural beauty and financial investment, adorned with not only grand stones but also valuable offerings. This external glory, however, becomes the very backdrop for Jesus' startling prophecy. Their awe for the visible, man-made grandeur sets up Jesus' immediate declaration that these very same elements of pride and permanence will be utterly destroyed, with not one stone left upon another. The verse, therefore, highlights the transient nature of even the most sacred human-built institutions, implicitly challenging the placement of ultimate hope or faith in external symbols rather than in God's enduring spiritual realities. It shifts the focus from what humanity admires in the present to what God has decreed for the future.