Luke 21:20

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that its destruction is close at hand.

Luke 21:20 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 21:20

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies
The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Persic versions read, "with an army"; that is, with the Roman army, as it was by the army which Titus Vespasian brought against it, and besieged it with:

then know that the desolation thereof is nigh;
signifying, that there would be no deliverance to be expected, as when the Assyrian army under Rabshakeh appeared against it; but that whenever the Roman army besieged it, its destruction might be looked upon as inevitable; nor was the siege raised until it was destroyed, which was about four years after.

Luke 21:20 In-Context

18 Still, not a hair on your heads will be lost.
19 By holding fast, you will gain your lives.
20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that its destruction is close at hand.
21 At that time, those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those in the city must escape, and those in the countryside must not enter the city.
22 These are the days of punishment, when everything written will find its fulfillment.
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