Luke 21:20

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

Luke 21:20 in Other Translations

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.

20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived.

20 "When you see soldiers camped all around Jerusalem, then you'll know that she is about to be devastated.

20 But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

20 "When you see armies camped around Jerusalem, realize that the time is near for it to be destroyed.

20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near.

20 "A time is coming when you will see armies surround Jerusalem. Then you will know that it will soon be destroyed.

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 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.

22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.

Cross References

• 1. S Luke 19:43