Luke 21:20

20 But when ye shall see Jerusalem be environed with an host, then know ye, that the desolation of it shall approach. [Forsooth when ye shall see Jerusalem environed of an host of battle, then know ye, that the desolation thereof shall nigh.]

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 And an hair of your head shall not perish;

19 in your patience ye shall wield your souls.

20 But when ye shall see Jerusalem be environed with an host, then know ye, that the desolation of it shall approach. [Forsooth when ye shall see Jerusalem environed of an host of battle, then know ye, that the desolation thereof shall nigh.]

21 Then they that be in Judaea, flee to the mountains; and they that be in the middle of it, go away; and they that be in the countries, enter not into it.

22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things that be written, be fulfilled.