Luk 21:8-11 | NETfull | STEP | He said, “Watch out that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them!

Luke 21:8-11

8 He ^{▼▼ Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} said, “Watch out ^{▼▼ Or “Be on guard.”} that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ ^{▼▼ That is, “I am the Messiah.”} and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them! 9 And when you hear of wars and rebellions, ^{▼▼ Social and political chaos also precedes the end. This term refers to revolutions (L&N 39.34).} do not be afraid. ^{▼▼ This is not the usual term for fear, but refers to a deep sense of terror and emotional distress (Luke 24:37; BDAG 895 s.v. πτοέω).} For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.” ^{▼▼ The end will not come at once. This remark about timing not only indicates that there will be events before the end, but that some time will also pass before it comes.}

Persecution of Disciples

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise up in arms ^{▼▼ For the translation “rise up in arms” see L&N 55.2.} against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and famines ^{▼▼ See Isa 5:13–14; 13:6–16; Hag 2:6–7; Zech 14:4.} and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights ^{▼▼ This term, φόβητρον (fobētron), occurs only here in the NT. It could refer to an object, event, or condition that causes fear, but in the context it is linked with great signs from heaven, so the translation “sights” was preferred.} and great signs ^{▼▼ See Jer 4:13–22; 14:12; 21:6–7.} from heaven.