Book of Luke - Chapter 21 - Verse 20

In the verse "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh," Jesus is prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem. He warned his disciples about the impending doom that would come upon the city when they see it surrounded by armies. This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman armies under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the temple and the dispersal of the Jewish people. The significance of this verse is to serve as a warning to the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn back to God before it is too late. It also serves as a reminder to Christians to be vigilant and prepared for the coming of the Lord and to ensure that their faith is steadfast even in the face of adversity. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of being spiritually alert and responsive to the signs of the times.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse from Luke 21:20, "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh," scholars often consider the historical context in which it was written. This verse is part of Jesus' discourse predicting the destruction of Jerusalem, which was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the city was besieged and conquered by the Roman armies. The language used in this verse underscores the impending doom that would befall Jerusalem, serving as a warning to the inhabitants to be vigilant and prepared for the calamity to come. Additionally, word studies on phrases like "desolation thereof is nigh" reveal the sense of urgency and finality in Jesus' message, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for the people to heed his words. Overall, this verse conveys a powerful message about judgment and the consequences of disobedience, urging readers to reflect on the significance of recognizing the signs of impending disaster and taking appropriate action in response to them.