Audio Bible
Context Be Watchful for the Day34But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. 35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”…
Cross References 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Matthew 24:37-39As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. / For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. / And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Revelation 3:3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
2 Peter 3:10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Matthew 24:42-44Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
Mark 13:33-37Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ...
Revelation 16:15“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
Matthew 25:13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Romans 13:11-12And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Joel 2:1-2Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near— / a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.
Zephaniah 1:14-15The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,
Isaiah 13:6-9Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. / Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. / Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. ...
Amos 5:18-20Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. / It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. / Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it?
Malachi 4:1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”
Psalm 11:6
Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. Ecclesiastes 9:12
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Isaiah 24:17,18
Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth… dwell. Luke 17:37
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. Genesis 7:4
For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. Acts 17:26
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; of the whole earth. Jump to Previous Dwell Dwellers Dwelling Earth Face Live Snare Surface WholeJump to Next Dwell Dwellers Dwelling Earth Face Live Snare Surface WholeLuke 21 1. Jesus commends the poor widow.5. He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem;25. the signs also which shall be before the last day.34. He exhorts them to be watchful.For it will come uponThis phrase indicates an inevitable event, emphasizing certainty and divine orchestration. The context is Jesus speaking about the end times, warning of sudden and unavoidable occurrences. This aligns with prophetic literature, such as the suddenness of the Day of the Lord described in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, where it is likened to a thief in the night. The use of "it" refers to the events surrounding the end times, including judgment and tribulation. all who dwell
The phrase "all who dwell" suggests universality, indicating that no one is exempt from the coming events. This echoes the global scope of the flood in Genesis 7:21-23, where all living creatures were affected. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the inclusivity of His plans, as seen in Revelation 3:10, which speaks of a trial coming upon the whole world. on the face of
This expression is a Hebraic way of describing the surface of the earth, often used in the Old Testament to denote the entirety of the inhabited world. It emphasizes the physical reality and visibility of the events to come. The phrase is reminiscent of Genesis 1:29, where God provides for all living things on the earth's surface, highlighting His sovereignty over creation. all the earth.
The phrase "all the earth" reinforces the global impact of the prophesied events. It connects to the eschatological themes found in Daniel 12:1, where a time of unprecedented distress is described. This universality is also seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where the gospel is to be preached to all nations, indicating that both judgment and salvation are global in scope. The phrase underscores the comprehensive reach of God's plan, affecting every nation and people group. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this passage, providing prophetic teaching about the end times and the coming judgment. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to heed His warnings. 3. All who dwell on the face of the earthRefers to every person living on earth, emphasizing the universal scope of the coming event. 4. End TimesThe period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by significant tribulation and divine judgment. 5. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the setting of Jesus' discourse in Luke 21, where He speaks about the future destruction and His return. Teaching Points Universal Scope of JudgmentThe coming event will affect everyone on earth, underscoring the need for global awareness and readiness. Call to VigilanceBelievers are urged to remain watchful and prayerful, avoiding complacency in their spiritual lives. Urgency of RepentanceThe certainty and suddenness of the event call for immediate repentance and alignment with God's will. Hope in Christ's ReturnWhile the message is sobering, it also offers hope for believers who anticipate Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom. Living with Eternal PerspectiveThis passage encourages Christians to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual matters over temporal concerns. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 21:35?
2. How can we prepare for the "trap" mentioned in Luke 21:35?
3. What does Luke 21:35 teach about the suddenness of Christ's return?
4. How does Luke 21:35 connect with 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 about the Day?
5. What practical steps can we take to remain vigilant as believers?
6. How does understanding Luke 21:35 impact our daily walk with Christ?
7. What does Luke 21:35 mean by "it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth"?
8. How does Luke 21:35 relate to the concept of the end times?
9. What historical events might Luke 21:35 be referencing?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21?
11. What does the Bible say about the end of the world?
12. Should Christians prepare for doomsday scenarios?
13. Is he present with the Lord now?
14. Psalm 139:7-10: If God is truly everywhere, how can He coexist with evil or suffering in remote or unknown places?What Does Luke 21:35 Mean For it will come• Jesus has just warned, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down… and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare” (Luke 21:34). • “It” refers to the climactic “day” of divine reckoning—the sudden unveiling of God’s judgment and Christ’s return (Luke 21:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). • Because the Lord’s words are certain, the event is not a possibility but a fixed reality: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33).
upon all• No one is exempt; the scope is universal. Just as “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), so all will face the consequences of that sin unless sheltered in Christ. • Universal reach echoes other prophecies: “He causes all, both small and great… to receive a mark” (Revelation 13:16), showing end-times events touch every social class and nation.
who dwell• The phrase points to people settled into everyday life, focused on the here and now—like those in Noah’s day who “were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matthew 24:38). • Revelation repeats the expression: “those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10), highlighting a mindset anchored in earthly security instead of heavenly hope.
on the face• This vivid picture reminds us that God sees the entire human scene: “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9). • From the first pages of Scripture—“the waters continued to increase and lift the ark high above the earth” (Genesis 7:17)—judgment has a visible, worldwide imprint.
of all the earth• The reach is global, just as Isaiah foresaw: “Terror and pit and snare await you, O inhabitant of the earth” (Isaiah 24:17-18). • Jesus promises protection only for those who “keep My command to endure” (Revelation 3:10). Everyone else remains exposed to the coming wrath (Revelation 6:15-17).
summaryLuke 21:35 underscores the inescapable, worldwide nature of the day of the Lord. The judgment Jesus foretells is certain (“it will come”), comprehensive (“upon all”), directed at settled earth-dwellers absorbed in temporal life (“who dwell”), openly displayed (“on the face”), and reaches every corner of humanity (“of all the earth”). The verse urges readiness, watchfulness, and reliance on Christ as the only safe refuge when that day arrives. (35) As a snare . . .--The word is not found in the other Gospels, but is used several times by St. Paul ( Romans 11:9; 1Timothy 3:7; 1Timothy 6:9; 2Timothy 2:26). Them that dwell . . .--Elsewhere in the New Testament, the verb is used in its literal meaning of "sitting." In the sense of "dwelling" or "residing," we find it, probably, again in Acts 2:2. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ (gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.it will comeἐπεισελεύσεται (epeiseleusetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1904: From epi and erchomai; to supervene, i.e. Arrive, occur, impend, attack, influence.uponἐπὶ (epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. allπάντας (pantas)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoτοὺς (tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.dwellκαθημένους (kathēmenous)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.onἐπὶ (epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the faceπρόσωπον (prosōpon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.of theτῆς (tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wholeπάσης (pasēs)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.earth.γῆς (gēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.
Links Luke 21:35 NIVLuke 21:35 NLTLuke 21:35 ESVLuke 21:35 NASBLuke 21:35 KJV
Luke 21:35 BibleApps.comLuke 21:35 Biblia ParalelaLuke 21:35 Chinese BibleLuke 21:35 French BibleLuke 21:35 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 21:35 For it will come like a snare (Luke Lu Lk) |
