What does Luke 21:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 21:11 references a part of Jesus Christ's eschatological discourse, where He speaks about the signs that would precede the end times.

In this particular verse, He mentions several catastrophic events: great earthquakes in various places, famines, pestilences, and terrifying sights along with great signs from heaven.

The mention of these calamities in this context suggests a period of intense turmoil and distress for humanity.

The literal meaning pertains to the physical occurrences of these disasters, while the deeper meaning may be interpreted as symbolic of societal, political, and spiritual upheaval.

These phenomena could also be understood as warning signs or a wake-up call to humanity to repent and turn back to God.

Historical Context

The Book of Luke, part of the New Testament, was likely written between 59 and 63 A.D. by Luke, a companion of Apostle Paul.

At the time of writing, the early Christians were facing various forms of persecution and were anticipating the return of Jesus Christ.

Luke's gospel aimed to provide a detailed account of Jesus's life and teachings, and to provide hope and instruction for believers amidst their trials.

In chapter 21, Jesus speaks about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and future tribulations, which early Christians would have related to the challenges and uncertainties they were experiencing.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, interpretations vary significantly across different denominations and scholars:

• Premillennialism advocates often interpret this verse as a literal description of events to occur before the second coming of Christ.
• Amillennialists and Postmillennialists might interpret the verse more allegorically, seeing spiritual rather than physical manifestations of these signs.
• Dispensationalists would differentiate between the prophecies related to Israel and the church, perhaps seeing these signs as pertaining particularly to the future of Israel.
• Covenant Theology proponents might view this scripture in light of God’s covenantal relationships and the unfolding of redemptive history.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, believers may use this verse as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith and morals despite chaotic world events.

It can serve as an impetus for Christians to engage in humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief, and to offer comfort and aid to those in disaster-hit or famine-stricken areas.

The verse could also encourage spiritual preparedness and vigilance, prompting individuals to reflect on their lives and reconcile with God and others.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:7: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
• Mark 13:8: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
• Revelation 6:12-13: "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind."
• 2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• Great earthquakes - σεισμούς μεγάλους (seismous megalous): 'seismous' means shake or quake, and 'megalous' means great or large.
• Famines - λιμούς (limous): refers to a scarcity of food, hunger, or famine.
• Pestilences - λοιμοὺς (loimous): implies disease, plague, or pestilence, often associated with high mortality.
• Fearful sights - φόβητρα (phobetra): means terrifying things or objects causing fear.
• Great signs - σημεῖα (semeia): indicates signs, marks, or indications, especially of significant events.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures and religions often had myths and prophecies about the end of the world or times of great catastrophe.

For example, Norse mythology speaks of Ragnarök, a series of events that includes a great battle and natural disasters leading to the flood of the world.

In Hinduism, the concept of Kali Yuga predicts a time of moral decline and societal collapse.

This verse in Luke resonates with such universal themes of apocalyptic expectation and transformative crisis.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, earthquakes, famines, and diseases are natural or biological phenomena that can be explained through geology, climatology, and medicine.

Scientists study patterns and causes of these events to predict and mitigate their impact rather than seeing them as supernatural signs.

However, the notion of fearful sights and signs from heaven can engage astrobiologists and astronomers in discussions about phenomena like solar flares, meteor showers, and comets, which could have been historically interpreted as ominous signs.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a variety of interpretations on Luke 21:11:

• John Calvin emphasized the certainty of prophetic fulfillment but cautioned against trying to predict specific times and dates for these events.
• Matthew Henry highlighted the alignment of these signs with divine judgment and the importance of spiritual preparedness.
• William Barclay suggested that Jesus's words were not meant to scare his followers but to prepare them for hard times and to provide comfort that God remains in control.
• **Robert H.

Stein** and other modern scholars analyze the passage within the context of the entire eschatological discourse, considering how it fits within Jesus's broader message of the coming Kingdom of God.