The widow's offering
Luke 21:1–4FocusGiving out of want
Connection to the wholeJesus evaluates the widow's contribution in relation to her poverty, challenging judgments based only on visible amount.
interpretation Luke 21:28
KJVAnd when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Read it in context
Jerusalem and the Son of man
Start reading at Luke 21:20 (Luke 21:20 to Luke 21:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus distinguishes descriptions of Jerusalem's distress and His coming within the discourse, calling His followers to look toward redemption.
- 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
- 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
- 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
- 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
- 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
- 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
- 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
- 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
- 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 21:1–21:38): Jesus notices a widow's offering and answers questions about the temple and coming events; the people continue coming early to hear Him in the temple. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jerusalem and the Son of man. Read Luke 21:20 through Luke 21:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus distinguishes descriptions of Jerusalem's distress and His coming within the discourse, calling His followers to look toward redemption. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jerusalem and the Son of man (Luke 21:20 to Luke 21:28). Start reading at Luke 21:20. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 21:20, Luke 21:28, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The prediction concerning the temple and coming troubles
Parallel accounts
These discourses overlap, but their arrangement and wording differ. The link does not settle disputed prophetic timelines.
Related passages
- look Ps 98:5-9 Isa 12:1-3 Isa 25:8-9 Isa 60:1-2
- redemption Rom 8:19,23 Eph 1:14 Eph 4:30
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 21
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The temple and coming troubles
Luke 21:5–19FocusWitness and endurance
Connection to the wholeThe temple prediction leads to warnings about deception, upheaval, and persecution, calling the disciples to faithful endurance.
interpretation FocusDesolation and approaching redemption
Connection to the wholeJesus distinguishes descriptions of Jerusalem's distress and His coming within the discourse, calling His followers to look toward redemption.
interpretation Watchfulness and prayer
Luke 21:29–38FocusReadiness rather than carelessness
Connection to the wholeThe fig tree illustration and closing commands turn the hearers toward watchful prayer and away from lives dulled by indulgence and care.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.