New Testament · Gospel

Luke 21:7

Signs Before the End

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” Luke 21:7 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Luke 21:7, in plain English

The disciples ask: 'When will this happen? And what sign will tell us it's about to take place?' They want to know the timeline.

Why it's here

The temple's destruction is unimaginable to them, so they want details. When? How will we know? Jesus' answer will prepare them for what's coming.

Who's speaking

The disciples ask the natural follow-up questions that every listener would want answered.

Where it sits in the story

The prophecy has shaken them, and they need to know more. When? What are the warning signs? Jesus is about to give them the most important briefing of their lives.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The disciples ask two questions: when (pote) will these things happen, and what will be the sign (sēmeion) that they are about to occur? These questions launch the Olivet Discourse in Luke's version.

Language and setting

The double question about timing and signs structures the discourse that follows. In Luke's version (compared to Mark 13 and Matthew 24), the focus is more on the fall of Jerusalem than the end of the world.

Voice

The disciples ask Jesus for the timing and signs of the temple's destruction.

Significance

Naturally, the disciples want to know when and how. Their questions launch one of Jesus' most important prophetic discourses — a roadmap for the future that balances warning with hope.

In context

Luke 21:5–9

5As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said,

6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

9When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”

Read all of Luke 21 — A widow drops two coins into the treasury, and Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple. The end is coming, but so is redemption.

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