Bible Strands
Luke 21:20
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Olivet Discourse, warning them of an impending military siege. He links their patient endurance to the coming destruction of the holy city.
The words — κυκλουμένην (kukloumenēn) means being encircled, and στρατοπεδῶν (stratopedōn) denotes military encampments or armies. Together they describe a city completely hemmed in by hostile forces.
The thread — This imagery echoes Luke 19:43, where enemies barricade and hem Jerusalem in on every side. It also parallels the prophetic warning in Mark 13:14 regarding the abomination of desolation standing in an inappropriate place.
Why it lands — The text commands immediate recognition of the siege as a sign of imminent judgment. It requires readers to prioritize physical survival and spiritual vigilance over attachment to the city.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Cross-references
- Luke 19:43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side.
- Daniel 9:27 And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.”
- Mark 13:14 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
- Matthew 24:15 So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),
- Luke 21:7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”