King James Version

What Does Luke 21:11 Mean?

Luke 21:11 in the King James Version says “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”

Luke 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

10

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

12

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

13

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Jesus catalogs catastrophes: seismoi te megaloi kata topous kai limoi kai loimoi esontai (σεισμοί τε μεγάλοι κατὰ τόπους καὶ λιμοὶ καὶ λοιμοὶ ἔσονται, 'great earthquakes in various places and famines and plagues will be'). The phrase kata topous (κατὰ τόπους, 'throughout places/in various locations') indicates widespread, not isolated, disasters. Seismoi (σεισμοί, 'earthquakes') destabilize physical creation. Limoi (λιμοί, 'famines') threaten food supplies. Loimoi (λοιμοί, 'plagues/pestilences') describe disease epidemics.

Additionally, phobētra te kai ap' ouranou sēmeia megala estai (φοβητρά τε καὶ ἀπ' οὐρανοῦ σημεῖα μεγάλα ἔσται, 'terrors and great signs from heaven will be'). The word phobētra (φοβητρά, 'fearful things/terrors') suggests events causing dread. Sēmeia megala ap' ouranou (σημεῖα μεγάλα ἀπ' οὐρανοῦ, 'great signs from heaven') may indicate astronomical phenomena or supernatural manifestations. Creation itself groans under sin's curse (Romans 8:22), manifesting through natural disasters. These 'birth pangs' precede the new creation's delivery.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Natural disasters marked the first century. A severe famine occurred under Claudius (Acts 11:28). The eruption of Mount Vesuvius (AD 79) destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. Earthquakes struck various regions. Plagues periodically ravaged populations. Josephus records ominous signs before Jerusalem's destruction—a star resembling a sword, a comet, unusual celestial phenomena. Early Christians experienced these disasters, remembering Jesus' prophecy. Throughout history, earthquakes, famines, and plagues have killed millions—Justinian Plague (541-549), Black Death (1347-1353), modern earthquakes and pandemics. Each generation witnesses these patterns, confirming Jesus' words while awaiting their ultimate eschatological intensification before His return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians interpret natural disasters theologically—as random events, divine judgment, or groaning creation awaiting redemption?
  2. What does the phrase 'in divers places' suggest about the scope and frequency of these disasters throughout history?
  3. How can believers maintain both compassionate response to disaster victims and theological understanding of disasters as 'birth pangs' preceding Christ's return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
σεισμοί1 of 18

“earthquakes”

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

τε2 of 18

“And”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

μεγάλα3 of 18

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

κατὰ4 of 18

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τόπους5 of 18

“divers places”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

καὶ6 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λιμοὶ7 of 18

“famines”

G3042

a scarcity of food

καὶ8 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λοιμοὶ9 of 18

“pestilences”

G3061

a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest)

ἔσται10 of 18

“shall be”

G2071

will be

φόβητρά11 of 18

“fearful sights”

G5400

a frightening thing, i.e., terrific portent

τε12 of 18

“And”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ13 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σημεῖα14 of 18

“signs”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἀπ'15 of 18

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

οὐρανοῦ16 of 18

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

μεγάλα17 of 18

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἔσται18 of 18

“shall be”

G2071

will be

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:29-30Luke 21:25-27

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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