King James Version

What Does Luke 21:12 Mean?

Luke 21:12 in the King James Version says “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and int... — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 21:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus shifts focus from cosmic signs to personal persecution: pro de toutōn pantōn epibalousin eph' hymas tas cheiras autōn kai diōxousin (πρὸ δὲ τούτων πάντων ἐπιβαλοῦσιν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν καὶ διώξουσιν, 'but before all these things they will lay hands on you and persecute'). The phrase pro toutōn pantōn (πρὸ τούτων πάντων, 'before all these') indicates persecution precedes cosmic signs—disciples will suffer before eschatological events unfold.

The persecution includes paradidontes eis tas synagōgas kai phylakas (παραδιδόντες εἰς τὰς συναγωγὰς καὶ φυλακάς, 'delivering into synagogues and prisons') and being apagomenous epi basileis kai hēgemonas (ἀπαγομένους ἐπὶ βασιλεῖς καὶ ἡγεμόνας, 'led away before kings and governors'). Synagogues represent Jewish persecution; prisons, kings, and governors represent Roman persecution. The cause: heneken tou onomatos mou (ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, 'for my name's sake'). Disciples suffer not for crimes but for confessing Christ. This suffering identifies believers with their persecuted Lord.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled immediately. Acts records synagogue persecution (Acts 4:1-22, 5:17-42, 6:8-8:3). Paul suffered beatings in synagogues (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). Stephen was stoned (Acts 7). James was executed (Acts 12:1-2). Peter and John were imprisoned multiple times. Paul stood before governors Felix and Festus, King Agrippa, and ultimately Caesar (Acts 23-26). Christian persecution intensified under Nero (AD 64), Domitian (AD 81-96), and later emperors. Early Christians faced martyrdom in arenas, crucifixion, burning, and other brutality. Church history confirms the pattern: believers suffer 'for His name's sake' in every generation. Modern Christians face persecution globally—imprisonment, execution, discrimination—fulfilling Jesus' prophecy continuously.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus warn that persecution will come 'before all these' cosmic signs, and what does this priority reveal?
  2. What does it mean to suffer 'for my name's sake,' and how does this distinguish Christian persecution from ordinary suffering?
  3. How should believers prepare spiritually for potential persecution, given Jesus' clear warning that it will come?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
πρὸ1 of 26

before

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

δὲ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τούτων3 of 26

these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἅπαντων4 of 26

all

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

ἐπιβαλοῦσιν5 of 26

they shall lay

G1911

to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal

ἐπὶ6 of 26

before

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς7 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὰς8 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρας9 of 26

hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν10 of 26
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ11 of 26

and

G2532

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

διώξουσιν12 of 26

persecute

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

παραδιδόντες13 of 26

you delivering

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

εἰς14 of 26

you up

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

συναγωγὰς15 of 26

to the synagogues

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

καὶ16 of 26

and

G2532

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

φυλακάς17 of 26

into prisons

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

ἀγομένους18 of 26

being brought

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ἐπὶ19 of 26

before

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

βασιλεῖς20 of 26

kings

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

καὶ21 of 26

and

G2532

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

ἡγεμόνας22 of 26

rulers

G2232

a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

ἕνεκεν23 of 26

for

G1752

on account of

τοῦ24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματός25 of 26

name's

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου·26 of 26

my

G3450

of me


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 21:12 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 21:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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