King James Version

What Does Luke 21:13 Mean?

Luke 21:13 in the King James Version says “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it shall turn to you for a testimony.”

Luke 21:13 · KJV

Context

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:

15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Jesus reframes persecution positively: apobēsetai hymin eis martyrion (ἀποβήσεται ὑμῖν εἰς μαρτύριον, 'it will turn out for you as a testimony'). The verb apobainō (ἀποβαίνω) means 'result in,' 'lead to,' 'turn out.' What appears negative—arrest, trial, imprisonment—God transforms into martyrion (μαρτύριον, 'testimony/witness'). The word martyrion shares its root with 'martyr,' reflecting how Christian witness often led to death.

This principle pervades Acts and church history: persecution advances the gospel. Paul's imprisonments spread the message (Philippians 1:12-14). Stephen's martyrdom scattered believers who evangelized (Acts 8:1-4). Tertullian wrote, 'The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.' Persecution intended to silence believers instead amplifies their testimony. Courts become pulpits; trials become evangelistic opportunities; suffering validates message authenticity. God sovereignly uses evil intentions for redemptive purposes (Genesis 50:20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Acts demonstrates this principle repeatedly. Peter and John's arrest led to gospel proclamation before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-12). Persecution scattered believers who 'went everywhere preaching the word' (Acts 8:4). Paul's trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa became opportunities to present Christ (Acts 24-26). His Roman imprisonment facilitated gospel spread through the Praetorian Guard and Caesar's household (Philippians 1:13, 4:22). Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr and Polycarp used trials to testify publicly. Modern persecution similarly backfires—Chinese Christianity exploded under Communist persecution; underground churches thrive where above-ground churches are banned. Opposition intended to destroy faith instead proves its authenticity and spreads its message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God transform persecution intended to silence believers into opportunities for gospel testimony?
  2. What examples from Christian history demonstrate that 'the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church'?
  3. How should this promise change believers' attitudes toward suffering and persecution for Christ's name?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
ἀποβήσεται1 of 5

“it shall turn”

G576

literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate

δὲ2 of 5

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 5

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἰς4 of 5

“for”

G1519

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

μαρτύριον5 of 5

“a testimony”

G3142

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

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 21:13 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 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:12Philippians 1:282 Thessalonians 1:51 Thessalonians 3:3-4

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