King James Version

What Does Luke 21:16 Mean?

Luke 21:16 in the King James Version says “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.”

Luke 21:16 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

17

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

18

But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Jesus reveals persecution's most painful dimension: paradothēsesthe de kai hypo goneōn kai adelphōn kai syngenōn kai philōn (παραδοθήσεσθε δὲ καὶ ὑπὸ γονέων καὶ ἀδελφῶν καὶ συγγενῶν καὶ φίλων, 'you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends'). The verb paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι, 'betray/hand over/deliver up') is the same word used for Judas betraying Jesus—intimate treachery. Persecution comes not from strangers but from goneōn (γονέων, 'parents'), adelphōn (ἀδελφῶν, 'siblings'), syngenōn (συγγενῶν, 'relatives'), and philōn (φίλων, 'friends').

The consequence: kai thanatōsousin ex hymōn (καὶ θανατώσουσιν ἐξ ὑμῶν, 'and they will put to death some of you'). Family members will facilitate believers' executions. This fulfills Jesus' earlier prophecy that He came to bring division, setting family members against each other (Luke 12:51-53). Allegiance to Christ supersedes blood relationships; when families oppose faith, believers must choose Christ over kinship. This is Christianity's costliest demand—losing not just possessions or freedom but family love and loyalty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy has been horrifically fulfilled throughout church history. Early Christians faced family betrayal when parents reported converted children to authorities, or children reported believing parents. Roman law prioritized family and state loyalty; Christianity's exclusive claims threatened both. Jewish families sat shiva (mourned as dead) children who converted to Christianity. During various persecutions—Diocletian, Reformation conflicts, Communist regimes—family members betrayed believers. In modern Islamic, Hindu, or Buddhist contexts, conversion often means family rejection, persecution, or honor killing. Chinese house church members face betrayal by relatives. This prophecy remains painfully relevant wherever following Christ conflicts with family or cultural loyalty.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus warn specifically about betrayal by family members and friends, and why is this persecution's most painful form?
  2. How should believers prepare spiritually for potential family rejection or persecution because of faith in Christ?
  3. What does this passage teach about the priority of allegiance to Christ over natural family relationships when they conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
παραδοθήσεσθε1 of 15

“ye shall be betrayed”

G3860

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ὑπὸ4 of 15

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

γονέων5 of 15

“parents”

G1118

a parent

καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἀδελφῶν7 of 15

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ8 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

συγγενῶν9 of 15

“kinsfolks”

G4773

a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

φίλων11 of 15

“friends”

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

καὶ12 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

θανατώσουσιν13 of 15

“shall they cause to be put to death”

G2289

to kill

ἐξ14 of 15

“some of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν15 of 15

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 21:16 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 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:53Revelation 6:9Matthew 10:21Jeremiah 9:4Mark 13:12Micah 7:5-6

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