King James Version

What Does Luke 21:17 Mean?

Luke 21:17 in the King James Version says “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 21:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. Jesus warns His disciples of universal hostility—the phrase miseoumenoi hypo pantōn (μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων, "hated by all") indicates comprehensive opposition, not isolated incidents. The present passive participle suggests ongoing, sustained hatred directed at believers. The qualifier dia to onoma mou (διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου, "because of my name") specifies the cause: not personality conflicts or political views, but identification with Christ Himself.

The phrase "my name's sake" encompasses all that Jesus is—His person, teaching, authority, and saving work. To bear Christ's name is to bear His reproach (Hebrews 13:13). This hatred fulfills Jesus' earlier teaching: "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). The world's hatred of disciples reflects its hatred of their Master. This persecution serves as authentication—genuine Christianity provokes opposition because it confronts human autonomy and exposes sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This warning came during the Olivet Discourse shortly before Jesus' crucifixion (AD 30-33). Within a generation, it was literally fulfilled. Christians faced Jewish persecution (Acts 7:54-60, 12:1-3), Roman persecution under Nero (AD 64-68), and ongoing martyrdom throughout the empire. The charge "Christian" itself became grounds for execution—Pliny's letter to Trajan (AD 112) describes executing those who refused to recant Christ. Early church fathers document systematic hatred: Tacitus called Christians "hated for their abominations," while Tertullian wrote, "If the Tiber floods or the Nile doesn't, the cry is 'Christians to the lions!'" This pattern continues globally wherever the gospel advances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that persecution authenticates genuine faith rather than discredits it change your perspective on suffering for Christ?
  2. In what subtle ways do you experience 'hatred' for Christ's name in contemporary culture, even if not facing physical persecution?
  3. How should the certainty of opposition for Christ's sake shape evangelistic methods and expectations for church growth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

ἔσεσθε2 of 9

“ye shall be”

G2071

will be

μισούμενοι3 of 9

“hated”

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

ὑπὸ4 of 9

“of”

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 (

πάντων5 of 9

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

διὰ6 of 9

“men for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ7 of 9
G3588

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

ὄνομά8 of 9

“name's sake”

G3686

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

μου9 of 9

“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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:19Luke 6:22John 15:212 Corinthians 12:102 Corinthians 4:11Mark 13:13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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