King James Version

What Does Luke 21:25 Mean?

Luke 21:25 in the King James Version says “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with per... — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:25 · KJV


Context

23

But woe unto them that are with child , and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Jesus shifts from Jerusalem's AD 70 destruction to cosmic signs accompanying His return. The phrase sēmeia en hēliō kai selēnē kai astrois (σημεῖα ἐν ἡλίῳ καὶ σελήνῃ καὶ ἄστροις, "signs in sun and moon and stars") echoes Old Testament apocalyptic language (Joel 2:30-31, Isaiah 13:10). These celestial disturbances indicate God's direct intervention in history—the natural order shaken as the Creator returns.

The earthly response is synochē ethnōn en aporia (συνοχὴ ἐθνῶν ἐν ἀπορίᾳ, "distress of nations in perplexity"). The noun synochē (συνοχή) means constraint, anguish, being hemmed in; aporia (ἀπορία) means bewilderment, being at a loss, inability to find a way forward. Nations will be trapped in crisis without solutions—political systems failing, human wisdom exhausted. The phrase ēchous thalassēs kai salou (ἤχους θαλάσσης καὶ σάλου, "sound of sea and waves") may be literal (tsunamis, storm surges) or metaphorical (nations raging like turbulent seas, per Psalm 46:2-3, Isaiah 17:12).

This cosmic upheaval distinguishes Christ's return from Jerusalem's fall. AD 70 was local judgment; the Second Coming involves universal signs. These portents serve dual purposes: they terrify unbelievers (v. 26) but signal redemption for believers (v. 28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament prophets used cosmic imagery to describe divine judgment—Joel's prophecy of the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:30-31), Isaiah's oracle against Babylon (Isaiah 13:9-10), and Ezekiel's lament over Egypt (Ezekiel 32:7-8). Jesus applies this apocalyptic language to His Second Coming. Whether the celestial signs are literal disruptions of astronomy or symbolic language describing political upheaval is debated. Amillennial and preterist interpreters often see metaphorical language; premillennialists typically expect literal cosmic disturbances. Peter quoted Joel on Pentecost (Acts 2:19-20), suggesting partial fulfillment in AD 30-70, but Jesus here points to final consummation. Throughout church history, unusual astronomical phenomena (comets, eclipses, meteors) have prompted speculation about fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do cosmic signs accompanying Christ's return demonstrate that His Second Coming will be unmistakable and universal, unlike false messiahs?
  2. What is the relationship between Old Testament apocalyptic language about 'day of the Lord' and Jesus' teaching about the end times?
  3. How should believers balance expectation of Christ's return with patient, faithful living in the present?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἔσται2 of 21

there shall be

G2071

will be

σημεῖα3 of 21

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐν4 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡλίῳ5 of 21

the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

καὶ6 of 21

And

G2532

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

σελήνῃ7 of 21

in the moon

G4582

the moon

καὶ8 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἄστροις9 of 21

in the stars

G798

properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial)

καὶ10 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἐπὶ11 of 21

upon

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

τῆς12 of 21
G3588

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

γῆς13 of 21

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

συνοχὴ14 of 21

distress

G4928

restraint, i.e., (figuratively) anxiety

ἐθνῶν15 of 21

of nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἐν16 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀπορίᾳ17 of 21

perplexity

G640

a (state of) quandary

ἠχούσης18 of 21

roaring

G2278

to make a loud noise, i.e., reverberate

θαλάσσης19 of 21

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ20 of 21

And

G2532

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

σάλου21 of 21

the waves

G4535

a vibration, i.e., (specially), billow


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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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