King James Version

What Does Luke 21:28 Mean?

Luke 21:28 in the King James Version says “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Luke 21:28 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

29

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

30

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. While unbelievers' hearts fail (v. 26), believers receive opposite commands—anakyptate kai eparate tas kephalas hymōn (ἀνακύψατε καὶ ἐπάρατε τὰς κεφαλὰς ὑμῶν, "straighten up and lift up your heads"). Both verbs are aorist imperatives—decisive commands. Anakyptō (ἀνακύπτω) means to straighten up from a stooped position, to look up; epairō (ἐπαίρω) means to lift up, raise. The posture contrasts despair's bowed head with hope's uplifted gaze.

The timing is archomenōn de toutōn ginesthai (ἀρχομένων δὲ τούτων γίνεσθαι, "when these things begin to happen")—not at completion but at commencement. When cosmic signs start, believers should respond with eager anticipation, not terror. The reason: dioti engizei hē apolytrōsis hymōn (διότι ἐγγίζει ἡ ἀπολύτρωσις ὑμῶν, "because your redemption draws near"). The noun apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις) means release, deliverance, ransom—full salvation including bodily resurrection (Romans 8:23, Ephesians 4:30).

This verse reveals believers' radically different perspective on eschatological events. What terrifies unbelievers thrills believers—the same events signal judgment for some, redemption for others. The command to "lift up your heads" suggests confidence, dignity, joy—posture befitting those approaching liberation, not condemnation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early church faced persecution, marginalization, and mockery. Paul encouraged Thessalonians awaiting Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), urging them to "comfort one another with these words." Throughout church history, persecuted believers have clung to Jesus' promise—present suffering is temporary; redemption approaches. The phrase "lift up your heads" echoes Psalm 24:7-9 ("Lift up your heads, O ye gates"), celebrating the King of glory's entrance. Christ's return is coronation day for believers—they inherit the kingdom prepared from the world's foundation (Matthew 25:34). This hope sustained martyrs, comforted the afflicted, and motivated holy living throughout two millennia.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can the same eschatological events cause terror in unbelievers but joyful anticipation in believers?
  2. What does the command to 'lift up your heads' reveal about the dignity and confidence appropriate for those awaiting Christ's return?
  3. How should the nearness of 'redemption' affect Christian endurance through present trials and persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀρχομένων1 of 15

“begin”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τούτων3 of 15

“when these things”

G5130

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

γίνεσθαι4 of 15

“to come to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀνακύψατε5 of 15

“then look up”

G352

to unbend, i.e., rise; figuratively, be elated

καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπάρατε7 of 15

“lift up”

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τὰς8 of 15
G3588

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

κεφαλὰς9 of 15

“heads”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

ὑμῶν10 of 15

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

διότι11 of 15

“for”

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

ἐγγίζει12 of 15

“draweth nigh”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

ἡ13 of 15
G3588

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

ἀπολύτρωσις14 of 15

“redemption”

G629

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

ὑμῶν15 of 15

“your”

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 21:28 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 21:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:23Isaiah 60:1-2Ephesians 4:30Romans 8:19Isaiah 12:1-3Psalms 98:5-9

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