King James Version

What Does Luke 21:35 Mean?

Luke 21:35 in the King James Version says “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:35 · KJV

Context

33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

35

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

37

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth (ὡς παγὶς γὰρ ἐπεισελεύσεται ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς καθημένους ἐπὶ πρόσωπον πάσης τῆς γῆς, hōs pagis gar epeiseleusetai epi pantas tous kathēmenous epi prosōpon pasēs tēs gēs)—Pagis (snare, trap) describes sudden, inescapable capture. The verb epeiserchomai (to come upon, rush in) in future tense guarantees certainty. The scope is universal: pantas tous kathēmenous epi prosōpon pasēs tēs gēs (all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth).

This echoes Old Testament prophetic warnings about the Day of the LORD (Joel 2:1-2, Zephaniah 1:14-18)—a day of reckoning for all humanity, not just Israel. The kathēmenous (dwelling, settling) implies those comfortably established in earthly life, unaware of impending judgment. A snare works through deception—the victim doesn't see it coming. Similarly, those absorbed in earthly concerns won't recognize eschatological signs until too late.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Christians anticipated Christ's imminent return, but Jesus warns that 'that day' will affect all earth-dwellers regardless of expectation. The global scope challenges parochial views of judgment limited to Israel or Jerusalem. Revelation 3:10 promises believers will be kept 'from the hour of trial coming on the whole world.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of a snare emphasize the suddenness and inescapability of judgment for the unprepared?
  2. What does the universal scope ('whole earth') teach about God's sovereignty and the gospel's global implications?
  3. How can you avoid becoming so 'settled' in earthly dwelling that you lose awareness of eternal realities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὡς1 of 13

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

παγὶς2 of 13

“a snare”

G3803

a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)

γὰρ3 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπελεύσεται4 of 13

“shall it come”

G1904

to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence

ἐπὶ5 of 13

“on”

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

πάσης6 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς7 of 13
G3588

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

καθημένους8 of 13

“them that dwell”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ9 of 13

“on”

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

πρόσωπον10 of 13

“the face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

πάσης11 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῆς12 of 13
G3588

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

γῆς13 of 13

“earth”

G1093

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

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 21:35 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 21:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:15Isaiah 24:17-18Jeremiah 48:43-44Ecclesiastes 9:12Luke 17:37Psalms 11:6

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