King James Version

What Does Luke 21:5 Mean?

Luke 21:5 in the King James Version says “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,”

Luke 21:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

4

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

5

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

6

As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

7

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

Read Luke 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, The scene shifts from the widow's offering to architectural commentary. Disciples or bystanders marveled at the temple's magnificence—lithois kalois kai anathēmasin (λίθοις καλοῖς καὶ ἀναθήμασιν, 'beautiful stones and votive offerings'). Herod's temple was one of the ancient world's architectural wonders. Massive stones (some weighing hundreds of tons) formed walls; gold plates covered surfaces; elaborate decorations adorned courts. Votive offerings from wealthy donors further embellished the complex.

The observers' admiration reflects human tendency to equate size, beauty, and wealth with divine approval. The temple's grandeur suggested permanence, stability, God's blessing. Yet Jesus is about to shatter this assumption. The contrast with the preceding widow's story is deliberate: while observers admire gold and stone, Jesus values the widow's pennies. God is unimpressed by architectural splendor built on religious exploitation. Beauty doesn't sanctify corruption; magnificent buildings don't prove divine favor.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod the Great began rebuilding the second temple in 20 BC; work continued until AD 64, just six years before Rome destroyed it. The temple complex covered about 35 acres. The sanctuary itself featured white marble and gold plating. Josephus described massive stones in the foundation, some 67 feet long, 7.5 feet high, and 9 feet wide. The Beautiful Gate was made of Corinthian brass. Wealthy donors contributed elaborate decorations. To observers in AD 30, this structure seemed permanent and indestructible—a monument to Jewish national identity and religious devotion. Jesus' prophecy that it would be completely destroyed must have seemed inconceivable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do humans naturally equate impressive religious buildings with God's presence and approval?
  2. How does the juxtaposition of the widow's pennies with the temple's magnificence challenge values in modern church culture?
  3. What does Jesus' unimpressed response to architectural splendor teach about what truly matters to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

τινων2 of 13

“as some”

G5100

some or any person or object

λεγόντων3 of 13

“spake”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

περὶ4 of 13

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ5 of 13
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ6 of 13

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

ὅτι7 of 13

“how”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λίθοις8 of 13

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

καλοῖς9 of 13

“with goodly”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

καὶ10 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναθήμασιν11 of 13

“gifts”

G334

a votive offering

κεκόσμηται12 of 13

“it was adorned”

G2885

to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)

εἶπεν13 of 13

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 2:20Matthew 24:1-51Mark 13:1-37

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