King James Version
What Does Luke 21:5 Mean?
“And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,”
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?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5, 6) **And as some spake of the temple.**—See Notes on Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2, where the “some” are identified with the disciples.
**Goodly stones.**—These were probably so called, either as being sculptured, or as being of marble, or porphyry, or other of the more precious materials used in building.
**Gifts.**—St. Luke uses the more strictly classical word for “offerings,” according to some of the best MSS., in the self-same form as the *Anathĕma* (1Corinthians 12:3; 1Corinthians 16:12), which elsewhere in the New Testament is confined to the idea of that which is set apart, not for a blessing, but a curse. The fact that he is the only writer to use it in its good sense is characteristic of his Gentile and classical training. Other MSS., however, give the more usual term, *Anathēma,* as if it had been found necessary to distinguish the form of the word according to its uses.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge