King James Version
What Does Luke 23:30 Mean?
“Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.”
Context
28
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29
For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
30
Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
31
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32
And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(30) **Then shall they begin to say to the mountains.**—The imagery was natural in a limestone country such as Judæa, subject to earthquakes. Commonly, such catastrophes were dreaded, and men prayed against them. The time was coming when the dens and caves which usually offered a place of refuge from invading armies (Isaiah 2:19) would prove insufficient, and men would cry, as they had done of old (comp. Hosea 10:8, from which the words are quoted), to the mountains to fall on them.
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 23:30 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 23:30
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge