Luke 21:24-26

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 21:24 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
2. Luke 21:24 tn Grk “by the mouth of the sword” (an idiom for the edge of a sword).
3. Luke 21:24 sn Here is the predicted judgment against the nation until the time of Gentile rule has passed: Its people will be led away as captives.
4. Luke 21:24 tn Grk “And Jerusalem.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
5. Luke 21:24 sn Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled implies a time when Israel again has a central role in God’s plan.
6. Luke 21:25 sn Signs in the sun and moon and stars are cosmic signs that turn our attention to the end and the Son of Man’s return for the righteous. OT imagery is present: See Isa 13:9-10; 24:18-20; 34:4; Ezek 32:7-8; Joel 2:1, 30-31; 3:15.
7. Luke 21:25 tn Grk “distress of nations.”
8. Luke 21:25 tn Or “in consternation” (L&N 32.9).
9. Luke 21:26 tn According to L&N 23.184 this could be mainly a psychological experience rather than actual loss of consciousness. It could also refer to complete discouragement because of fear, leading people to give up hope (L&N 25.293).
10. Luke 21:26 sn An allusion to Isa 34:4. The heavens were seen as the abode of heavenly forces, so their shaking indicates distress in the spiritual realm. Although some take the powers as a reference to bodies in the heavens (like stars and planets, “the heavenly bodies,” NIV) this is not as likely.