Luke 21:34
New International Version
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

New Living Translation
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

English Standard Version
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Berean Standard Bible
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

Berean Literal Bible
And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life--and that day would come upon you suddenly as a snare.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

New American Standard Bible
“But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap;

NASB 1995
“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

NASB 1977
“Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap;

Legacy Standard Bible
“But be on guard, so that your hearts will not be overcome with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

Amplified Bible
“But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

Christian Standard Bible
“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly

American Standard Version
But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

Contemporary English Version
Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you

English Revised Version
But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Make sure that you don't become drunk, hung over, and worried about life. Then that day could suddenly catch you by surprise

Good News Translation
"Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you

International Standard Version
"Constantly be on your guard so that your hearts will not be loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, or that day will take you by surprise

Majority Standard Bible
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life?and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

NET Bible
"But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap.

New Heart English Bible
"So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your souls be weighed down with self-indulgence and drunkenness or the anxieties of this life, and that day come upon you, suddenly, like a falling trap;

World English Bible
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And take heed to yourselves lest your hearts may be weighed down with carousing, and drunkenness, and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day may come on you,

Berean Literal Bible
And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life--and that day would come upon you suddenly as a snare.

Young's Literal Translation
'And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts may be weighed down with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day may come on you,

Smith's Literal Translation
And attend to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be loaded with dizziness, caused by excess, and drunkenness, and cares of life, and that day come upon you unexpectedly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But be attentive to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts may be weighed down by self-indulgence and inebriation and the cares of this life. And then that day may overwhelm you suddenly.

New American Bible
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise

New Revised Standard Version
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But take heed to yourselves, that your hearts may not become heavy by extravagance, and drunkenness, and worries of this world, and that day come suddenly upon you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But beware in your souls that your hearts never grow cold with gluttony and with drunkenness and with the cares of the world, and suddenly it shall come upon you that day.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts become heavy with reveling and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day come upon you when you look not for it.

Godbey New Testament
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts may be burdened with luxury, and drunkenness, and worldly cares, and that day may come on you unanticipated.

Haweis New Testament
But take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts should be overloaded with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the anxious cares of life, and that day should come upon you unawares.

Mace New Testament
set a guard upon yourselves, that ye be not stupified by surfeiting and drunkenness, or by the disquietudes of this life, and so that day come upon you with a surprize.

Weymouth New Testament
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your souls be weighed down with self-indulgence and drunkenness or the anxieties of this life, and that day come upon you, suddenly, like a falling trap;

Worrell New Testament
"But take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be weighed down with gluttony and drunkenness, and anxieties pertaining to life, and that day come upon you suddenly as a snare;

Worsley New Testament
Take heed to yourselves, least at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of life, and so that day should come upon you unawares:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Be Watchful for the Day
33Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. 34But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life— and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. 35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:42-44
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Mark 13:33-37
Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

Romans 13:11-14
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ...

1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Ephesians 5:15-18
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ...

Philippians 4:5-7
Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. / Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

2 Peter 3:10-12
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Isaiah 5:11-12
Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.

Jeremiah 13:16-17
Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. / But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.

Ezekiel 33:10-11
Now as for you, son of man, tell the house of Israel that this is what they have said: ‘Our transgressions and our sins are heavy upon us, and we are wasting away because of them! How can we live?’ / Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’


Treasury of Scripture

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 on you unawares.

take.

Luke 21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

Luke 17:3
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Mark 13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

your hearts.

Luke 12:45
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

Leviticus 10:9
Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Proverbs 21:4
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

surfeiting.

Deuteronomy 29:19
And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

1 Samuel 25:36
And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

Isaiah 28:1-3
Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! …

cares.

Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 10:41
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

Matthew 13:22
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

that day.

Luke 12:46
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Psalm 35:8
Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

Matthew 24:39-50
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be…

Jump to Previous
Anxieties Attention Careful Cares Carousing Close Dissipation Drunkenness Falling Fear Food Hearts Heed Loaded Net Pleasures Possibly Self-Indulgence Snare Souls Suddenly Time Unawares Unexpectedly Weighed Weighted Wine Worries Yourselves
Jump to Next
Anxieties Attention Careful Cares Carousing Close Dissipation Drunkenness Falling Fear Food Hearts Heed Loaded Net Pleasures Possibly Self-Indulgence Snare Souls Suddenly Time Unawares Unexpectedly Weighed Weighted Wine Worries Yourselves
Luke 21
1. Jesus commends the poor widow.
5. He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem;
25. the signs also which shall be before the last day.
34. He exhorts them to be watchful.














But watch yourselves
This phrase emphasizes the need for personal vigilance and self-awareness. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it is a call to spiritual alertness. The Greek word used here for "watch" implies a continuous, active state of being on guard. This echoes Jesus' earlier teachings in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 24:42, where He instructs His followers to stay awake and be prepared for His return. The call to watchfulness is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith and attentive to spiritual matters.

or your hearts will be weighed down
The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's emotions, thoughts, and will. A heart "weighed down" suggests a state of spiritual lethargy or burden. This can be linked to Proverbs 4:23, which advises guarding the heart as it is the wellspring of life. The warning here is against allowing external influences to dull one's spiritual sensitivity and responsiveness to God's voice.

by dissipation
Dissipation refers to a lifestyle of excess and indulgence, often leading to moral and spiritual decay. In the cultural context of the time, this could include lavish banquets and hedonistic pursuits common in Roman society. The Bible frequently warns against such behavior, as seen in Ephesians 5:18, where believers are cautioned against drunkenness and encouraged to be filled with the Spirit instead. Dissipation distracts from spiritual priorities and can lead to a loss of focus on God's kingdom.

drunkenness
Drunkenness is specifically highlighted as a vice that can dull spiritual alertness. In the ancient world, wine was a common part of daily life, but excessive consumption was condemned. Proverbs 20:1 warns that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging, highlighting the dangers of losing self-control. The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to live soberly and righteously, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8.

and the worries of life
The worries of life refer to the everyday concerns and anxieties that can preoccupy one's mind. Jesus addressed this in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in Matthew 6:25-34, where He encourages trust in God's provision. The cultural context of first-century Judea involved significant economic and political instability, which could easily lead to anxiety. However, believers are called to cast their cares on God, as stated in 1 Peter 5:7, trusting in His care and sovereignty.

and that day will spring upon you suddenly
"That day" refers to the day of the Lord, a time of divine intervention and judgment. The suddenness of its arrival is a common theme in eschatological teachings, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, where the day of the Lord is described as coming like a thief in the night. This imagery underscores the importance of readiness and the unpredictability of the timing of God's final acts in history.

like a snare
A snare is a trap set for catching animals, often hidden and unexpected. This metaphor highlights the danger of being unprepared for the Lord's return. In the biblical context, a snare represents sudden entrapment and the consequences of neglecting spiritual vigilance. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 29:6, where an evil man is ensnared by his transgressions, contrasting with the freedom of the righteous. The warning is clear: spiritual complacency can lead to being caught unawares by the unfolding of God's plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this passage, providing a warning to His disciples and followers about the end times and the importance of vigilance.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to heed His warnings.

3. Jerusalem
The broader context of Luke 21 includes Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem, which serves as a backdrop for His teachings on vigilance.

4. End Times
The event Jesus is referring to, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return.

5. Hearts
Symbolic of the inner life and spiritual state of individuals, which can be affected by worldly distractions.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in Faith
Believers are called to be constantly alert and spiritually awake, avoiding complacency in their walk with Christ.

Guarding the Heart
The heart must be protected from worldly distractions such as dissipation, drunkenness, and anxiety, which can dull spiritual sensitivity.

Awareness of the Times
Understanding the signs of the times and living with an eternal perspective helps believers remain focused on Christ's return.

Sobriety and Self-Control
Practicing self-discipline in all areas of life ensures that believers are not caught off guard by the suddenness of Christ's return.

Prioritizing Spiritual Readiness
Daily spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers help maintain readiness for the Lord's coming.(34) Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time . . .--We again pass into what has nothing corresponding to it in the other reports of the discourse, and may therefore be assumed to be of the nature of a paraphrase. We note in it, as such, that, as far as the New Testament is concerned, St. Luke only uses the words for "overcharged" and "surfeiting" (the latter word belonged, more or less, to the vocabulary of medical science); St. Luke and St. Paul alone those for "drunkenness" (Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21), and cares "of this life" (1Corinthians 6:3-4), and "unawares" (1Thessalonians 5:3). In the last passage we have what reads almost like a distinct echo from this verse. The whole passage, it may be noted, falls in with St. Luke's characteristic tendency to record all portions of our Lord's teaching that warned men against sensuality and worldliness.

Verse 34. - And take heed to yourselves. The Master ended his discourse with an earnest practical reminder to his disciples to live ever with the sure expectation of his return to judgment. As for those who heard him then, conscious of the oncoming doom of the city, temple, and people, with the solemn procession of signs heralding the impending ruin ever before their eyes, no passions or cares of earth surely would hinder them from living the brave, pure life worthy of his servants. As for coming generations - for the warning voice of Jesus here is equally addressed to them - they too must watch for another and far more tremendous ruin falling upon their homes than ever fell upon Jerusalem. The attitude of his people in every age must be that of the "watcher" till he come.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

watch
Προσέχετε (Prosechete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.

yourselves,
ἑαυτοῖς (heautois)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

or
μή‿ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

hearts
καρδίαι (kardiai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

will be weighed down
βαρηθῶσιν (barēthōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 916: To weight, load, burden, lit. and met. From barus; to weigh down.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

dissipation,
κραιπάλῃ (kraipalē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2897: Drunken dissipation, surfeiting. Probably from the same as harpazo; properly, a headache from drunkenness, i.e. a debauch.

drunkenness,
μέθῃ (methē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3178: Deep drinking, drunkenness. Apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. intoxication.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the] worries
μερίμναις (merimnais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3308: Care, worry, anxiety. From merizo; solicitude.

of life—
βιωτικαῖς (biōtikais)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 982: Belonging to ordinary life, worldly. From a derivative of bioo; relating to the present existence.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

that
ἐκείνη (ekeinē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

day
ἡμέρα (hēmera)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

will spring
ἐπιστῇ (epistē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2186: To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.

upon
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

suddenly
αἰφνίδιος (aiphnidios)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 160: Unexpected, sudden. From a compound of a and phaino; unexpected, i.e. suddenly.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a snare.
παγίς (pagis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3803: From pegnumi; a trap; figuratively, a trick or statagem.


Links
Luke 21:34 NIV
Luke 21:34 NLT
Luke 21:34 ESV
Luke 21:34 NASB
Luke 21:34 KJV

Luke 21:34 BibleApps.com
Luke 21:34 Biblia Paralela
Luke 21:34 Chinese Bible
Luke 21:34 French Bible
Luke 21:34 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 21:34 So be careful or your hearts will (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 21:33
Top of Page
Top of Page