Luke 21:9
New International Version
When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

New Living Translation
And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

English Standard Version
And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Berean Standard Bible
When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”

Berean Literal Bible
And when you should hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for it behooves these things to take place first, but the end is not immediately."

King James Bible
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

New King James Version
But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

New American Standard Bible
And when you hear of wars and revolts, do not be alarmed; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”

NASB 1995
“When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”

NASB 1977
“And when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”

Amplified Bible
When you hear of wars and disturbances [civil unrest, revolts, uprisings], do not panic; for these things must take place first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Christian Standard Bible
When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

American Standard Version
And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

Contemporary English Version
When you hear about wars and riots, don't be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but this isn't the end.

English Revised Version
And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"When you hear of wars and revolutions, don't be terrified! These things must happen first, but the end will not come immediately."

Good News Translation
Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near."

International Standard Version
When you hear of wars and revolutions, never be alarmed, because these sort of things must take place first, but the end won't come right away."

Majority Standard Bible
When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.?

NET Bible
And when you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be afraid. For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once."

New Heart English Bible
When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."

Webster's Bible Translation
But when ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass: but the end is not immediately.

Weymouth New Testament
But when you hear of wars and turmoils, be not afraid; for these things must happen first, but the end does not come immediately."

World English Bible
When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and when you may hear of wars and uprisings, do not be terrified, for it is necessary for these things to happen first, but the end [is] not immediately.”

Berean Literal Bible
And when you should hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for it behooves these things to take place first, but the end is not immediately."

Young's Literal Translation
and when ye may hear of wars and uprisings, be not terrified, for it behoveth these things to happen first, but the end is not immediately.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And when ye hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these must first be; but the end not immediately.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified: these things must first come to pass; but the end is not yet presently.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when you will have heard of battles and seditions, do not be terrified. These things must happen first. But the end is not so soon.”

New American Bible
When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

New Revised Standard Version
“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be afraid; for all these things must first come to pass; but the end is not vet.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And whenever you hear wars and commotions, do not be afraid, for these things are going to happen first, but the end will not have yet arrived.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when you hear of wars, and tumults, be not terrified; for these things must first take place; but the end comes not immediately.

Godbey New Testament
And when ye may hear of wars and commotions, be not affrighted: for it behooveth these things first to take place; but the end is not immediately.

Haweis New Testament
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the conclusion is not immediately.

Mace New Testament
And when ye shall hear of wars, and seditions, be not alarm'd, for these must first happen: but the end will not be so soon.

Weymouth New Testament
But when you hear of wars and turmoils, be not afraid; for these things must happen first, but the end does not come immediately."

Worrell New Testament
And, when ye hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified; for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not straight-way."

Worsley New Testament
And when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these must first happen; but the end will not be directly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Temple Destruction Foretold
8Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” 10Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:6-8
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. / All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:7-8
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Revelation 6:4
Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword.

Revelation 6:8
Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.

Daniel 9:26
Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.

Daniel 11:27
And the two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time.

Isaiah 19:2
“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

Jeremiah 51:46
Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumor is heard in the land; for a rumor will come one year—and then another the next year—of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

Ezekiel 38:10-12
This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— / in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’

Zechariah 14:2
For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

2 Thessalonians 2:2
not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Revelation 11:18
The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Revelation 16:14
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Micah 7:6
For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.


Treasury of Scripture

But when you shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

when.

Luke 21:18,19
But there shall not an hair of your head perish…

Psalm 27:1-3
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? …

Psalm 46:1,2
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…

but.

Luke 21:8,28
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…

Jump to Previous
Afraid Behoveth Disturbances Ears End Fear First Follow Frightened Hear Immediately Needs News Once Right Terrified Times Troubled Tumults Wars Won't
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Afraid Behoveth Disturbances Ears End Fear First Follow Frightened Hear Immediately Needs News Once Right Terrified Times Troubled Tumults Wars Won't
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.














When you hear of wars and rebellions
This phrase indicates a time of turmoil and conflict, which was common in the ancient world. Historically, the Roman Empire experienced numerous wars and uprisings, such as the Jewish revolts. Biblically, wars and conflicts are often seen as signs of judgment or divine intervention (e.g., Isaiah 19:2). The mention of "rebellions" suggests internal strife, which can be seen in the political instability of the time. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).

do not be alarmed
Jesus instructs His followers not to be fearful or anxious despite the chaos around them. This echoes the biblical theme of trusting in God's sovereignty (Philippians 4:6-7). The call to remain calm is a reminder of the peace that comes from faith in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). It also reflects the assurance that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

These things must happen first
This phrase suggests a divine necessity or predetermined plan. It implies that the events are part of God's sovereign will and prophetic timeline. The use of "must" indicates that these occurrences are not random but are part of a larger divine purpose. This aligns with the biblical understanding of prophecy, where certain events are foretold and must come to pass (Daniel 9:24-27).

but the end is not imminent.
Here, Jesus clarifies that while these events are significant, they do not signal the immediate end of the age. This serves as a caution against premature eschatological speculation. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and patience, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan unfolds in His timing. This phrase also connects to other scriptural teachings on the end times, such as Matthew 24:36, where the exact timing of the end is known only to the Father.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this passage, providing prophetic teaching to His disciples about future events.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to understand the signs of the times.

3. Wars and Rebellions
Events that Jesus mentions as precursors to the end times, indicating turmoil and conflict in the world.

4. The End
Refers to the culmination of history and the return of Christ, which will not occur immediately after these events.

5. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the context of Jesus' discourse in Luke 21, as He speaks about the future of the city and the world.
Teaching Points
Do Not Be Alarmed
Jesus instructs believers to remain calm and steadfast in faith despite the chaos around them. Trust in God's sovereignty is crucial.

Understanding Prophecy
Recognize that wars and conflicts are part of the prophetic timeline, but they are not the final word. This understanding should lead to preparedness, not panic.

Focus on the Mission
While aware of global events, believers should remain focused on the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

Hope in Christ's Return
The promise of Jesus' return should inspire hope and perseverance, knowing that current events are temporary and part of God's plan.

Prayer and Watchfulness
Engage in prayer and remain spiritually vigilant, seeking God's guidance and strength in tumultuous times.(9) Commotions.--The word does not occur in the other Gospels, but is used by St. Paul in 1Corinthians 14:33 ("confusion"), 2Corinthians 6:5; 2Corinthians 12:20 ("tumults"). Its exact meaning is unsettlement, disorder.

Be not terrified.--The word is used by St. Luke only, here and in Luke 24:37, in the New Testament.

By and by.--Better, as elsewhere, immediately.

Verses 9, 10. - Wars and commotions... nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Josephus the Jewish, and Tacitus the Roman, historian - the former in his 'Jewish Wars,' and the latter in his 'Annals' - describe the period which immediately followed the Crucifixion as full of wars, crimes, violences, earthquakes. "It was a time," says Tacitus, "rich in disasters, horrible with battles, torn with seditions, savage even in peace itself."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

you hear of
ἀκούσητε (akousēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

wars
πολέμους (polemous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4171: A war, battle, strife. From pelomai; warfare.

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

rebellions,
ἀκαταστασίας (akatastasias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 181: From akatastatos; instability, i.e. Disorder.

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

be alarmed.
πτοηθῆτε (ptoēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4422: To terrify, scare, strike with panic. Probably akin to the alternate of pipto or to petomai; to scare.

These things
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

happen
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

first,
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

end
τέλος (telos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5056: (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.

[is] not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

imminent.”
εὐθέως (eutheōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.


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NT Gospels: Luke 21:9 When you hear of wars and disturbances (Luke Lu Lk)
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