Jesus's evaluation of the widow's offering reverses his typical role as judge, positioning him instead as the one who recognizes and honors sacrificial giving.
Luke 21
The Widow's Offering
1He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.
2He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.
3He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,
4for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
The Olivet Discourse
5As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,
6“As for these things which you see, the days will come in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.”
7They asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?”
8He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them.
9When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”
10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
13It will turn out as a testimony for you.
14Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
16You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.
17You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.
18And not a hair of your head will perish.
19“By your endurance you will win your lives.
20“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.
21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.
22For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath to this people.
24They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;
26men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
29He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees.
30When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near.
31Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near.
32Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished.
33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
34“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.
35For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.
36Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet.
38All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.
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Theme
Luke 21 presents Jesus' final temple teaching through two contrasting episodes: a poor widow's sacrificial offering and his prophetic discourse about Jerusalem's destruction and the end times. Jesus commends the widow's complete devotion while warning his disciples about coming persecution, false messiahs, and cosmic upheaval. The chapter emphasizes faithful endurance through tribulation and watchfulness for Christ's return, bridging immediate concerns about Jerusalem's fate with ultimate eschatological hope.
Context
This chapter concludes Jesus' public ministry in Jerusalem before the passion narrative begins, following his triumphal entry and temple cleansing in chapter 19-20.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 The Widow's Sacrificial Gift Jesus contrasts a poor widow's complete offering with the wealthy's surplus giving.
- 5-7 Prophecy of Temple Destruction Jesus predicts the temple's complete destruction, prompting disciples to ask about timing and signs.
- 8-19 Signs and Persecution Before the End Jesus warns of false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, and persecution of his followers.
- 20-24 Jerusalem's Coming Desolation Specific prophecy about Jerusalem's siege, destruction, and the scattering of its people.
- 25-36 Cosmic Signs and Christ's Return Description of celestial disturbances preceding the Son of Man's glorious coming and call to watchfulness.
- 37-38 Jesus' Daily Teaching Routine Summary of Jesus' pattern of teaching in the temple during his final days in Jerusalem.
The Widow's Offering
21:1–21:4 gospel narration tender
Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small coins to the temple treasury and declares that she gave more than the rich because she gave all she had.
person_contrast
Jesus's evaluation of the widow's offering reverses his typical role as judge, positioning him instead as the one who recognizes and honors sacrificial giving.
The Olivet Discourse
21:5–21:38 gospel speech warning
Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple and describes signs of the end times, warning of persecution and calling for endurance. He speaks of cosmic disturbances, the desolation of Jerusalem, and his eventual return in glory.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from his typical teaching about present kingdom authority to apocalyptic prophecy, uniquely blending immediate historical judgment (Jerusalem's destruction) with cosmic eschatological events in a single discourse.
Insights
Jesus shifts from his typical teaching about present kingdom authority to apocalyptic prophecy, uniquely blending immediate historical judgment (Jerusalem's destruction) with cosmic eschatological events in a single discourse.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 21:1 1 reference
Luke 21:2 2 references
Luke 21:3 2 references
Luke 21:4 2 references
Luke 21:5 2 references
Luke 21:6 2 references
Luke 21:7 1 reference
Luke 21:8 2 references
Luke 21:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 13:7 Lexical
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet.
Matthew 24:6 Lexical
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet…
Mark 4:15 Lexical
The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes aw…
Mark 4:16 Lexical
These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receiv…
Revelation 4:1 Lexical
After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven; and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking w…
Luke 21:10 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 24:7 Lexical
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in…
Mark 13:8 Lexical
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There wil…
Matthew 24:14 Lexical
This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end w…
Luke 21:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 24:7 Lexical
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in…
Mark 13:8 Lexical
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There wil…
Revelation 11:19 Lexical
God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds…
Luke 4:25 Lexical
But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and s…
Revelation 11:13 Lexical
In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthqu…
Luke 21:12 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 13:9 Lexical
“But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before…
Matthew 10:18 Lexical
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
Acts 22:4 Lexical
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Acts 12:1 Lexical
Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
Luke 21:16 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 13:12 Lexical
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause the…
Matthew 10:21 Lexical
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause the…
Luke 14:12 Lexical
He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, don’t call your friends, nor your brot…
Acts 15:40 Lexical
but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
Luke 21:17 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 13:13 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:9 Lexical
“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sa…
Luke 21:20 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 13:14 Lexical
“But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the…
Matthew 24:15 Lexical
“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the…
John 8:28 Lexical
Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing…
Luke 21:21 2 references
Luke 21:23 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 24:19 Lexical
But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days!
Mark 13:17 Lexical
But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days!
Hebrews 7:27 Lexical
who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins o…
Revelation 8:13 Lexical
I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the ea…
Revelation 6:17 Lexical
for the great day of his wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Luke 21:24 4 references
Lexicals 4
Revelation 19:15 Lexical
Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with…
Luke 1:20 Lexical
Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe…
Acts 2:5 Lexical
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky.
Revelation 14:20 Lexical
The wine press was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out of the wine press, up to the bridles of the horses, a…
Luke 21:25 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 12:1 Lexical
A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of t…
Revelation 7:2 Lexical
I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four a…
Matthew 4:15 Lexical
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
Revelation 20:8 Lexical
and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them to…
Acts 27:20 Lexical
When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved…
Luke 21:26 2 references
Luke 21:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 24:30 Lexical
and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will s…
Mark 13:26 Lexical
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 14:62 Lexical
Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky…
Matthew 26:64 Lexical
Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the ri…
Revelation 19:1 Lexical
After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation, p…
Luke 21:30 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 24:32 Lexical
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…
Mark 13:28 Lexical
“Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…
Matthew 24:33 Lexical
Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
Mark 13:29 Lexical
even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.
Luke 21:31 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 24:33 Lexical
Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
Mark 13:29 Lexical
even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.
Matthew 24:32 Lexical
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…
Mark 13:28 Lexical
“Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…
Luke 21:32 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 24:34 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished.
Matthew 5:18 Lexical
For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke sh…
Mark 13:30 Lexical
Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.
Mark 9:1 Lexical
He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see…
Matthew 5:26 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
Luke 21:34 2 references
Lexicals 2
Luke 21:35 1 reference
Luke 21:37 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 26:55 Lexical
In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I s…
Mark 13:3 Lexical
As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
Acts 1:12 Lexical
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
Luke 19:29 Lexical
When he came near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples,
Luke 22:39 Lexical
He came out and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Destruction Of Temple
586 BCThe Babylonian destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, ending the sacrificial system temporarily. This catastrophic event fulfilled prophetic warnings and marked a theological turning point for Judaism.
Jesus prophesies the temple's destruction as part of his end times discourse.
The Olivet Discourse