The Meaning of Luke 21:5 Explained

Luke 21:5

KJV: And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

YLT: And certain saying about the temple, that with goodly stones and devoted things it hath been adorned, he said,

Darby: And as some spoke of the temple, that it was adorned with goodly stones and consecrated offerings, he said,

ASV: And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  as some  spake  of  the temple,  how  it was adorned  with goodly  stones  and  gifts,  he said, 

What does Luke 21:5 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Luke did not mention that Jesus gave this teaching on Mt. Olivet exclusively to His disciples ( Matthew 24:1-4; Mark 13:1-5). His omission of these facts created continuity in his narrative and connected this discourse with Jesus" preceding teaching in the temple that He gave on the same day. It also has the effect of making this discourse the climax of that teaching and suggests that it had value for all the people.
"This [1] double audience is appropriate to the eschatological discourse because, while much of it is directly relevant to the disciple, it deals once again with the fate of Jerusalem, a topic of special importance for the people who are listening." [2]
Luke substituted a description of the comments of others, as Matthew did, for direct quotations from them, which Mark narrated. He also mentioned that the temple"s decorations impressed the onlookers. Matthew and Mark wrote that the temple stones and complex of buildings impressed them.

Context Summary

Luke 21:5-19 - Days That Try Men's Souls
When we ask speculative questions, the Master bids us take heed to ourselves. His predictions in this passage were literally fulfilled in the events which culminated in the siege and fall of Jerusalem, forty years afterward. "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together," and through these throes and agonies mankind steps up to a new level of experience. The devil will not surrender his kingdom, any more than the bodies of men, without a grievous rending first: but there is a mightier than he.
The Church is called to follow her Lord. No easier path than His may she choose. Where there is no outward suffering there may be the inner cross and the death to all that the soul had once prized. Jesus has always stood beside His own wherever they have been called to witness for the truth; and the testimony given by His witnesses has reached the great ones of the earth and reverberated through courts and palaces. In suffering our souls become searched as by fire. We learn to know ourselves and to come into possession of an experience and a self-knowledge with which only suffering could have endowed us. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for Luke 21:5

As some spake [τινων λεγοντων]
Genitive absolute. The disciples we know from Mark 13:1; Matthew 24:1. [source]
How [οτι]
Literally, “that.”It was adorned (κεκοσμηται — kekosmētai). Perfect passive indicative, state of completion, stands adorned, tense retained in indirect discourse, though English has to change it. Κοσμεω — Kosmeō old and common verb for orderly arrangement and adorning.With goodly stones and offerings Instrumental case. Some of these stones in the substructure were enormous. “The columns of the cloister or portico were monoliths of marble over forty feet high” (Plummer). Cf. Josephus, War, V.5. The word ανατημα — anathēma (here only in the N.T.) is not to be confused with ανατεμα — anathema from the same verb ανατιτημι — anatithēmi but which came to mean a curse (Galatians 1:8; Acts 23:14). So ανατεμα — anathema came to mean devoted in a bad sense, ανατημα — anathēma in a good sense. “Thus knave, lad, becomes a rascal; villain, a farmer, becomes a scoundrel; cunning, skilful, becomes crafty ” (Vincent). These offerings in the temple were very numerous and costly (2 Maccabees 3:2-7) like the golden vine of Herod with branches as tall as a man (Josephus, Ant. XV. ii.3). [source]
It was adorned [κεκοσμηται]
Perfect passive indicative, state of completion, stands adorned, tense retained in indirect discourse, though English has to change it. Κοσμεω — Kosmeō old and common verb for orderly arrangement and adorning. [source]
With goodly stones and offerings [λιτοις καλοις και ανατημασιν]
Instrumental case. Some of these stones in the substructure were enormous. “The columns of the cloister or portico were monoliths of marble over forty feet high” (Plummer). Cf. Josephus, War, V.5. The word ανατημα — anathēma (here only in the N.T.) is not to be confused with ανατεμα — anathema from the same verb ανατιτημι — anatithēmi but which came to mean a curse (Galatians 1:8; Acts 23:14). So ανατεμα — anathema came to mean devoted in a bad sense, ανατημα — anathēma in a good sense. “Thus knave, lad, becomes a rascal; villain, a farmer, becomes a scoundrel; cunning, skilful, becomes crafty ” (Vincent). These offerings in the temple were very numerous and costly (2 Maccabees 3:2-7) like the golden vine of Herod with branches as tall as a man (Josephus, Ant. XV. ii.3). [source]
Stones []
See on Mark 13:1. [source]
Offerings [ἀναθήμασιν]
Only here in New Testament. From ἀνατίθημι ,to set up. Hence of something set up in the temple as a votive offering. Such were the golden vines presented by Herod the Great, with bunches of grapes as large as a man, and mounted above the entrance to the holy place. The magnificent porch of the temple was adorned with many such dedicated gifts, such as a golden wreath which Sosius offered after he had taken Jerusalem in conjunction with Herod; and rich flagons which Augustus and his wife had given to the sanctuary. Gifts were bestowed by princes friendly to Israel, both on the temple and on provincial synagogues. The word ἀνάθεμθ (Galatians 1:8, Rev.), is the same word, something devoted, and so devoted to evil and accursed. Luke uses the classical form. The other is the common or Hellenistic form. The two forms develop gradually a divergence in meaning; the one signifying devoted in a good, the other in a bad sense. The same process may be observed in other languages. Thus knave, lad, becomes a rascal: villain, a farmer, becomes a scoundrel: cunning, skilful, becomes crafty. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 21:5

Mark 13:1 Master, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings [διδασκαλε ιδε ποταποι λιτοι και ποταπαι οικοδομαι]
Matthew 24:1 and Luke 21:5 tell of the fact of the comment, but Mark alone gives the precise words. Perhaps Peter himself (Swete) was the one who sought thus by a pleasant platitude to divert the Teacher‘s attention from the serious topics of recent hours in the temple. It was not a new observation, but the merest commonplace might serve at this crisis. Josephus (Ant. xv. II, 3) speaks of the great size of these stones and the beauty of the buildings. Some of these stones at the southeastern and southwestern angles survive today and measure from twenty to forty feet long and weigh a hundred tons. Jesus had, of course, often observed them. [source]
Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? [Ειπον ημιν ποτε ταυτα εσται]
The Revised Version punctuates it as a direct question, but Westcott and Hort as an indirect inquiry. They asked about the when Matthew 24:3 includes “the sign of thy coming and the end of the world,” showing that these tragic events are brought before Jesus by the disciples. See discussion of the interpretation of this discourse on Matthew 24:3. This chapter in Mark is often called “The Little Apocalypse” with the notion that a Jewish apocalypse has been here adapted by Mark and attributed to Jesus. Many of the theories attribute grave error to Jesus or to the Gospels on this subject. The view adopted in the discussion in Matthew is the one suggested here, that Jesus blended in one picture his death, the destruction of Jerusalem within that generation, the second coming and end of the world typified by the destruction of the city. The lines between these topics are not sharply drawn in the report and it is not possible for us to separate the topics clearly. This great discourse is the longest preserved in Mark and may be due to Peter. Mark may have given it in order “to forewarn and forearm” (Bruce) the readers against the coming catastrophe of the destruction of Jerusalem. Both Matthew (Matthew 24) and Luke (Luke 21:5-36) follow the general line of Mark 13 though Matthew 24:43-25:46 presents new material (parables). [source]
John 10:11 The good shepherd [ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς]
Literally, the shepherd the good (shepherd). Καλὸς , though not of frequent occurrence in John, is more common than ἀγαθός , good, which occurs but four times and three times out of the four in the neuter gender, a good thing, or that which is good. Καλὸς in John is applied to wine (John 2:10), three times to the shepherd in this chapter, and twice to works (John 10:32, John 10:33). In classical usage, originally as descriptive of outward form, beautiful; of usefulness, as a fair haven, a fair wind. Auspicious, as sacrifices. Morally beautiful, noble; hence virtue is called τὸ καλὸν . The New Testament usage is similar. Outwardly fair, as the stones of the temple (Luke 21:5): well adapted to its purpose, as salt (Mark 9:50): competent for an office, as deacons (1 Timothy 4:6); a steward (1 Peter 4:10); a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3): expedient, wholesome (Mark 9:43, Mark 9:45, Mark 9:47): morally good, noble, as works (Matthew 5:16); conscience (Hebrews 13:18). The phrase it is good, i.e., a good or proper thing (Romans 14:21). In the Septuagint καλὸς is the most usual word for good as opposed to evil (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 24:50; Isaiah 5:20). In Luke 8:15, καλὸς and ἀγαθός are found together as epithets of the heart; honest (or virtuous, noble) and good. The epithet καλὸς , applied here to the shepherd, points to the essential goodness as nobly realized, and appealing to admiring respect and affection. As Canon Westcott observes, “in the fulfillment of His work, the Good Shepherd claims the admiration of all that is generous in man.” [source]
Acts 23:14 With a great curse [ανατεματι]
This use of the same word as the verb repeated in the instrumental case is in imitation of the Hebrew absolute infinitive and common in the lxx, the very idiom and words of Deuteronomy 13:15; Deuteronomy 20:17, an example of translation Greek, though found in other languages (Robertson, Grammar, p. 531). See note on Luke 21:5 for the distinction between anathema and anathēma Jesus had foretold: “Whoso killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). [source]
Acts 23:12 Bound themselves under a curse [ανετεματισαν εαυτους]
First aorist active indicative of ανατεματιζω — anathematizō a late word, said by Cremer and Thayer to be wholly Biblical or ecclesiastical. But Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 95) quotes several examples of the verb in an Attic cursing tablet from Megara of the first or second century a.d. This proof shows that the word, as well as ανατεμα — anathema (substantive) from which the verb is derived, was employed by pagans as well as by Jews. Deissmann suggests that Greek Jews like the seven sons of Sceva may have been the first to coin it. It occurs in the lxx as well as Mark 14:71 (which see and Luke 21:5); Acts 23:12, Acts 23:14, Acts 23:21. They placed themselves under an anathema or curse, devoted themselves to God (cf. Leviticus 27:28.; 1 Corinthians 16:22). Drink (πεινπιειν — pein̂piein). Second aorist active infinitive of πινω — pinō For this shortened form see Robertson, Grammar, p. 343. Till they had killed First aorist active subjunctive of αποκτεινω — apokteinō common verb. No reason to translate “had killed,” simply “till they should kill,” the aorist merely punctiliar action, the subjunctive retained instead of the optative for vividness as usual in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 974-6). Same construction in Acts 23:14. King Saul took an “anathema” that imperilled Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:24). Perhaps the forty felt that the rabbis could find some way to absolve the curse if they failed. See this verse repeated in Acts 23:21. [source]
Romans 9:3 Accursed from Christ [ἀνάθεμα ἀπὸ τοῦ χριστοῦ]
Compare Galatians 1:8, Galatians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 Corinthians 16:22. See on offerings, Luke 21:5. Set apart to destruction and so separated from Christ (Philemon 1:21; Philemon 3:8, Philemon 3:20). An expression of deep devotion. “It is not easy to estimate the measure of love in a Moses and a Paul. For our limited reason does not grasp it, as the child cannot comprehend the courage of warriors” (Bengel). Compare Moses, Exodus 32:32. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:3 Calleth Jesus accursed [λέγει Ἁνάθεμα Ἱησοῦς]
Lit., saith Anathema Jesus. Rev., preserving the formula, saith Jesus is Anathema. Compare Acts 18:6, and see on offerings, Luke 21:5. Paul uses only the form ἀνάθεμα , and always in the sense of accursed. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:3 Speaking in the Spirit of God [εν πνευματι τεου λαλων]
Either sphere or instrumentality. No great distinction here between λαλεω — laleō (utter sounds) and λεγω — legō (to say). Jesus is anathema (ανατεμα Ιησους — anathema Iēsous). On distinction between ανατεμα — anathema (curse) and ανατημα — anathēma (offering, Luke 21:5) see discussion. In lxx ανατημα — anathēma means a thing devoted to God without being redeemed, doomed to destruction (Leviticus 27:28f.; Joshua 6:17; 7:12). See note on 1 Corinthians 16:22; note. on Galatians 1:8; note on Romans 9:3. This blasphemous language against Jesus was mainly by the Jews (Acts 13:45; Acts 18:6). It is even possible that Paul had once tried to make Christians say Ανατεμα Ιησους — Anathema Iēsous (Acts 26:11). Jesus is Lord The term Κυριος — Kurios as we have seen, is common in the lxx for God. The Romans used it freely for the emperor in the emperor worship. “Most important of all is the early establishment of a polemical parallelism between the cult of Christ and the cult of Caesar in the application of the term Κυριος — Kurios ‹lord.‘The new texts have here furnished quite astonishing revelations” (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 349). Inscriptions, ostraca, papyri apply the term to Roman emperors, particularly to Nero when Paul wrote this very letter (ib., p. 353f.): “One with ‹Nero Kurios‘ quite in the manner of a formula (without article, like the ‹Kurios Jesus‘ in 1 Corinthians 12:3.” “The battle-cries of the spirits of error and of truth contending at Corinth” (Findlay). One is reminded of the demand made by Polycarp that he say Κυριος Χαεσαρ — Kurios Caesar and how each time he replied Κυριος Ιησους — Kurios Iēsous He paid the penalty for his loyalty with his life. Lighthearted men today can say “Lord Jesus” in a flippant or even in an irreverent way, but no Jew or Gentile then said it who did not mean it. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:3 Jesus is anathema [ανατεμα Ιησους]
On distinction between ανατεμα — anathema (curse) and ανατημα — anathēma (offering, Luke 21:5) see discussion. In lxx ανατημα — anathēma means a thing devoted to God without being redeemed, doomed to destruction (Leviticus 27:28f.; Joshua 6:17; 7:12). See note on 1 Corinthians 16:22; note. on Galatians 1:8; note on Romans 9:3. This blasphemous language against Jesus was mainly by the Jews (Acts 13:45; Acts 18:6). It is even possible that Paul had once tried to make Christians say Ανατεμα Ιησους — Anathema Iēsous (Acts 26:11). [source]
Galatians 1:8 Accursed [ἀνάθεμα]
See on Romans 9:3, and see on offerings, Luke 21:5. Comp. κατάρα , curse and see on ἐπικατάρατος cursed Galatians 3:13. In lxx. always curse, except Leviticus 27:28, and the apocryphal books, where it is always gift or offering. By Paul always curse: see Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 Corinthians 16:22. The sense of excommunication, introduced by patristic writers, does not appear in New Testament. [source]
1 Timothy 2:9 Adorn themselves [κοσμειν εαυτας]
Present active infinitive after βουλομαι — boulomai understood. Old word from κοσμος — kosmos (arrangement, ornament, order, world). See note on Luke 21:5 and note on Titus 2:10. See note on 1 Corinthians 11:5. for Paul‘s discussion of women‘s dress in public worship. In modest apparel (εν καταστοληι κοσμιωι — en katastolēi kosmiōi). Καταστολη — Katastolē is a late word (a letting down, καταστελλω — katastellō of demeanour or dress, arrangement of dress). Only here in N.T. Κοσμιος — Kosmios is old adjective from κοσμος — kosmos and means well-arranged, becoming. W. H. have adverb in margin (κοσμιως — kosmiōs). With shamefastness Old word for shame, reverence, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Sobriety (σωπροσυνης — sōphrosunēs). Old word, in N.T. only here, 1 Timothy 2:15, and Acts 26:15 (Paul also). Not with braided hair Old word from πλεκω — plekō to plait, to braid, for nets, baskets, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 3:1 And gold (εν χρυσιωι — en chrusiōi). Locative case with εν — en repeated. Some MSS. read χρυσωι — chrusōi Both used for gold ornaments. Or pearls See note on Matthew 7:6 for this word. Or costly raiment (η ιματισμωι πολυτελει — ē himatismōi polutelei). ιματισμος — Himatismos a common Koiné{[28928]}š word from ιματιζω — himatizō to clothe. Πολυτελης — Polutelēs old word from πολυς — polus and τελος — telos (great price). See Mark 14:3. [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 21:5 mean?

And as some were speaking about the temple that with stones goodly and consecrated gifts it was adorned He said
Καί τινων λεγόντων περὶ τοῦ ἱεροῦ ὅτι λίθοις καλοῖς καὶ ἀναθήμασιν κεκόσμηται εἶπεν

τινων  as  some 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
λεγόντων  were  speaking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
περὶ  about 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
ἱεροῦ  temple 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ἱερόν  
Sense: a sacred place, temple.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
λίθοις  with  stones 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: λίθος  
Sense: a stone.
καλοῖς  goodly 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: καλός  
Sense: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.
ἀναθήμασιν  consecrated  gifts 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: ἀνάθημα  
Sense: a gift consecrated and laid up in a temple.
κεκόσμηται  it  was  adorned 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κοσμέω  
Sense: to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare.
εἶπεν  He  said 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.

What are the major concepts related to Luke 21:5?

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