Discovery BoxLuke 21:21-24 
Context21:21 Then those who are in Judea must flee 1 to the mountains. Those 2 who are inside the city must depart. Those 3 who are out in the country must not enter it, 21:22 because these are days of vengeance, 4 to fulfill 5 all that is written. 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! For there will be great distress 6 on the earth and wrath against this people. 21:24 They 7 will fall by the edge 8 of the sword and be led away as captives 9 among all nations. Jerusalem 10 will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 11
1 sn Fleeing to the mountains is a key OT image: Gen 19:17; Judg 6:2; Isa 15:5; Jer 16:16; Zech 14:5.
2 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
3 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
4 tn Or “of punishment.” This is a time of judgment.
5 tn The passive construction with the infinitive πλησθῆναι (plhsqhnai) has been translated as an active construction for simplicity, in keeping with contemporary English style.
6 sn Great distress means that this is a period of great judgment.
7 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
8 tn Grk “by the mouth of the sword” (an idiom for the edge of a sword).
9 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.
10 tn Grk “And Jerusalem.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
11 sn Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled implies a time when Israel again has a central role in God’s plan.
