Discovery BoxLuke 21:8 
Context21:8 He 1 said, “Watch out 2 that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ 3 and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them!
Luke 21:34
Context21:34 “But be on your guard 4 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. 5
Luke 21:36
Context21:36 But stay alert at all times, 6 praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must 7 happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
1 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
2 tn Or “Be on guard.”
3 tn That is, “I am the Messiah.”
4 tn Grk “watch out for yourselves.”
sn Disciples are to watch out. If they are too absorbed into everyday life, they will stop watching and living faithfully.
5 sn Or like a thief, see Luke 12:39-40. The metaphor of a trap is a vivid one. Most modern English translations traditionally place the words “like a trap” at the end of v. 34, completing the metaphor. In the Greek text (and in the NRSV and REB) the words “like a trap” are placed at the beginning of v. 35. This does not affect the meaning.
6 sn The call to be alert at all times is a call to remain faithful in looking for the Lord’s return.
7 tn For the translation of μέλλω (mellw) as “must,” see L&N 71.36.
