Luke 21:11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Luke 21:11 (KJV)

Context

Luke 21 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs that will precede His second coming and the end of the age. In this verse, He lists specific events that will occur in various places, indicating scattered rather than universal happenings.

Meaning

Earthquakes

Jesus mentions great earthquakes in divers places. These are literal seismic events that cause upheaval and destruction, but they can also symbolize social and political instability. The phrase “in divers places” (Greek: kata topous) suggests that these will occur in different locations, not everywhere at once.

Famines

Famines represent severe food shortages and widespread hunger. They often result from environmental disasters, economic collapse, or war. In the prophetic context, they point to times of scarcity and human suffering that will mark the period before Christ’s return.

Pestilences

Pestilences are epidemics or pandemics—highly contagious diseases that affect large populations. The Greek word used here (loimoi) can refer to plagues or deadly outbreaks. Such diseases disrupt societies and remind us of human frailty and the need for dependence on God.

Fearful sights and great signs from heaven

“Fearful sights” (Greek: phobetra) refers to terrifying phenomena, whether seen or heard, such as dreadful thunderings or celestial disturbances. “Great signs from heaven” points to miraculous or portentous events in the sky, like comets or unusual astronomical occurrences. These signs are not merely to frighten but to alert people to the reality of God’s plan and the approach of the end times.

Biblical connections

This verse parallels Matthew 24:7, where Jesus gives a similar list of end-times signs. Both passages are part of the Olivet Discourse and emphasize that these events are part of God’s sovereign plan, preceding the culmination of history.

Application

These signs serve as warnings, not to provoke fear, but to encourage spiritual readiness. Believers are called to be watchful, faithful, and trust in God’s sovereignty even amid disasters and upheavals. The passage reminds us to focus on living out our faith and spreading the Gospel, knowing that these events are part of the larger story of redemption.

Reflection

Approach prophetic passages with humility and discernment, recognizing that the fulfillment of these prophecies may occur in different ways and at different times. Our response should be to remain steadfast, prayerful, and confident in God’s ultimate control over history.