Luke 21:36

Luke 21:36 Meaning and Explanation

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

King James Version (KJV)

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Jesus closes the discourse with a double command, watch and pray always, looking toward the day his people stand before the Son of man.

What Does Luke 21:36 Mean?

The discourse ends in two verbs: watch and pray, and one word governs them, always. Jesus gathers all the chapter's warnings into a single sustained posture, wakeful and prayerful, aimed at one goal: to be accounted worthy to escape these things and to stand before the Son of man.

The end of all watching is not surviving a catastrophe but meeting a Person. To stand before the Son of man, upright, unashamed, welcomed, is the hope that makes vigilance sweet. Watchfulness without prayer becomes anxiety; prayer without watchfulness grows drowsy; together they keep the soul awake and leaning toward its Lord until he comes.

Luke 21:36 in the Original Language

agrypneo (ἀγρυπνέω), 'watch' -- to stay awake, keeping sleepless vigil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 21:36

What does Luke 21:36 mean?

Jesus closes the discourse with a double command, watch and pray always, looking toward the day his people stand before the Son of man.

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