And you will be hated by everyoneThis phrase highlights the universal nature of the opposition that followers of Christ can expect. Historically, early Christians faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The phrase "hated by everyone" does not imply every single person, but rather a general societal rejection. This echoes Jesus' earlier teachings in
John 15:18-19, where He warns that the world will hate His followers because it first hated Him. The cultural context of the time was one of religious exclusivity, where allegiance to Christ was seen as a threat to both Jewish traditions and Roman political stability.
because of My name.
The "name" of Jesus signifies His authority, character, and mission. In biblical times, a name was more than just a label; it represented the essence of a person. The phrase indicates that the hatred is not due to personal failings of the disciples but directly related to their association with Jesus. This is a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen inIsaiah 53:3, where the Messiah is described as "despised and rejected by men." The early church, as recorded in Acts, often faced persecution specifically because they preached in the name of Jesus, which was seen as a challenge to existing religious and political structures. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship, as Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, even in the face of opposition.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the persecution they will face for being His followers.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all future believers who will face similar challenges.
3.
PersecutionThe event or experience Jesus is forewarning, where believers will be hated for their association with Him.
4.
The WorldRepresents the broader society and systems that oppose the teachings and person of Jesus Christ.
5.
The Name of JesusCentral to the cause of the hatred, representing the authority, mission, and identity of Jesus.
Teaching Points
Understanding PersecutionRecognize that persecution is a part of the Christian journey. Jesus forewarned His followers to prepare them, not to discourage them.
The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus comes with a cost, including potential hatred from the world. This is a call to evaluate our commitment to Christ.
Endurance in FaithBelievers are encouraged to endure persecution with the assurance that their faithfulness will be rewarded.
Identity in ChristOur identity in Christ is the reason for the world's hatred, but it is also our source of strength and hope.
Rejoicing in SufferingLike the apostles, we can find joy in suffering for Christ, knowing it aligns us with His mission and glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 21:17?
2.How can we prepare for being "hated by everyone" for Jesus' name?
3.What does Luke 21:17 teach about the cost of discipleship?
4.How does Luke 21:17 connect with Matthew 5:10-12 on persecution?
5.How can we find strength in faith when facing hatred for Jesus?
6.How should Luke 21:17 influence our response to opposition in daily life?
7.Why does Luke 21:17 say believers will be hated by everyone?
8.How should Christians respond to hatred as described in Luke 21:17?
9.What historical context explains the persecution mentioned in Luke 21:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21?
11.Was Jesus subject to circumcision?
12.Why do religious wars contradict the idea of divine love?
13.Did Jesus carry his own cross? (John 19:17 vs. Matthew 27:31-32)
14.In Leviticus 12:3, how does the insistence on circumcision at eight days align or conflict with modern medical and scientific perspectives?What Does Luke 21:17 Mean
And youJesus speaks directly to His followers, making it personal: “And you…” (Luke 21:17).
• The Master is preparing real people—then and now—for real opposition (Luke 12:4–7).
• He is not singling out an elite group; every disciple who takes Christ seriously is included (John 15:5).
• This reminds us that faith is relational: the Shepherd knows His sheep and addresses them individually (John 10:3).
will be hated“Will be” is a promise, not a possibility. Hatred is the expected response when light confronts darkness (John 3:19–20).
• Jesus already warned, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18).
• Paul later confirms the pattern: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
• The hatred may show up as ridicule, exclusion, legal pressure, or even violence—yet none of it surprises the Lord (Matthew 5:11–12).
by everyoneThe phrase points to a broad, society-wide hostility.
• “Everyone” does not mean every individual without exception but the prevailing culture across nations and eras (Mark 13:13).
• InActs 28:22 believers were labeled a “sect…spoken against everywhere,” illustrating this collective disdain.
• Christians have experienced such opposition under pagan Rome, communist regimes, secular modernity, and militant religious systems—evidence that Scripture speaks accurately to every generation.
because of My nameThe source of the conflict is unmistakable: allegiance to Jesus Himself.
• The issue is not personal quirks or political positions; it is fidelity to the Lord’s name (John 15:21).
• Early apostles rejoiced “that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41).
• Peter encourages believers, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed” (1 Peter 4:14).
• Suffering “for Christ’s sake” is even portrayed as a gracious gift inPhilippians 1:29.
• The name of Jesus exposes sin, claims exclusive lordship, and offers salvation; those who reject Him resent the reminder (Acts 4:12).
summaryLuke 21:17 sets clear expectations: every genuine follower of Jesus will encounter widespread hostility simply because they bear His name. The Lord personalizes the warning (“And you”), certifies its certainty (“will be hated”), describes its extent (“by everyone”), and identifies its cause (“because of My name”). Understanding this prepares us to stand firm, remember we are blessed, and keep proclaiming the saving name that the world so desperately needs yet naturally resists.
Verse 17. -
And ye shall be hated of all men for my Name's sake. All the records of early Christianity unite in bearing witness to the universal hatred with which the new sect were regarded by pagans as well as Jews. The words of the Roman Jews reported in
Acts 28:22 well sum this up, "As concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against" (see, too,
Acts 24:5 and
1 Peter 2:12). The Roman writers Tacitus, Pliny, and Suctonius, bear the same testimony.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.you will beἔσεσθε(esesthe)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.hatedμισούμενοι(misoumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3404:To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.byὑπὸ(hypo)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).everyoneπάντων(pantōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.because ofδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.name.ὄνομά(onoma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.
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NT Gospels: Luke 21:17 You will be hated by all men (Luke Lu Lk) 
