New International VersionPeople will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
New Living TranslationPeople will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
English Standard Versionpeople fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Berean Standard BibleMen will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Berean Literal Biblemen fainting from fear and expectation of that which is coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
King James BibleMen's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
New King James Versionmen’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
New American Standard Biblepeople fainting from fear and the expectation of the things that are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
NASB 1995men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
NASB 1977men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Legacy Standard Biblemen fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the POWERS OF THE HEAVENS will be shaken.
Amplified Biblepeople fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Christian Standard BiblePeople will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Holman Christian Standard BiblePeople will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.
American Standard Versionmen fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
Contemporary English VersionPeople will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world. Every power in the sky will be shaken.
English Revised Versionmen fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPeople will faint as they fearfully wait for what will happen to the world. Indeed, the powers of the universe will be shaken.
Good News TranslationPeople will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses.
International Standard VersionPeople will faint from fear and apprehension because of the things that are to come on the inhabited world, because the powers of heaven will be shaken.
NET BiblePeople will be fainting from fear and from the expectation of what is coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
New Heart English Biblepeople will be fainting from fear, and from expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Webster's Bible TranslationMen's hearts failing them for fear, and for apprehension of those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Weymouth New Testamentwhile men's hearts are fainting for fear, and for anxious expectation of what is coming on the world. For the forces which control the heavens will be disordered and disturbed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMen will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
World English Biblemen fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionmen fainting at heart from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Berean Literal Biblemen fainting from fear and expectation of that which is coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Young's Literal Translation men fainting at heart from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
Smith's Literal TranslationMen losing breath for fear and expectation of things coming on the habitable globe: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMen withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved;
Catholic Public Domain Versionmen withering away out of fear and out of apprehension over the things that will overwhelm the whole world. For the powers of the heavens will be moved.
New American BiblePeople will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
New Revised Standard VersionPeople will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd upheaval that takes life out of men, because of fear of what is to come on earth; and the powers of the universe will be shaken.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd an earthquake which drives out the souls of the children of men by the terror of whatever is going to come on the earth, and the hosts of the Heavens shall be shaken. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentmen's hearts failing on account of the fearful expectation of the things that are coming on the land; for the hosts of the heavens shall be shaken.
Godbey New Testamentthe souls of men failing from fear, and expectation of those things coming upon the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Haweis New Testament
men terrified to death with fear, and expectation of the calamities coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Mace New Testament
men dying with fear under the apprehension of those calamities, which are coming upon the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Weymouth New Testament
while men's hearts are fainting for fear, and for anxious expectation of what is coming on the world. For the forces which control the heavens will be disordered and disturbed.
Worrell New Testament
men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Worsley New Testament
and men ready to die for fear and apprehension of the things that are coming upon the land; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Return of the Son of Man25There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. 26Menwill faintfromfearandanxietyover whatis comingupon theearth,forthepowersof theheavenswill be shaken.27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.…
Cross References Matthew 24:29-31Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ / At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. / And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Mark 13:24-26But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; / the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ / At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Revelation 6:15-17Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”
Isaiah 13:10-13For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. / I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. / I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir. ...
Joel 2:30-31I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. / The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
Revelation 1:7Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
Daniel 7:13-14In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Zephaniah 1:14-16The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, / a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.
Isaiah 34:4All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.
Revelation 11:13And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Ezekiel 32:7-8When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. / All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD.
Haggai 2:6-7For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. / I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts.
Revelation 16:18-20And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake. / The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. / Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.
Isaiah 24:19-23The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently. / The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a shack. Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again. / In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below. ...
Jeremiah 4:23-26I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light. / I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. / I looked, and no man was left; all the birds of the air had fled. ...
Treasury of Scripture Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. hearts. Leviticus 26:36 And upon them that are leftalive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. Deuteronomy 28:32-34,65-67 Thy sons and thy daughtersshall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and failwith longing for them all the day long: andthere shall be no might in thine hand… Hebrews 10:26,27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, … for the. Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 2 Peter 3:10-12 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up… Jump to Previous AnxiousApprehensionApprehensiveBodiesControlDieDisorderedEarthExpectationFailingFaintFaintingFearForcesHabitableHeartsHeavenHeavenlyHeavensMovedPowersReadyShakenStrengthTerrorWorldJump to Next AnxiousApprehensionApprehensiveBodiesControlDieDisorderedEarthExpectationFailingFaintFaintingFearForcesHabitableHeartsHeavenHeavenlyHeavensMovedPowersReadyShakenStrengthTerrorWorldLuke 21 1.Jesus commends the poor widow.5.He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem;25.the signs also which shall be before the last day.34.He exhorts them to be watchful.Men will faint from fear and anxietyThis phrase highlights the intense emotional and psychological distress that people will experience. In biblical context, fear and anxiety often accompany divine judgment or significant eschatological events. The Greek word for "faint" can also imply a loss of courage or a state of being overwhelmed. This reflects the human response to the unknown and uncontrollable, especially in the face of divine intervention. Historically, such reactions are seen in various biblical accounts, such as the fear of the Israelites at Mount Sinai ( Exodus 20:18-19) and the terror of the disciples during the storm on the Sea of Galilee ( Mark 4:37-40). over what is coming upon the earth
This phrase suggests a future event of great magnitude affecting the entire world. In the context ofLuke 21, Jesus is speaking about the end times, a period characterized by upheaval and cosmic disturbances. The phrase "coming upon the earth" indicates a global impact, aligning with prophetic literature that describes the Day of the Lord as a time of judgment and renewal (Isaiah 13:9-13,Joel 2:30-31). This also connects to the apocalyptic imagery found in the Book of Revelation, where earthly and cosmic events signal the culmination of God's plan (Revelation 6:12-17). for the powers of the heavens will be shaken
This phrase refers to cosmic disturbances that signify divine intervention. The "powers of the heavens" can be understood as celestial bodies or spiritual forces. In biblical prophecy, such shaking often symbolizes God's direct action in history, as seen inHaggai 2:6-7 andHebrews 12:26-27. The shaking of the heavens indicates a disruption of the established order, preparing for the new creation. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament prophecies and apocalyptic literature, where cosmic signs accompany the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom (Isaiah 34:4,Matthew 24:29-30). Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is addressing His disciples about the signs of the end times. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to understand the signs of the times. 3. EarthThe location where the events will unfold, affecting all humanity. 4. HeavensThe realm that will experience a cosmic disturbance, indicating a divine intervention in the natural order. 5. End TimesThe period being described, characterized by fear and cosmic upheaval, leading to the return of Christ. Teaching Points Understanding ProphecyRecognize the importance of Jesus' prophetic words as a call to be vigilant and prepared for His return. Fear and FaithWhile the prophecy speaks of fear, believers are encouraged to respond with faith, trusting in God's sovereignty over the events of the end times. Cosmic Signs as Divine SignalsThe shaking of the heavens serves as a divine signal, reminding us of God's power and the certainty of His promises. Hope in Christ's ReturnDespite the fearsome events described, believers can find hope in the promise of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Living in ReadinessThis passage calls Christians to live in a state of spiritual readiness, maintaining a focus on eternal matters rather than temporal fears. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 21:26?
2.How does Luke 21:26 describe the reaction of people to end times?
3.What causes "men to faint from fear" according to Luke 21:26?
4.How can believers prepare for the events described in Luke 21:26?
5.Compare Luke 21:26 with Revelation 6:15-17. What similarities do you find?
6.How should Luke 21:26 influence our daily trust in God's sovereignty?
7.What does Luke 21:26 mean by "the powers of the heavens will be shaken"?
8.How does Luke 21:26 relate to end-times prophecy?
9.What historical events might fulfill the fear described in Luke 21:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21?
11.Is an eclipse a sign of the end times?
12.Where is Jesus expected to return?
13.In Luke 21:25–26, are the cosmic signs literal events that defy scientific explanation, or figurative language open to interpretation?
14.What are the key events in Jesus' life timeline?What Does Luke 21:26 Mean Men will faint• Jesus sketches a scene where ordinary people literally lose strength, hope, and even consciousness—“hearts failing” (v. 26).Isaiah 13:6-8 records a similar collapse when “every man’s heart will melt.” • This is not mere symbolism. InRevelation 6:15-17 kings and slaves alike hide in caves, overwhelmed by the Lamb’s wrath. Human courage evaporates when confronted by divine judgment. • The picture reminds us that apart from Christ, humanity has no anchor when creation itself convulses (Psalm 46:1-3).
from fear and anxiety• The fear is anticipatory—panic before the full judgments even strike.Proverbs 28:1 notes, “The wicked flee when no one pursues,” showing how a guilty conscience magnifies dread. •2 Timothy 3:1 calls the last days “terrible times,” marked by deep unrest.Hebrews 10:31 warns, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Believers, however, are repeatedly told “Do not be afraid” (Luke 12:32), because our security rests in a Savior who has already conquered sin and death.
over what is coming upon the earth• Jesus speaks of concrete, global events: “great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences” (Luke 21:11), wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6-7). •Revelation 8-9 portrays trumpet judgments that scorch vegetation, poison seas, and darken skies. These catastrophes will not be regional; the whole planet will feel them. •Romans 8:22 says creation “groans” even now;Luke 21 shows that groaning reaching a climactic upheaval, confirming the reliability of prophecy.
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken• The shaking extends beyond earth to the cosmic order itself.Isaiah 34:4 declares, “All the stars of heaven will be dissolved.”Revelation 6:12-14 describes the sun turning black, the moon like blood, and stars falling. •Hebrews 12:26-27, echoingHaggai 2:6, promises a future moment when God will “shake not only the earth but heaven as well,” removing what is temporary so the unshakable kingdom remains. • This is a literal astronomical upheaval, underscoring that the Creator can—and will—disrupt His universe to fulfill His redemptive plan.
summaryLuke 21:26 paints a literal, end-time snapshot: worldwide terror grips humanity as divine judgments escalate, culminating in cosmic disturbances that shake both sky and soil. People outside Christ will faint with dread, but those who belong to Him can lift up their heads, knowing redemption is near (Luke 21:28). (26) Men's hearts failing them for fear.--The verb so rendered is used by St. Luke only in the New Testament. Its literal meaning is to breathe out the soul, and it was, therefore, a word which would naturally enter into the vocabulary of a physician, both in its primary and figurative sense. The mental state which it expresses exactly agrees with that described in Acts 27:20, in connection with the tempest. For looking after those things.--Literally,for expectation, the noun being used only by St. Luke in the New Testament.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Menἀνθρώπων(anthrōpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.will faintἀποψυχόντων(apopsychontōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 674:To faint, breathe out life, die, be dismayed. From apo and psucho; to breathe out, i.e. Faint.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.fearφόβου(phobou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5401:(a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.anxietyπροσδοκίας(prosdokias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4329:Expectation, waiting. From prosdokao; apprehension; by implication, infliction anticipated.over whatτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.is comingἐπερχομένων(eperchomenōn)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1904:From epi and erchomai; to supervene, i.e. Arrive, occur, impend, attack, influence.upon theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.earth,οἰκουμένῃ(oikoumenē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3625:Feminine participle present passive of oikeo; land, i.e. The globe; specially, the Roman empire.forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.theαἱ(hai)Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.powersδυνάμεις(dynameis)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1411:From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.heavensοὐρανῶν(ouranōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.will be shaken.σαλευθήσονται(saleuthēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4531:From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite.
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NT Gospels: Luke 21:26 Men fainting for fear and for expectation (Luke Lu Lk) |
