Luke 21:34-36

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 21:34 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.
2. Luke 21:34 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.
3. Luke 21:35 tn There is debate in the textual tradition about the position of γάρ (gar) and whether v. 35 looks back to v. 34 or is independent. The textual evidence does slightly favor placing γάρ after the verb and thus linking it back to v. 34. The other reading looks like Isa 24:17. However, the construction is harsh and the translation prefers for stylistic reasons to start a new English sentence here.
4. Luke 21:35 tn Or “come upon.”
5. Luke 21:35 sn This judgment involves everyone: all who live on the face of the whole earth. No one will escape this evaluation.
6. Luke 21:36 sn The call to be alert at all times is a call to remain faithful in looking for the Lord’s return.
7. Luke 21:36 tn For the translation of μέλλω (mellō) as “must,” see L&N 71.36.