LUKE 21:34 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts may not be burdened with hangover and drunkenness, and everyday worries, and that sudden day may come upon you

UST Be very careful to control yourselves. If you get drunk, your minds will not be alert afterwards. And if you worry about day-to-day matters, you will become distracted. Then you will not be paying attention to the signs I have told you about, and I will surprise you when I return.

BSB But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and [the] worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

MSB But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and [the] worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

BLB And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts ever be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life--and that day would come upon you suddenly as a snare.

AICNT “[But][fn] Be on guard for yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come upon you suddenly

21:34, But: Absent from some manuscripts. ℵ(01) D(05)

OEB Be on your guard or your minds will become dulled by debauches or drunkenness or the anxieties of life, and “that day” will close on you suddenly like a trap.

WEBBE “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET “But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap.

LSV And take heed to yourselves lest your hearts may be weighed down with carousing, and drunkenness, and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day may come on you,

FBV Watch out that you don't become distracted by partying or getting drunk or by the worries of this life, so that this day[fn] catches you by surprise.

21:34 “This day”—the coming of the Son of man.

TCNT “Watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you [fn]suddenly.

21:34 suddenly. For it will come like a trap ¦ suddenly like a trap. For it will come CT

T4T “But be on guard. Do not be getting drunk with carousing or let yourselves be distracted by worries concerning your lives [SYN] {or let worries concerning your lives [SYN] distract you}. If you do wrong things like those, you may be suddenly surprised by my return [MTY], like a trap suddenly catches an animal in it.

LEB ¶ “But take care for yourselves, lest your hearts are weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of daily life, and that day come upon you suddenly

BBE But give attention to yourselves, for fear that your hearts become over-full of the pleasures of food and wine, and the cares of this life, and that day may come on you suddenly, and take you as in a net:

Moff Take heed to yourselves in case your hearts get overpowered by dissipation and drunkenness and worldly anxieties, and so that Day catches you suddenly like a trap.

Wymth "But take heed to yourselves, lest your souls be weighed down with self-indulgence and drunkenness or the anxieties of this life, and that day come upon you, suddenly, like a falling trap;

ASV But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

DRA And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly.

YLT 'And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts may be weighed down with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day may come on you,

Drby But take heed to yourselves lest possibly your hearts be laden with surfeiting and drinking and cares of life, and that day come upon you suddenly unawares;

RV But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:
(But take heed to yourselves, lest happily your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: )

SLT And attend to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be loaded with dizziness, caused by excess, and drunkenness, and cares of life, and that day come upon you unexpectedly.

Wbstr And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

KJB-1769 ¶ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

KJB-1611 ¶ And take heed to your selues, least at any time your hearts be ouercharged with surfetting, and drunkennesse, and cares of this life, and so that day come vpon you vnawares.
(¶ And take heed to yourselves, least at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.)

Bshps Take heede to your selues, lest at any tyme your heartes be ouercome with surfettyng and dronkennesse, and cares of this lyfe, and so the daye come vpon you vnwares.
(Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcome with surfetting and dronkenness, and cares of this life, and so the day come upon you unawares.)

Gnva Take heede to your selues, lest at any time your hearts be oppressed with surfeting and drunkennesse, and cares of this life, and least that day come on you at vnwares.
(Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be oppressed with surfeting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and least that day come on you at unawares. )

Cvdl But take hede vnto youre selues, that yor hertes be not ouerlade with excesse of eatinge and with dronkennes, and with takinge of thought for lyuynge, and so this daye come vpo you vnawares.
(But take heed unto yourselves, that your hearts be not overlade with excesse of eating and with dronkennes, and with takinge of thought for living, and so this day come upon you unawares.)

TNT Take hede to youre selves lest youre hertes be overcome with surfettinge and dronkennes and cares of this worlde: and that that daye come on you vnwares.
(Take heed to your(pl) selves lest your(pl) hearts be overcome with surfettinge and dronkennes and cares of this world: and that that day come on you unawares. )

Wycl But take ye heede to you silf, lest perauenture youre hertis be greuyd with glotony, and drunkenesse, and bisynessis of this lijf, and thilke dai come sodein on you; for as a snare it schal come on alle men,
(But take ye/you_all heed to yourself, lest peradventure/perhaps your(pl) hearts be greuyd with glotony, and drunkenness, and bisynessis of this life, and that day come sodein on you; for as a snare it shall come on all men,)

Luth Aber hütet euch, daß eure Herzen nicht beschweret werden mit Fressen und Saufen und mit Sorgen der Nahrung, und komme dieser Tag schnell über euch;
(But guards(v) you, that your(pl) heart(s) not beschweret become with Fressen and Saufen and with worry(n) the/of_the food, and come this day fast/quickly above you;)

ClVg Attendite autem vobis, ne forte graventur corda vestra in crapula, et ebrietate, et curis hujus vitæ, et superveniat in vos repentina dies illa:
(Pay_attention however to_you(pl), not perhaps graventur hearts your in/into/on crapula, and drunkenness, and worries of_this of_life, and superveniat in/into/on you(pl) repentina days that: )

UGNT προσέχετε δὲ ἑαυτοῖς, μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ, καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς; καὶ ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη
(proseⱪete de heautois, maʸpote baraʸthōsin humōn hai kardiai en krepalaʸ, kai methaʸ, kai merimnais biōtikais; kai epistaʸ ef’ humas aifnidios haʸ haʸmera ekeinaʸ)

SBL-GNT Προσέχετε δὲ ἑαυτοῖς μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ⸂ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι⸃ ἐν κραιπάλῃ καὶ μέθῃ καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς, καὶ ⸂ἐπιστῇ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος⸃ ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη
(Proseⱪete de heautois maʸpote baraʸthōsin ⸂humōn hai kardiai⸃ en kraipalaʸ kai methaʸ kai merimnais biōtikais, kai ⸂epistaʸ efʼ humas aifnidios⸃ haʸ haʸmera ekeinaʸ)

RP-GNT Προσέχετε δὲ ἑαυτοῖς, μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κραιπάλῃ καὶ μέθῃ καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς, καὶ αἰφνίδιος ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἐπιστῇ ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη·
(Proseⱪete de heautois, maʸpote baraʸthōsin humōn hai kardiai en kraipalaʸ kai methaʸ kai merimnais biōtikais, kai aifnidios ef' humas epistaʸ haʸ haʸmera ekeinaʸ;)

TC-GNT Προσέχετε δὲ ἑαυτοῖς, μήποτε [fn]βαρηθῶσιν [fn]ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν [fn]κραιπάλῃ καὶ μέθῃ καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς, καὶ [fn]αἰφνίδιος ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς ἐπιστῇ ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη·
(Proseⱪete de heautois, maʸpote baraʸthōsin humōn hai kardiai en kraipalaʸ kai methaʸ kai merimnais biōtikais, kai aifnidios ef humas epistaʸ haʸ haʸmera ekeinaʸ; )

21:34 βαρηθωσιν ¦ βαρυνθωσιν TR

21:34 υμων αι καρδιαι ¦ αι καρδιαι υμων WH

21:34 κραιπαλη ¦ κρεπαλη TH WH

21:34 αιφνιδιος εφ υμας επιστη ¦ επιστη εφ υμας αιφνιδιος NA SBL TH ¦ επιστη εφ υμας εφνιδιος WH

Key for above GNTs: red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 21:5–38: Jesus taught about what would happen in the future

After the events of the preceding section, some of Jesus’ disciples were admiring the beautiful stones and gifts that people used to adorn the Temple. Jesus told them that one day the Temple would be completely destroyed. Enemies would attack Jerusalem and destroy the Temple.In A.D. 70, the Jews rebelled against the Romans, and the Roman destroyed the temple. Jesus also told them about other things that would happen in the future. He told them that after these things happened, he would return to earth in power and great glory. He warned his disciples to pray so that they would be able to endure the future troubles and be ready to meet him when he comes again.

It is good to translate this section before you decide on a heading for it. Some examples of other headings are:

The Jerusalem temple would soon be destroyed

The destruction of the temple and the coming times of trouble

There are parallel passages for this section in Matthew 24:1–35 and Mark 13:1–31.

21:34a

But watch yourselves,

¶ “Be watchful/alert,
¶ “Make sure that
¶ “Guard yourselves carefully

watch yourselves: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates literally as watch yourselves means “be alert, concerned, and watchful.” Here Jesus used the word to introduce a warning. He warned his disciples to be alert and careful to avoid anything that would prevent them from being faithful to the Lord. They must be ready always for him to return. Some other ways to translate this are:

Watch out (NLT)

Be on guard (NRSV)

watch yourselves (ESV)

Make sure that (GW)

In some languages there may be an idiom to express this warning. Translate it in a natural way in your language.

21:34b–d

or your hearts will be weighed down…and that day will spring upon you suddenly: The Greek word that the BSB translates as or here introduces what would happen if the disciples were not careful. It introduces the purpose for the warning in 21:34a. This purpose has two related parts:

so that their hearts will not be weighed down:
so that the day does not close on them unexpectedly.

Some other ways to translate this connection are:

so that your hearts are not weighed down…and that day catch you unexpectedly (NRSV)

do not let your minds be dulled…so that the great day catches you suddenly (REB)

Some English versions begin a new sentence at 21:34b. Be sure that this connection with 21:34a is clear and natural in your language.

21:34b

or your hearts will be weighed down

so that your^(plur) spirits/minds do not become burdened
you^(plur) do not occupy/busy yourselves
from things that would distract/divert you from faithfully following me.

your hearts will be weighed down: The clause your hearts will be weighed down is more literally “your hearts will be burdened.” This is a figure of speech. It implies that the disciples should not become like people who are carrying a heavy load and cannot do anything else. The disciples must not become too busy with other things. If they are too busy, they will not have the strength to pray and be faithful to Jesus. Then they will not be ready when he returns.

In some languages a literal translation of the figure of speech may give a wrong meaning. Some other ways to translate it are:

Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
become occupied with too much (GNT)
always thinking aboutYakan back translation on TW.
Use a different figure of speech that expresses the meaning in your language. For example:
consumed with/by
get-sidetracked byKankanaey back translation on TW.

Translate the meaning in a natural way in your language.

21:34c

by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—

by carousing/partying and getting drunk, and worrying about worldly things.
with parties/feasting, drinking too much, or being anxious about things that you need here on earth.
Avoid^(plur) drunkenness and self-indulgence/debauchery, and being troubled over matters of this life.

by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life: Here Jesus mentioned three things that can “weigh down people’s hearts” so that they are not faithful in following the Lord.

dissipation: The Greek word that the BSB translates as dissipation refers literally to going to parties, getting drunk, and not behaving with self-control. In this context dissipation also refers figuratively to any kind of self-indulgence that makes a person less interested in God and his ways.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

too much feasting (GNT)

carousing (NLT)

entertaining yourselves with pleasure (TRT)

In some languages there may be an idiom to describe this.

drunkenness: The word drunkenness refers to being intoxicated (drunk) and also to the foolish way people act when they are drunk. Describe this in a natural way in your language. Another way to translate it is:

do not drink too much wine/liquor and behave foolishly

the worries of life: The word worries means “anxieties, cares.” Jesus referred to any worries that people have in their lives here on earth. The word the does not imply that Jesus referred to certain specific anxieties. The Greek text does not have the article here. Other ways to translate the worries of life are:

troubles about your livelihoodYakan back translation on TW.

the worries of this life (GNT)

worrying about worldly things (NCV)

life: The Greek word that the BSB translates as life refers specifically to physical life and the normal activities that people do as they live. It often refers to worries about how to sustain life. For example, people worry about how they will get enough food and clothes or about where they will live.

A similar word for life was used in 8:14, where some people let the worries, riches, and pleasures of life choke the word. See the translation suggestions in the preceding note.

21:34d

and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

Otherwise, that day will catch you suddenly like a trap.
If you do, the final/last day will surprise you^(plur), and you will be like an animal suddenly caught in a snare/net.
If you occupy yourselves with those things, you will not be ready for my return. It will be as unexpected as a trap that closes/shuts on an animal.

and: The Greek conjunction that the BSB translates as and here introduces the second part of the purpose or reason why the disciples should be careful (21:34a). See the note on 21:34b, for more information.

The clause here in 21:34d also tells the result of 21:34b–c. It tells what will happen if the disciples allow their hearts to be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, or worry. In some languages it may not be natural to translate the connection with a simple conjunction like and. Some other ways to translate it are:

If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you (CEV)

Don’t let that day catch you unaware (NLT)

so that the day will not catch you by surprise

Translate the connection in a natural way in your language.

that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare: In this clause Jesus used a simile to describe what will happen if his followers do not stay alert (21:34a). They will not be ready on the day when he returns. They will not expect Jesus to come on that day, just as a bird or animal does not expect the trap that catches it.

Some other ways to translate this simile are:

you will not be ready for that day, and it will surprise you like a snare catching an animal/bird

that day will come when you do not expect it, just as a bird does not expect the snare that catches it

that day will arrive suddenly like a snare suddenly seizes an animal

that day: The phrase that day refers to the day of the Lord, the day when Jesus will return (21:27) and redeem his people (21:28c) and the kingdom of God will begin (21:31b). If you need to use a more specific expression, you may refer to the day when Jesus returns or to the last day/time. For example:

the day when I return

you: The pronoun you refers to the disciples who will be alive at the time Jesus returns. See the first note on 21:28b.

like a snare: In some English versions the phrase like a snare is translated as part of 21:35, instead of 21:34d. For example:

and that day catch you unexpectedly, ³⁵like a trap (NRSV)

This difference does not change the meaning, and either division of the verses is fine. You may want to follow the decision of the major language version in your area.

snare: The word snare refers to a device that people use to catch an animal or bird.See BDAG, p. 747. Some ways to translate it are:

Use a general word or phrase that can describe any type of snare. For example:
trap
Use a word that refers to a specific kind of snare. For example:
net
noose
Translate snare as a phrase and specify an object that the trap catches. You may use a general or a specific object. For example:
the way a snare shuts on an animal/bird
as a snare catches a rat

Translate the simile in an appropriate way in your language.

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ, καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

lest ˓may_be˒_weighed_down (Some words not found in SR-GNT: προσέχετε Δέ ἑαυτοῖς μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν αἱ καρδίαι ὑμῶν ἐν κραιπάλῃ καί μέθῃ καί μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς καί ἐπιστῇ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: [so that drunken hangovers and everyday worries do not dull your minds]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ, καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

Jesus speaks of these things as if they would be a weight pressing down on the minds of his disciples. Alternate translation: [so that drunken hangovers and everyday worries do not dull your minds]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι

˱of˲_you_all (Some words not found in SR-GNT: προσέχετε Δέ ἑαυτοῖς μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν αἱ καρδίαι ὑμῶν ἐν κραιπάλῃ καί μέθῃ καί μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς καί ἐπιστῇ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη)

Here, the hearts represents the mind. Alternate translation: [your minds]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / hendiadys

κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: προσέχετε Δέ ἑαυτοῖς μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν αἱ καρδίαι ὑμῶν ἐν κραιπάλῃ καί μέθῃ καί μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς καί ἐπιστῇ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη)

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term drunkenness explains the source of the hangover. Alternate translation: [drunken hangovers]

μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

worries ˱of˲_living

Alternate translation: [the cares of this life]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / personification

ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη

˓may˒_approach on you_all sudden ¬the day that

Jesus speaks of this day as if it could actively spring upon his disciples like a trap. (The traditional verse divisions put the phrase “like a trap” at the start of the next verse. A note will discuss it there.) This could mean one of two things, depending on whether sudden is understood as an adjective or with the sense of an adverb. Alternate translation: [that day you are not expecting will come upon you] or [that day will come upon you suddenly]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

καὶ ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη

The implication is that this is why Jesus is telling his disciples to pay attention to themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [for if you are not careful, that day you are not expecting will come upon you] or [for if you are not careful, that day will come upon you suddenly]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit