New Testament
Luke 21:27
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Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
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And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
What Luke 21:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about His return, emphasizing that it will be a visible and powerful event. The phrase 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus Himself, highlighting His authority and divine nature. The imagery of coming 'in a cloud' suggests a majestic and glorious arrival, reminiscent of Old Testament depictions of God's presence. This moment will be unmistakable, as everyone will witness it, indicating that His return will be a significant event for all humanity. The mention of 'power and great glory' underscores the might and majesty of Christ, contrasting with His humble first coming. This verse serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance believers have in the promise of Christ's return, encouraging them to remain faithful and vigilant in their lives as they await this momentous occasion.
How to apply Luke 21:27 to your life
As we await the return of Christ, we should live with a sense of anticipation and purpose. This means staying faithful in our daily lives, sharing the message of hope with others, and being mindful of our actions, knowing that we will one day see Him in His full glory.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:5–36)
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Jesus

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:27 say about the return of Jesus?
Luke 21:27 states that everyone will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. This verse emphasizes the visibility and majesty of Jesus' return, indicating that it will be a significant event witnessed by all, showcasing His divine authority and the fulfillment of His promises.
What does 'Son of Man' mean in Luke 21:27?
In Luke 21:27, 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus, highlighting His identity as both fully human and fully divine. This title emphasizes His authority and role in God's plan for salvation, reminding believers of His connection to humanity and His ultimate power as the Messiah.
How should we prepare for the return of Christ as mentioned in Luke 21:27?
Preparing for Christ's return, as indicated in Luke 21:27, involves living with faithfulness and purpose. This includes nurturing a personal relationship with God, sharing the message of hope with others, and remaining vigilant in our spiritual lives, knowing that His return will be a momentous occasion for all.
What does the imagery of 'coming in a cloud' signify in this verse?
The imagery of Jesus coming 'in a cloud' in Luke 21:27 signifies His majestic and glorious arrival, reminiscent of God's presence in the Old Testament. It conveys a sense of divine authority and power, indicating that His return will be both awe-inspiring and unmistakable, marking a pivotal moment in history.
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