New Testament
Luke 21:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, people are admiring the grandeur of the temple, noting its beautiful stones and the gifts that have been offered to enhance its appearance.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
As some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, people are admiring the grandeur of the temple, noting its beautiful stones and the gifts that have been offered to enhance its appearance. The temple was a significant place of worship and a symbol of religious devotion for the Jewish people. Jesus, however, uses this moment to shift the focus from the physical beauty of the temple to a deeper spiritual truth. He often challenged the superficial admiration of religious structures, emphasizing that true worship and devotion go beyond mere appearances. This moment foreshadows the eventual destruction of the temple, highlighting the transient nature of earthly things compared to the eternal significance of faith and relationship with God. Jesus' response serves as a reminder that while the temple is impressive, it is not the ultimate focus of faith; rather, it is the heart and spirit of worship that truly matter.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 21:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to look beyond the physical aspects of our faith and worship. While places of worship can be beautiful, our relationship with God should be rooted in genuine faith and spiritual connection rather than mere admiration of structures. Focus on the heart of worship.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:5 mean?
Luke 21:5 describes people admiring the beauty of the temple, highlighting its impressive stones and gifts. Jesus uses this moment to point out that true worship goes beyond physical structures and should focus on spiritual devotion.
What is the significance of the temple in Luke 21:5?
In Luke 21:5, the temple represents a central place of worship and religious devotion for the Jewish people. Jesus' comments remind us that while the temple is beautiful, it is not the ultimate focus of faith.
How does Luke 21:5 relate to worship?
Luke 21:5 illustrates that while the temple's beauty is noteworthy, true worship is about the heart and spirit rather than just the admiration of religious structures.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 21:5?
From Luke 21:5, we learn to prioritize our relationship with God over the physical aspects of worship. It encourages us to focus on genuine faith and spiritual connection.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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