Lukas 21:35-36

21:35 For ¹  it will overtake ²  all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³  21:36 But stay alert at all times, ⁴  praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must ⁵  happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

[21:35]  ¹ 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.

[21:35]  ² tn Or “come upon.”

[21:35]  ³ sn This judgment involves everyone: all who live on the face of the whole earth. No one will escape this evaluation.

[21:36]  ⁴ sn The call to be alert at all times is a call to remain faithful in looking for the Lord’s return.

[21:36]  ⁵ tn For the translation of μέλλω (mellw) as “must,” see L&N 71.36.