Definition: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 21:24. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about the future – and it’s often interpreted as a warning about the end of the world. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Let's unpack each part: "They shall fall by the edge of the sword..." - This means that a conflict will break out. “Sword” refers to weapons – like swords or arrows – and this suggests a fighting situation. "...and shall be led away captive into all nations:" - Imagine a group being trapped, held back, and forced to move across many different places. It’s not just about a single battle; it's about a widespread conflict where people are being pulled apart. "And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles..." – This is the most unsettling part. “Trodden down” means to crush, to dominate, and to make something subservient. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, and this phrase suggests that the Jews (and eventually all people who aren’t Gentiles) will be completely overtaken and ruled by non-Jewish people – meaning the Gentiles (people from outside of Jewish culture). "...until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." - This is a prophecy about the future. It means that this conflict and this takeover won't just happen now . It’s a long, gradual process where the dominance of the Gentiles will continue until they ultimately become the dominant force in the world. What does it mean for us today? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the rise of globalism and the potential loss of Jewish identity and culture. Some people believe it speaks to a future where Israel will be diminished, or even eradicated. However, it's important to remember that this is a prophecy – meaning it’s a prediction based on what was believed to be true at the time it was written in the Bible. Important Note: The interpretation of this verse is complex and debated among theologians and scholars. There are different perspectives about its specific meaning and implications for our lives today. Resources you might find helpful: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1318/Luke%2021](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1318/Luke%2021) Theopedia: [https://theopedia.org/](https://theopedia.org/) (A good resource for understanding biblical prophecy and interpretation) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to explore a specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The historical context of the time when it was written. Different interpretations of the prophecy.