Luke 13:35
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Luke 13:35 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Matthew, Jesus is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, decrying their rejection of him as the Messiah. He laments that their house, meaning the temple, will be left desolate as a result of their unbelief. This pronouncement foreshadows the destruction of the temple in 70 AD by the Romans. Jesus also warns that they will not see him again until they acknowledge him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. This can be understood as a reference to Jesus' second coming, when he will return as the triumphant ruler and judge. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Jesus and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and welcoming him as the long-awaited Savior. It also highlights the significance of acknowledging Jesus' rightful place as the one sent by God, who brings salvation to all who believe in him.
Theological Overview
When Jesus pronounced that the house of the people would be left desolate, he was referring to the impending judgment on Jerusalem and the temple. This prophecy came true in AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the city and the temple, leaving it completely desolate. The phrase "Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord," can be understood as a reference to the second coming of Christ. In this context, Jesus is indicating that the Jewish people will not recognize him as the Messiah until his return, at which point they will acknowledge and bless him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Son of God before the appointed time of judgment and redemption.
Luke 13:35 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, your house is left unto you [desolate] : and I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
World English Bible
Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Douay-Rheims
Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. And I say to you that you shall not see me till the time come when you shall say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, your house is left vnto you desolate: and verely I tell you, ye shall not see me vntill the time come that ye shall say, Blessed is he that commeth in the Name of the Lord.