21:25 “And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, 5 and on the earth nations will be in distress, 6 anxious 7 over the roaring of the sea and the surging waves.
1 tn Grk “it is not yet the end.”
2 tn For the translation “rise up in arms” see L&N 55.2.
3 sn See Isa 5:13-14; 13:6-16; Hag 2:6-7; Zech 14:4.
4 tc Most witnesses (C Θ 0102 Ë1,13 Ï) have “and plagues” (καὶ λοιμοί, kai loimoi) between “famines” (λιμοί, limoi) and “earthquakes” (σεισμοί, seismoi), while others have “plagues and famines and earthquakes” (L W 33 pc lat). The similarities between λιμοί and λοιμοί could explain how καὶ λοιμοί might have accidentally dropped out, but since the Lukan parallel has both terms (and W lat have the order λοιμοὶ καὶ λιμοί there too, as they do in Matthew), it seems more likely that scribes added the phrase here. The shorter reading does not enjoy overwhelming support ([א] B D 892 pc, as well as versional witnesses), but it is nevertheless significant; coupled with the internal evidence it should be given preference.
5 sn Signs in the sun and moon and stars are cosmic signs that turn our attention to the end and the Son of Man’s return for the righteous. OT imagery is present: See Isa 13:9-10; 24:18-20; 34:4; Ezek 32:7-8; Joel 2:1, 30-31; 3:15.
6 tn Grk “distress of nations.”
7 tn Or “in consternation” (L&N 32.9).