Understanding Luke 21:19

Verse: "In your patience possess ye your souls." (KJV)

Summary of Meaning

Luke 21:19 emphasizes the importance of patience during trials and tribulations. This verse suggests that individuals should remain steadfast in their faith, as their perseverance will lead to spiritual preservation. Public domain commentaries provide various insights that deepen the understanding of this verse.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: He explains that patience is a virtue that supports believers during adversity. By possessing one’s soul, they demonstrate control over their emotions and reactions, ensuring they do not succumb to despair or fear.
• Albert Barnes: He links patience with endurance in the face of trials, suggesting that the trials faced by the faithful serve as opportunities for their faith to strengthen. Barnes highlights the spiritual reward of mastering one's soul as a triumph over external pressures.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke emphasizes the necessity of patience, noting that it is through trials that believers develop their character. He points to the assurance that those who hold on to their faith will not lose their spiritual inheritance.

Bible Cross-References

Understanding Luke 21:19 can be enriched by exploring related scriptures. Here are some key Bible verses that connect thematically:

• James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." – This verse reinforces how trials cultivate patience, highlighting the spiritual growth that comes from enduring challenges.
• Romans 5:3-5: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope." – Here, patience is connected to hope, illustrating a progression that leads to a deeper faith.
• Hebrews 10:36: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." – This verse underscores the necessity of patience in fulfilling God’s plan and receiving His promises.
• Revelation 2:10: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." – This admonition parallels the call to patience in trials, promising eternal reward for perseverance.
• Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." – The theme of waiting (or patient trust) brings a promise of renewed strength.
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." – This verse connects the believer's ability to endure with divine assistance.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." – This passage provides perspective on the trials faced in life as temporary, encouraging endurance.

Thematic Connections

Luke 21:19 can be analyzed through the lens of various themes present in the Bible:

• Patience in Trials: The consistent message across these verses emphasizes how trials lead to spiritual growth and development, focusing on the theological understanding of suffering.
• Faith and Perseverance: There is an underlying call for believers to maintain their faith during difficult times, which is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Hope for the Future: Many of these verses speak to the hope that is birthed from enduring faith, promising eternal reward and renewal.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To further explore the connections between Bible verses, one might utilize:

• A Bible Concordance: A helpful tool for identifying the occurrences and context of specific words throughout the scriptures.
• A Cross-Reference Bible Study: A method that allows for a deeper understanding of how different verses relate to one another.
• Bible Chain References: A system that connects various scriptures through thematic links.
• Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods: Techniques for studying the Bible that focus on thematic analysis through cross-referenced texts.

Conclusion

Luke 21:19 serves as a powerful reminder of the virtue of patience in the face of trials and tribulations. By examining the connections between related scriptures and utilizing tools for cross-referencing, believers can gain a holistic understanding of the significance of this verse within the greater context of Biblical faith.