Traditionally associated with John Mark, presenting Jesus through urgent narrative movement, sharp conflict, misunderstood messiahship, suffering, and the climactic road to the cross.
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Mark 13
Watch and Endure: Temple Judgment, Gospel Witness, Tribulation, the Son of Man, and Readiness
Jesus announces the destruction of the temple, prepares His disciples for deception, persecution, gospel witness, desolating distress, and cosmic upheaval, and commands them to endure and watch for the coming Son of Man whose words will never pass away.
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Chapter Summary
Jesus announces the destruction of the temple, prepares His disciples for deception, persecution, gospel witness, desolating distress, and cosmic upheaval, and commands them to endure and watch for the coming Son of Man whose words will never pass away.
Overview
Mark 13 argues that visible religious structures are not ultimate; Jesus' word is. The temple that seemed permanent will fall, but the words of Jesus will never pass away. Disciples must not be deceived by false messiahs, panicked by upheaval, or silenced by persecution. Their suffering becomes witness, the Spirit will sustain their testimony, and the gospel must reach all nations.
Jerusalem's desolating crisis will be severe, but God's sovereign mercy will preserve the elect. The Son of Man will come with power and glory, gather His people, and vindicate His kingdom. Therefore disciples must live in alert endurance rather than speculation.
Context
Likely mixed early Christian readers who needed to understand persecution, temple judgment, false messianic claims, gospel mission, endurance, and watchfulness in light of Jesus' coming vindication.
Mark 13 occurs after Jesus leaves the temple in Jerusalem. One disciple admires the temple buildings, Jesus predicts their destruction, and then Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately ask Jesus about the timing and sign of these things while He sits on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple.
Jesus announces the destruction of the temple, prepares His disciples for deception, persecution, gospel witness, desolating distress, and cosmic upheaval, and commands them to endure and watch for the coming Son of Man whose words will never pass away.
Traditionally associated with John Mark, presenting Jesus through urgent narrative movement, sharp conflict, misunderstood messiahship, suffering, and the climactic road to the cross.
Likely mixed early Christian readers who needed to understand persecution, temple judgment, false messianic claims, gospel mission, endurance, and watchfulness in light of Jesus' coming vindication.
Mark 13 occurs after Jesus leaves the temple in Jerusalem. One disciple admires the temple buildings, Jesus predicts their destruction, and then Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately ask Jesus about the timing and sign of these things while He sits on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple.
Social Pressure
- Jesus' public temple confrontations in Mark 11-12 have exposed religious corruption, leadership hostility, and the impending crisis of Jerusalem. Mark 13 prepares disciples for deception, persecution, family betrayal, public trials, global gospel witness, catastrophic Jerusalem judgment, and the need for watchfulness.
The Jerusalem temple was the center of Jewish worship, sacrifice, national identity, and religious imagination. Its massive stones and architectural beauty seemed permanent. The Mount of Olives, opposite the temple, carried prophetic and eschatological associations. Jewish apocalyptic language often used cosmic imagery to describe divine judgment, historical upheaval, and the downfall of powers.
The 'abomination that causes desolation' echoes Daniel and signals profaning desecration. The Son of Man language comes from Daniel 7 and points to vindication, authority, and divine kingdom.
Mark 13 follows Jesus' temple judgment and leadership confrontations in Mark 11-12. The discourse interprets the coming destruction of the temple and places it within a larger horizon of suffering, gospel mission, divine judgment, and the coming of the Son of Man. The chapter prepares for Mark 14-15, where Jesus Himself will be handed over, tried, falsely accused, condemned, and crucified, before the temple curtain is torn.
Chapter Movement
Mark 13 moves from Jesus' prediction of temple destruction, to warnings against deception, persecution, and premature alarm, to gospel witness among all nations, to the abomination and urgent flight from Judea, to tribulation and false christs, to cosmic signs and the coming of the Son of Man, and finally to watchfulness because the exact day and hour are unknown.
Discourse Insight
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Mark 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death and resurrection will not end His mission but launch worldwide witness. The temple will fall, but the gospel must go to all nations. Disciples will be persecuted because of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will empower their testimony. The Son of Man who is about to be rejected, condemned, and crucified will come in power and glory and gather His elect. The gospel therefore produces endurance, mission, hope, and watchfulness.
Structural Flow
Jesus declares that the admired temple buildings will be completely thrown down.
Four disciples ask about timing and signs while seated opposite the temple.
Jesus warns against false claimants and panic over wars, disasters, and birth-pain upheavals.
Disciples will suffer arrest, flogging, trials, family betrayal, and hatred, yet the gospel must be preached to all nations.
The abomination that causes desolation signals urgent flight, unequaled distress, divine shortening of days, and vigilance against false messiahs.
Cosmic upheaval gives way to the appearing of the Son of Man and the gathering of the elect.
The fig tree teaches discernment, while Jesus' words are more permanent than heaven and earth.
Because only the Father knows the day and hour, all disciples must stay awake, faithful, and ready.
Chapter Outline
- 13:1-2: Jesus announces the destruction of the temple, shattering assumptions of visible permanence.
- 13:3-4: The inner disciples ask privately about timing and signs.
- 13:5-8: Jesus warns against false claimants, panic, and misreading wars and disasters as final signs.
- 13:9-13: Jesus prepares disciples for persecution, Spirit-enabled testimony, worldwide gospel proclamation, betrayal, hatred, and endurance.
- 13:14-23: Jesus warns of a desolating crisis in Judea requiring urgent flight and discernment against false christs and prophets.
- 13:24-27: After the distress, cosmic signs accompany the coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and the gathering of the elect.
- 13:28-31: Jesus teaches discernment from the fig tree and declares the permanence of His words.
- 13:32-37: Since the day and hour are unknown, disciples must remain alert like servants awaiting their master's return.
Theological Argument
Mark 13 argues that visible religious structures are not ultimate; Jesus' word is. The temple that seemed permanent will fall, but the words of Jesus will never pass away. Disciples must not be deceived by false messiahs, panicked by upheaval, or silenced by persecution. Their suffering becomes witness, the Spirit will sustain their testimony, and the gospel must reach all nations.
Jerusalem's desolating crisis will be severe, but God's sovereign mercy will preserve the elect. The Son of Man will come with power and glory, gather His people, and vindicate His kingdom. Therefore disciples must live in alert endurance rather than speculation.
Jesus predicts temple destruction, warns against deception, prepares disciples for persecution and mission, instructs urgent flight amid desolation, reveals the coming of the Son of Man, affirms the permanence of his word, and commands universal watchfulness.
- 1.The temple's visible greatness does not guarantee permanence.
- 2.Questions about signs must be governed by Jesus' warnings against deception.
- 3.Wars, rumors, earthquakes, and famines are not grounds for panic or premature finality.
- 4.Discipleship includes public suffering for Jesus.
- 5.Persecution becomes a platform for witness.
- 6.The gospel mission has global scope.
- 7.The Holy Spirit sustains witness under pressure.
- 8.Endurance is necessary for final salvation.
- 9.Desolating judgment requires urgent obedience, not attachment to possessions.
- 10.God sovereignly preserves his elect amid severe distress.
- 11.False messiahs and prophets will use signs to deceive.
- 12.The Son of Man will be publicly vindicated in power and glory.
- 13.Jesus will gather his elect completely.
- 14.Jesus' words outlast creation itself.
- 15.Unknown timing demands watchful faithfulness, not speculation.
Theological Focus
- Temple destruction
- Impermanence of religious structures
- Mount of Olives discourse
- Deception
- False messiahs
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Birth pains
- Persecution
- Public witness
- Synagogue flogging
- Governors and kings
- Gospel to all nations
- Holy Spirit speech
- Family betrayal
- Hatred because of Jesus
- Endurance
- Salvation
- Abomination of desolation
- Flight from Judea
- Great distress
- Elect preserved
- Shortened days
- False prophets and signs
- Cosmic upheaval
- Son of Man
- Power and glory
- Gathering of the elect
- Fig tree lesson
- Permanence of Jesus' words
- Unknown day and hour
- Watchfulness
- Servants with assigned work
- Temple Judgment
- Deception and Discernment
- Providential Upheaval
- Persecution as Witness
- Global Gospel Mission
- Spirit-Enabled Testimony
- Elect Preservation
- Son of Man Vindication
- Gathering of the Elect
- Permanence of Jesus' Word
- Christology
- Scripture Fulfillment
- Eschatology
- Providence
- Mission
- Pneumatology
- Perseverance
- Election
- False Teaching
- Authority of Christ's Word
Theological Themes
Jesus announces the destruction of the temple, continuing the judgment trajectory from Mark 11.
Disciples must beware false messiahs, false prophets, and deceptive signs.
Wars, disasters, and persecutions do not overthrow God's plan; they unfold under divine necessity and warning.
Trials before religious and political authorities become occasions for testimony.
The gospel must be preached to all nations before the end.
The Holy Spirit will give disciples words when they stand under pressure.
Those who stand firm to the end will be saved.
God shortens the days and preserves the elect amid severe distress.
The Son of Man comes in clouds with great power and glory.
The Son of Man sends angels to gather His people from all directions.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus' words will never pass away.
Since the day and hour are unknown, disciples must stay awake, faithful, and ready.
Covenant Significance
Mark 13 announces covenantal judgment on the temple while also expanding the horizon to gospel witness among all nations and the coming of the Son of Man. The temple, which had become corrupt and fruitless, will fall. Yet God's purposes do not collapse with the temple's stones. Jesus' words endure, the gospel goes to the nations, the elect are preserved and gathered, and the Son of Man receives public vindication.
Old Testament Connections
- Temple judgment fulfilled - The temple judged in Mark 11 is now predicted to be destroyed in Mark 13.
- Prophetic warning renewed - Jesus stands in the prophetic pattern of warning Jerusalem about coming judgment.
- Nations included - The gospel must be preached to all nations, fulfilling God's wider saving purpose.
- Spirit and witness - The Spirit empowers testimony before rulers, anticipating the church's mission in Acts.
- Elect preservation - God preserves His chosen people through tribulation and gathers them through the Son of Man.
- Son of Man enthronement and vindication - Daniel's Son of Man imagery frames Jesus' coming in power and glory.
- Word over temple - The temple stones fall, but Jesus' words never pass away.
- Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man comes with the clouds and receives dominion, glory, and kingdom.
- Daniel 9:27 - The abomination/desolation language is rooted in Daniel's prophecy of covenant crisis and desecration.
- Daniel 11:31 - Forces profane the sanctuary and set up the abomination that causes desolation.
- Daniel 12:1-2 - A time of distress is followed by deliverance and resurrection hope.
- Isaiah 13:10 - Darkened sun, moon, and stars portray divine judgment against proud powers.
- Isaiah 34:4 - Heavenly host imagery appears in prophetic judgment language.
- Ezekiel 32:7-8 - Cosmic darkening imagery describes judgment on nations.
- Joel 2:10 - Earthquake, darkened sun and moon, and stars losing brightness accompany the day of the Lord.
- Joel 2:31 - The sun turned to darkness and moon to blood belong to day-of-the-Lord imagery.
- Zechariah 14:4 - The Mount of Olives carries eschatological associations with the Lord's final intervention.
- Deuteronomy 30:3-4 - The gathering of God's scattered people from the ends of the heavens forms a background to elect-gathering imagery.
- Zechariah 13:7-9 - The shepherd-striking and refining remnant pattern resonates with tribulation and preservation.
Canonical Connections
Jesus' prediction continues prophetic warnings against corrupted worship and false temple confidence.
Jesus' warning draws from Daniel's language of desecration and desolating crisis.
Suffering and upheaval are described as travail preceding God's decisive intervention.
Jesus' words anticipate apostolic witness before councils, governors, and kings.
The global witness of the gospel fulfills God's saving purpose for the nations.
The Holy Spirit empowers God's people to speak faithfully under pressure.
Scripture consistently connects persevering faith with final salvation.
Prophets use cosmic darkening and shaking to describe divine judgment and regime collapse.
The Danielic Son of Man comes with clouds and receives authority, glory, and kingdom.
God's scattered people are gathered by divine action.
God's word endures beyond creation's instability.
Biblical faithfulness includes alert waiting for the Lord's coming and judgment.
Cross References
Gospel Clarity
Mark 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death and resurrection will not end His mission but launch worldwide witness. The temple will fall, but the gospel must go to all nations. Disciples will be persecuted because of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will empower their testimony. The Son of Man who is about to be rejected, condemned, and crucified will come in power and glory and gather His elect. The gospel therefore produces endurance, mission, hope, and watchfulness.
Gospel Guardrails
- The gospel outlasts the temple - The temple stones will fall, but Jesus' word and mission endure.
- The gospel goes to all nations - Jesus says the gospel must first be preached to all nations.
- The gospel creates witnesses under pressure - Disciples will testify before rulers because of Jesus.
- The gospel depends on the Spirit - The Holy Spirit gives speech to persecuted witnesses.
- The gospel requires endurance - The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
- The gospel preserves the elect - God shortens distress for the sake of the elect.
- The gospel centers on the Son of Man - The Son of Man comes in clouds with power and glory.
- The gospel ends in gathering - The Son of Man gathers His elect from the ends of earth and heaven.
- The gospel produces watchfulness - Because the hour is unknown, disciples live ready, awake, and faithful.
- Do not preach Mark 13 as speculative entertainment.
- Do not detach temple judgment from the passion narrative and Jesus' authority over the temple.
- Do not minimize the mission statement that the gospel must be preached to all nations.
- Do not treat persecution as a surprise to faithful disciples.
- Do not turn Spirit-given witness into anti-preparation laziness.
- Do not use signs and wonders as the final test of truth · Jesus warns that deceptive signs will occur.
- Do not detach the Son of Man's glory from Jesus' suffering path in Mark.
- Do not let watchfulness become anxious date-setting · it means faithful readiness.
Primary Emphasis
Mark 13 reveals Jesus as the authoritative prophet of temple judgment, the suffering Lord whose disciples will be hated because of His name, the one whose gospel must be preached to all nations, the Son of Man who comes with great power and glory, the gatherer of the elect, and the divine-word speaker whose words outlast heaven and earth.
Chapter Contribution
Mark 13 argues that visible religious structures are not ultimate; Jesus' word is. The temple that seemed permanent will fall, but the words of Jesus will never pass away. Disciples must not be deceived by false messiahs, panicked by upheaval, or silenced by persecution. Their suffering becomes witness, the Spirit will sustain their testimony, and the gospel must reach all nations.
Jerusalem's desolating crisis will be severe, but God's sovereign mercy will preserve the elect. The Son of Man will come with power and glory, gather His people, and vindicate His kingdom. Therefore disciples must live in alert endurance rather than speculation.
Doctrines in This Chapter
Christ’s words endure beyond creation.
God’s promises are reliable.
Worship shifts from temple structure to Christ Himself.
Christ’s return reveals divine majesty.
God judges unfaithful structures and systems.
God governs the duration and scope of tribulation.
God governs the spread of the gospel.
The end unfolds progressively.
Believers must discern deception in crisis.
God will assemble His chosen people.
The Son willingly submits within the divine economy.
True believers endure through trials.
God protects His chosen people.
Jesus speaks with sovereign authority over history.
Christ will return visibly and gloriously.
God governs historical events.
The Holy Spirit enables testimony under persecution.
Believers are entrusted with responsibility until Christ returns.
Heaven and earth are temporary.
Believers must remain vigilant.
Doctrinal Weight
Jesus is prophetic judge, Lord of mission, Son of Man, gatherer of the elect, and speaker of words that never pass away.
Jesus predicts the complete destruction of the Jerusalem temple.
Jesus' abomination and Son of Man language draws on Daniel and prophetic judgment imagery.
The chapter concerns temple destruction, tribulation, gospel mission, the coming of the Son of Man, and watchfulness.
Wars, disasters, persecution, and distress unfold under divine knowledge and necessity, not chaos.
The gospel must be preached to all nations.
The Holy Spirit empowers disciples' testimony under arrest and trial.
The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
God preserves the elect and gathers them through the Son of Man.
False messiahs and prophets will deceive many through claims, signs, and wonders.
Jesus' words will never pass away, even though heaven and earth will.
Unknown timing requires alert, faithful readiness from all disciples.
Reading Lenses
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Mark 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death and resurrection will not end His mission but launch worldwide witness. The temple will fall, but the gospel must go to all nations. Disciples will be persecuted because of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will empower their testimony. The Son of Man who is about to be rejected, condemned, and crucified will come in power and glory and gather His elect. The gospel therefore produces endurance, mission, hope, and watchfulness.
Key Greek Terms
Sense temple precincts
Definition The temple complex or sacred precincts in Jerusalem.
References Mark 13:1, 13:3
Lexicon temple precincts
Why it matters The discourse begins with Jesus leaving the temple and predicting its destruction.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense stones
Definition Building stones, here the impressive stones of the temple complex.
References Mark 13:1-2
Lexicon stones
Why it matters The disciple admires the temple stones, but Jesus declares their destruction.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense buildings
Definition Built structures.
References Mark 13:1-2
Lexicon buildings
Why it matters The temple buildings seem magnificent, but Jesus relativizes their permanence.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense destroy, throw down, demolish
Definition To destroy, demolish, or dismantle.
References Mark 13:2
Lexicon destroy, throw down, demolish
Why it matters Jesus predicts the complete demolition of the temple stones.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Mount of Olives
Definition Ridge east of Jerusalem, opposite the temple.
References Mark 13:3
Lexicon Mount of Olives
Why it matters Jesus gives the discourse while seated opposite the temple from the Mount of Olives.
Sense opposite, over against
Definition Facing or opposite something.
References Mark 13:3
Lexicon opposite, over against
Why it matters Jesus sits opposite the temple, visually framing the coming judgment.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense sign
Definition A sign, indicator, or confirming marker.
References Mark 13:4
Lexicon sign
Why it matters The disciples ask what sign will indicate the fulfillment of Jesus' temple prediction.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense watch, beware, see
Definition To watch carefully or beware.
References Mark 13:5, 13:9, 13:23, 13:33
Lexicon watch, beware, see
Why it matters Jesus' first response to the disciples' question is a warning against deception.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense deceive, lead astray
Definition To lead astray, mislead, or deceive.
References Mark 13:5-6, 13:22
Lexicon deceive, lead astray
Why it matters Deception is the first danger Jesus names and remains a repeated warning.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense in my name
Definition Claiming identity, authority, or representation connected with Jesus.
References Mark 13:6
Lexicon in my name
Why it matters False claimants will come invoking Jesus' name or identity.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Individual words ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν hyper hēmōn · τίνι ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ tini homoia estin hē basileia tou theou
Sense I am, I am he
Definition A self-identifying claim.
References Mark 13:6
Lexicon I am, I am he
Why it matters False messianic figures will make self-exalting claims that deceive many.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense wars
Definition Armed conflict or war.
References Mark 13:7-8
Lexicon wars
Why it matters Wars must not be misread as immediate proof of the end.
Sense be alarmed, disturbed
Definition To be troubled, frightened, or alarmed.
References Mark 13:7
Lexicon be alarmed, disturbed
Why it matters Jesus forbids panic amid upheaval.
Individual words ταῦτα δὲ ἔδει ποιῆσαι tauta de edei poiēsai · διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι dia cheirōn ginomenoi
Form in passage Aorist · Middle · Infinitive What is this?
Sense it is necessary to happen
Definition Necessity under divine ordering.
References Mark 13:7
Lexicon it is necessary to happen
Why it matters Upheavals occur within divine providence, not chaos.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense end, completion
Definition Goal, end, or completion.
References Mark 13:7, 13:13
Lexicon end, completion
Why it matters Jesus distinguishes preliminary upheaval from the end.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense nation, people
Definition A nation or people-group.
References Mark 13:8, 13:10
Lexicon nation, people
Why it matters Nations will conflict, yet the gospel must be preached to all nations.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense earthquakes
Definition Earth shaking or earthquakes.
References Mark 13:8
Lexicon earthquakes
Why it matters Earthquakes are part of birth-pain upheavals.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense famines
Definition Food scarcity or famine.
References Mark 13:8
Lexicon famines
Why it matters Famines belong to the distressing but preliminary birth pains.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense birth pains, labor pains
Definition Labor pains associated with childbirth.
References Mark 13:8
Lexicon birth pains, labor pains
Why it matters Jesus frames upheavals as painful beginnings that precede completion.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense hand over, deliver up, betray
Definition To deliver someone into another's control.
References Mark 13:9, 13:11-12
Lexicon hand over, deliver up, betray
Why it matters Disciples will share the handed-over pattern that Jesus Himself undergoes.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense councils, courts
Definition Judicial or governing councils.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon councils, courts
Why it matters Disciples will be tried before religious authorities.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense beat, flog
Definition To beat or flog.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon beat, flog
Why it matters Jesus prepares disciples for physical suffering in synagogues.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense synagogues
Definition Jewish assembly places for worship, teaching, and local discipline.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon synagogues
Why it matters Persecution will come from religious settings as well as political ones.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense governors
Definition Civil rulers or governors.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon governors
Why it matters The disciples' witness will reach civil authorities.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense kings
Definition Royal rulers.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon kings
Why it matters Disciples will testify before rulers of high authority.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense testimony, witness
Definition Testimony or witness given in public setting.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon testimony, witness
Why it matters Persecution becomes testimony because of Jesus.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense good news, gospel
Definition The good news of God's saving reign in Jesus.
References Mark 13:10
Lexicon good news, gospel
Why it matters The gospel must be preached to all nations.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Infinitive What is this?
Sense proclaim, preach, herald
Definition To proclaim publicly as a herald.
References Mark 13:10
Lexicon proclaim, preach, herald
Why it matters The gospel is to be heralded among all nations.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Holy Spirit
Definition God's Spirit who empowers witness.
References Mark 13:11
Lexicon Holy Spirit
Why it matters The Holy Spirit gives speech to disciples under arrest.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense hand over, betray
Definition To hand over someone, often treacherously.
References Mark 13:12
Lexicon hand over, betray
Why it matters Family betrayal will intensify persecution.
Form in passage Present · Passive · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense hated
Definition To be hated or despised.
References Mark 13:13
Lexicon hated
Why it matters Disciples will be hated because of Jesus' name.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense endure, remain, stand firm
Definition To remain steadfast under pressure.
References Mark 13:13
Lexicon endure, remain, stand firm
Why it matters Endurance to the end is tied to salvation.
Sense saved, rescued
Definition To save, rescue, or deliver.
References Mark 13:13
Lexicon saved, rescued
Why it matters The one who endures will be saved.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense abomination, detestable thing
Definition Something detestable, idolatrous, or profaning.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon abomination, detestable thing
Why it matters The abomination signals desolating desecration and urgent flight.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense desolation, devastation
Definition Devastation, ruin, or desolation.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon desolation, devastation
Why it matters The abomination brings or signals devastation.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense reader must understand
Definition A directive to read with careful discernment.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon reader must understand
Why it matters Mark signals the need for wise understanding of the desolation warning.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense flee
Definition To run away or escape danger.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon flee
Why it matters Jesus commands urgent flight from Judea when the desolation appears.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense Judea
Definition Region surrounding Jerusalem.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon Judea
Why it matters The desolation warning has a concrete Judean crisis in view.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense distress, tribulation, affliction
Definition Severe pressure, trouble, or affliction.
References Mark 13:19, 13:24
Lexicon distress, tribulation, affliction
Why it matters Jesus describes an unequaled time of distress.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense create
Definition To create.
References Mark 13:19
Lexicon create
Why it matters Jesus measures the distress against the whole span of creation.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense shorten, cut short
Definition To cut short or reduce.
References Mark 13:20
Lexicon shorten, cut short
Why it matters God mercifully shortens the days for the sake of the elect.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense chosen, elect
Definition Those chosen by God.
References Mark 13:20, 13:22, 13:27
Lexicon chosen, elect
Why it matters God preserves and gathers His elect in the midst of distress.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense false christs, false messiahs
Definition False claimants to messianic identity.
References Mark 13:22
Lexicon false christs, false messiahs
Why it matters Jesus warns against counterfeit messianic figures.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense false prophets
Definition Those falsely claiming prophetic authority.
References Mark 13:22
Lexicon false prophets
Why it matters False prophets will attempt to deceive through signs and wonders.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense signs and wonders
Definition Miraculous or astonishing displays.
References Mark 13:22
Lexicon signs and wonders
Why it matters Deceptive signs must not override Jesus' warning and truth.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense sun
Definition The sun, used in cosmic judgment imagery.
References Mark 13:24
Lexicon sun
Why it matters The darkened sun signals divine judgment and cosmic upheaval.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense moon
Definition The moon, used in cosmic judgment imagery.
References Mark 13:24
Lexicon moon
Why it matters The moon not giving light belongs to prophetic cosmic upheaval language.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense stars
Definition Stars in the heavens.
References Mark 13:25
Lexicon stars
Why it matters Falling stars symbolize cosmic disruption under divine judgment.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense heavenly powers
Definition Cosmic or heavenly powers.
References Mark 13:25
Lexicon heavenly powers
Why it matters Their shaking signals divine intervention and upheaval.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense shake, be shaken
Definition To be shaken, disturbed, or moved.
References Mark 13:25
Lexicon shake, be shaken
Why it matters The heavenly powers are shaken before the appearing of the Son of Man.
Sense Son of Man
Definition Jesus' self-designation rooted in Danielic authority, suffering, vindication, and glory.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon Son of Man
Why it matters The Son of Man comes in clouds with power and glory.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense coming
Definition Coming or appearing.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon coming
Why it matters The Son of Man's coming is the climactic hope after tribulation.
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense clouds
Definition Clouds associated with divine presence and Danielic Son of Man imagery.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon clouds
Why it matters The Son of Man's coming in clouds evokes Daniel 7.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense power
Definition Might, power, effective strength.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon power
Why it matters The Son of Man comes with great power.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense glory
Definition Honor, splendor, divine majesty.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon glory
Why it matters The Son of Man comes with great glory.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense angels, messengers
Definition Heavenly messengers who serve God's purposes.
References Mark 13:27
Lexicon angels, messengers
Why it matters The Son of Man sends angels to gather the elect.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense gather together
Definition To gather together from scattered places.
References Mark 13:27
Lexicon gather together
Why it matters The Son of Man gathers the elect from all directions.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense four winds, all directions
Definition A phrase indicating the four directions of the earth.
References Mark 13:27
Lexicon four winds, all directions
Why it matters The elect are gathered universally from every direction.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense fig tree
Definition A fig tree used here as a lesson in recognizing nearness.
References Mark 13:28
Lexicon fig tree
Why it matters Jesus uses the fig tree to teach discernment of nearness.
Sense near
Definition Near in time or proximity.
References Mark 13:28-29
Lexicon near
Why it matters Disciples can recognize when the described events are near.
Individual words ἐκζητηθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης ekzētēthēsetai apo tēs geneas tautēs · ἄφετε τούτους ὑπάγειν aphete toutous hypagein
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense this generation
Definition The present generation or age-group addressed by Jesus.
References Mark 13:30
Lexicon this generation
Why it matters Jesus ties the fulfillment of these things to the generation in view, especially temple judgment.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense pass away
Definition To pass away, disappear, or come to an end.
References Mark 13:30-31
Lexicon pass away
Why it matters Creation may pass away, but Jesus' words will not.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense words, sayings
Definition Words, speech, teaching.
References Mark 13:31
Lexicon words, sayings
Why it matters Jesus' words have enduring authority beyond heaven and earth.
Individual words ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας εἰσῆλθεν Νῶε εἰς τὴν κιβωτόν achri hēs hēmeras eisēlthen Nōe eis tēn kibōton · ὥρα τρίτη hōra tritē
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense day or hour
Definition Specific time or moment.
References Mark 13:32
Lexicon day or hour
Why it matters The exact timing is unknown to all except the Father.
Sense Father
Definition God the Father.
References Mark 13:32
Lexicon Father
Why it matters Only the Father knows the day and hour.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense be alert, stay awake
Definition To stay awake, be alert, keep watch.
References Mark 13:33
Lexicon be alert, stay awake
Why it matters Jesus commands alertness because the timing is unknown.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense work, task
Definition Work, assigned task, or responsibility.
References Mark 13:34
Lexicon work, task
Why it matters Watchfulness includes faithful labor in assigned responsibility.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense doorkeeper
Definition One assigned to guard or watch a door.
References Mark 13:34
Lexicon doorkeeper
Why it matters The doorkeeper embodies watchfulness while awaiting the master's return.
Sense watch, stay awake
Definition To remain awake, alert, and watchful.
References Mark 13:35, 13:37
Lexicon watch, stay awake
Why it matters The discourse ends with the universal command to watch.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense sleeping
Definition To sleep, here metaphorically for being unprepared.
References Mark 13:36
Lexicon sleeping
Why it matters The master must not find servants spiritually asleep.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense watch, beware, see
Definition To watch carefully or beware.
References Mark 13:5, 13:9, 13:23, 13:33
Lexicon watch, beware, see
Why it matters Jesus repeatedly commands alert discernment throughout the discourse.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense deceive, lead astray
Definition To mislead or lead away from truth.
References Mark 13:5-6, 13:22
Lexicon deceive, lead astray
Why it matters Deception is a central danger in times of upheaval.
Sense it is necessary
Definition A term of necessity within divine purpose.
References Mark 13:7, 13:10
Lexicon it is necessary
Why it matters Upheavals happen under divine ordering, not random chaos.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense birth pains
Definition Labor pains before birth.
References Mark 13:8
Lexicon birth pains
Why it matters Jesus frames turmoil as painful preliminary travail, not the final end itself.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense deliver over, hand over, betray
Definition To hand someone over into another's power.
References Mark 13:9, 13:11-12
Lexicon deliver over, hand over, betray
Why it matters The disciples' suffering mirrors Jesus' own handed-over path.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense testimony, witness
Definition Public testimony or witness.
References Mark 13:9
Lexicon testimony, witness
Why it matters Persecution becomes gospel witness.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Infinitive What is this?
Sense preach, proclaim, herald
Definition To publicly herald a message.
References Mark 13:10
Lexicon preach, proclaim, herald
Why it matters The gospel is not hidden but heralded to all nations.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense endure, stand firm, remain
Definition To remain faithful under pressure.
References Mark 13:13
Lexicon endure, stand firm, remain
Why it matters The one who endures to the end will be saved.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense desolation
Definition Devastation or ruin.
References Mark 13:14
Lexicon desolation
Why it matters The desolation warning ties Jesus' teaching to Danielic judgment language.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense tribulation, distress, affliction
Definition Severe pressure or trouble.
References Mark 13:19, 13:24
Lexicon tribulation, distress, affliction
Why it matters Jesus describes severe distress but also divine preservation.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense chosen, elect
Definition Those chosen by God.
References Mark 13:20, 13:22, 13:27
Lexicon chosen, elect
Why it matters God preserves and gathers the elect.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense false christ, false messiah
Definition A counterfeit messianic claimant.
References Mark 13:22
Lexicon false christ, false messiah
Why it matters False messiahs will attempt to deceive many.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense false prophet
Definition A counterfeit prophetic figure.
References Mark 13:22
Lexicon false prophet
Why it matters False prophets will perform signs and wonders to deceive.
Sense Son of Man
Definition Jesus' Danielic self-designation connected to authority, suffering, vindication, and glory.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon Son of Man
Why it matters The Son of Man comes in clouds with power and glory.
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense clouds
Definition Clouds associated with divine presence and Danielic imagery.
References Mark 13:26
Lexicon clouds
Why it matters The Son of Man coming with clouds evokes Daniel 7.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense gather together
Definition To gather together from scattered places.
References Mark 13:27
Lexicon gather together
Why it matters The Son of Man gathers the elect from every direction.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense pass away
Definition To pass away or come to an end.
References Mark 13:30-31
Lexicon pass away
Why it matters Heaven and earth pass away, but Jesus' words do not.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense word, saying
Definition Spoken word, message, or teaching.
References Mark 13:31
Lexicon word, saying
Why it matters Jesus' words are unfailing and permanent.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense be alert, stay awake
Definition To stay awake and be watchful.
References Mark 13:33
Lexicon be alert, stay awake
Why it matters Disciples must be alert because they do not know the time.
Sense watch, stay awake
Definition To remain spiritually awake and ready.
References Mark 13:35, 13:37
Lexicon watch, stay awake
Why it matters The discourse climaxes with the command to watch.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (56)
grounds / explanation 9inference / conclusion 1strong contrast / correction 5purpose clause 2conditional (subjunctive / open) 5content marker or causal 4continuation or mild contrast 15negative additive 2additive / emphatic 13
| v.1 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.2 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.3 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.5 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.6 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.7 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.8 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.9 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.10 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.11 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead?ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...'γάρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ἀλλὰbutstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.12 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.13 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.14 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.15 | δὲandcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.16 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.17 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.18 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναthat itpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.19 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.20 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.ἀλλὰbutstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.21 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἐάνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.22 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.εἰifconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.23 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.24 | Ἀλλ᾽Butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.25 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.26 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.27 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.28 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.29 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.30 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.31 | δὲbutcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.32 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.οὐδὲnot evennegative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation.οὐδὲnornegative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.33 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.34 | ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.35 | οὖν·therefore;inference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.37 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (107 main verbs)
completed 8ongoing 10prospective 23resultant 4imperative 20subjunctive 18background 1infinitive 7participle 16
| v.1 | ἐκπορευομένουekporeúomaigoing outpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.2 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΒλέπειςseepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀφεθῇleftaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentκαταλυθῇkatalýōthrown downaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.3 | καθημένουkáthēmaisittingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπηρώταeperōtáōaskedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.4 | Εἰπὸνépōtellaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἔσταιésomaibefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionμέλλῃméllōare about topresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentσυντελεῖσθαιsynteléōaccomplishedpresent passive infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.5 | ἤρξατοbeganaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγεινlégōsaypresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbΒλέπετεwatch outpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπλανήσῃplanáōdeceivesaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.6 | ἐλεύσονταιérchomaicomefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπλανήσουσινplanáōdeceivefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.7 | ἀκούσητεhearaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentθροεῖσθεthroéōalarmedpresent passive imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationδεῖdéōmustpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthγενέσθαιgínomaitake placeaorist middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.8 | ἐγερθήσεταιegeírōrisefuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἔσονταιésomaibefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἔσονταιésomaibefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.9 | βλέπετεon ~ guardpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπαραδώσουσινparadídōmihand ~ overfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionδαρήσεσθεdérōbeatenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionσταθήσεσθεhístēmistandfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.10 | δεῖdéōmustpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthκηρυχθῆναιkērýssōpreachedaorist passive infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.11 | ἄγωσινarrestpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπαραδιδόντεςparadídōmihand ~ overpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπρομεριμνᾶτεpromerimnáōworry beforehandpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationλαλήσητεlaléōsayaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδοθῇdídōmigivenaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλαλεῖτεlaléōsaypresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationλαλοῦντεςlaléōspeakpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.12 | παραδώσειparadídōmibetrayfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐπαναστήσονταιepanístamairise upfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionθανατώσουσινthanatóōput to deathfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.13 | ὑπομείναςhypoménōenduresaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσωθήσεταιsṓzōsavedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.14 | ἴδητεhoráōseeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἑστηκόταhístēmistandingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδεῖdéōshouldpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀναγινώσκωνreaderpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionνοείτωnoiéōunderstandpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationφευγέτωσανpheúgōfleepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.15 | καταβάτωkatabaínōgo downaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationεἰσελθάτωeisérchomaienteraorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἆραιtake ~ outaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.16 | ἐπιστρεψάτωepistréphōturn backaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἆραιgetaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.17 | ἐχούσαιςéchōbepresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionθηλαζούσαιςthēlázōnursing motherspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.18 | προσεύχεσθεproseúchomaipraypresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationγένηταιgínomaihappenaorist middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.19 | ἔκτισενktízōcreatedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionγένηταιgínomaibeaorist middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.20 | ἐκολόβωσενkolobóōcut shortaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐσώθηsṓzōsavedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξελέξατοeklégomaichoseaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐκολόβωσενkolobóōshortenedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.21 | εἴπῃépōsaysaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπιστεύετεpisteúōbelievepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.22 | ἐγερθήσονταιegeírōarisefuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionδώσουσινdídōmiperformfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀποπλανᾶνlead astraypresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.23 | βλέπετεtake heedpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπροείρηκαprolégōtold ~ aheadof timeperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.24 | σκοτισθήσεταιskotízōdarkenedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionδώσειdídōmigivefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.25 | σαλευθήσονταιsaleúōshakenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.26 | ὄψονταιhoráōseefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐρχόμενονérchomaicomingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.27 | ἀποστελεῖsend outfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐπισυνάξειepisynágōgatherfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.28 | μάθετεmanthánōlearnaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἐκφύῃekphýōputs forthpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγινώσκετεginṓskōknowpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.29 | ἴδητεhoráōseeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγινόμεναgínomaihappeningpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionγινώσκετεginṓskōknowpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.30 | λέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπαρέλθῃparérchomaipass awayaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγένηταιgínomaitake placeaorist middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.31 | παρελεύσονταιparérchomaipass awayfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionπαρελεύσονταιparérchomaipass awayfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.32 | οἶδενeídōknowsperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.33 | βλέπετεtake heedpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἀγρυπνεῖτεalertpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationοἴδατεeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.34 | ἀφεὶςleftaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδοὺςdídōmigaveaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐνετείλατοentéllomaicommandedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionγρηγορῇgrēgoreúōon the watchpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.35 | γρηγορεῖτεgrēgoreúōon the alertpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationοἴδατεeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultἔρχεταιérchomaicomingpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.36 | ἐλθὼνérchomaicomesaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεὕρῃheurískōfindaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentκαθεύδονταςkatheúdōsleepingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.37 | λέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthγρηγορεῖτεgrēgoreúōwatchpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
Formation Focus
The reader must see that Jesus' word governs the future more surely than the temple stones govern the present. History, persecution, mission, judgment, and final glory unfold under the authority of the Son of Man.
God's people must be freed from religious false security, end-times panic, deception, mission neglect, fear of persecution, and spiritual sleep.
Discernment, endurance, Spirit-dependence, gospel courage, missionary urgency, obedience in crisis, hope in the Son of Man, confidence in Jesus' words, and watchful readiness.
Practice Response
- Anchor hope in Jesus' words rather than visible structures.
- Refuse deceptive messianic claims and sensational panic.
- Prepare to witness faithfully under pressure.
- Keep the gospel to all nations central in Your theology of the future.
- Trust the Holy Spirit when obedience brings accusation.
- Endure hatred without abandoning Christ.
- Obey practical warnings quickly when danger is clear.
- Do not chase signs that contradict Jesus' warning.
- Look to the coming Son of Man rather than collapsing earthly systems.
- Stay awake at Your assigned post.
Warnings and Misreadings
- Mark 13 warns against trusting visible religious structures, being deceived by false messiahs, panicking over upheaval, neglecting gospel witness, fearing persecution, relying on prepared self-defense instead of Spirit-given testimony, failing to endure, delaying obedience in crisis, being misled by signs and wonders, speculating about the unknown day and hour, and spiritually sleeping when the master commands watchfulness.
- Mark 13 is only about the end of the world and has nothing to do with the temple's destruction. - The discourse begins with Jesus' prediction that the temple stones will be thrown down and must be read first in relation to Jerusalem and temple judgment, while also opening onto the larger horizon of the Son of Man's vindication.
- Mark 13 is only about AD 70 and has no future theological horizon. - The temple destruction is central, but the chapter also speaks in cosmic and Danielic Son of Man categories that point beyond local catastrophe to divine vindication and final gathering.
- Wars and disasters mean the end has arrived immediately. - Jesus explicitly says these things must happen, but the end is still to come. They are the beginning of birth pains.
- The main purpose of the chapter is date-setting. - Jesus' emphasis is watchfulness, endurance, discernment, and mission, not calendar calculation.
- Persecution means God has lost control. - Jesus predicts persecution in advance and presents it as an occasion for witness empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- The Spirit's help means disciples should never prepare or study. - Jesus speaks specifically about not anxiously preparing a legal defense at the moment of arrest. This does not cancel wise formation in Scripture and truth.
- The elect may finally be deceived and lost. - Jesus says false signs aim to deceive, if possible, even the elect · the phrase underscores the severity of deception and God's preserving mercy.
- The abomination warning should be treated as vague symbolism only. - Jesus gives concrete instructions for those in Judea to flee, showing a real historical crisis in view.
- The Son not knowing the day and hour means Jesus is not truly divine. - Within the incarnate mission, the Son speaks of the day and hour as belonging to the Father's authority. This must be held with Mark's broader high Christology and orthodox Christological distinction between divine person and incarnate economy.
- Watchfulness means anxious end-times obsession. - Watchfulness means faithful readiness, assigned work, spiritual wakefulness, endurance, and obedience.
- The command to watch applies only to the four disciples. - Jesus ends by saying what He says to them He says to everyone: Watch.
Discipleship Questions
- What visible structure am I tempted to treat as permanent when Jesus says only His word endures?
- Do I seek dates and signs more than obedience, endurance, and watchfulness?
- What voices today would deceive me by claiming Jesus' authority without Jesus' truth?
- Do wars, disasters, and upheaval make me panic, speculate, or pray and endure?
- Am I prepared to be hated because of Jesus' name?
- Would I see persecution as failure, or as a platform for witness?
- Do I trust the Holy Spirit to strengthen testimony under pressure?
- Is the gospel to all nations central to my eschatology, or have I reduced the end times to curiosity?
- Where would family pressure tempt me to compromise faithfulness?
- What possessions would slow my obedience if Jesus called for urgent flight?
- Do I believe God can preserve His elect in severe distress?
- Would signs and wonders impress me more than faithfulness to Jesus' warning?
- Do I measure the future by collapsing temples or by the coming Son of Man?
- Do I live as though Jesus' words will outlast heaven and earth?
- Am I awake at my post, doing the work assigned to me?
Pastoral Applications
- Preaching - Preach Mark 13 as Jesus' pastoral preparation for disciples, not as a speculative chart. The chapter is designed to produce endurance, discernment, mission, and watchfulness.
- Church Health - Jesus' temple prediction warns churches not to confuse visible buildings, budgets, institutions, or history with spiritual permanence.
- Eschatology - Teach the chapter with both historical seriousness regarding Jerusalem's temple judgment and theological seriousness regarding the Son of Man's coming and final gathering.
- Discernment - False messiahs and false prophets are not merely outsiders with obvious errors. Jesus warns that deception can be persuasive and sign-supported.
- Persecution - Prepare believers that faithfulness to Jesus may bring religious, civil, social, and familial opposition.
- Missions - The gospel-to-all-nations statement must shape end-times teaching. Mission is not a side issue · it is central to Jesus' discourse.
- Counseling - For fearful believers, emphasize that Jesus warned His people in advance. Upheaval does not mean Christ is surprised or absent.
- Prayer - Jesus tells disciples to pray that the crisis will not happen in winter, showing that divine sovereignty and concrete prayer belong together.
- Spiritual Formation - Watchfulness is not anxious obsession · it is faithful attention, assigned work, moral readiness, and refusal to sleep spiritually.
- Christology - Mark 13:31 must be handled with reverence: Jesus' words are more permanent than heaven and earth.
Pastoral Trajectories
The disciple marvels at the stones; Jesus announces their downfall.
The disciples ask when; Jesus first says do not be deceived.
Wars and disasters are severe but not final; they are beginning birth pains.
Trials before councils and rulers become testimony opportunities.
Disciples need not anxiously script their defense because the Holy Spirit will speak through them.
The most painful opposition may come from family, yet endurance remains necessary.
The abomination triggers practical obedience, not spiritualized delay.
The distress is severe, but the Lord shortens the days for the elect.
Jesus warns beforehand so disciples will not be impressed into deception.
Creation-level upheaval gives way to the appearing of the Son of Man.
Disciples must discern nearness while resting on Jesus' unfailing words.
Ignorance of timing does not excuse passivity; it demands alert faithfulness.
Motifs in This Chapter
Study kingdom reign, divine rule, and gospel kingdom proclamation across Scripture.
Trace remnant preservation, covenant continuity, and mercy under judgment across Scripture.
Track judgment as covenant accountability, divine justice, and eschatological reckoning.
Trace servant identity, obedient mission, and suffering service across Scripture.
Study temple presence, worship, corruption, judgment, and renewal across Scripture.
Follow faith, believing response, trust, and persevering allegiance across Scripture.
Trace how divine glory, revealed majesty, and Christ-centered exaltation move across Scripture.
Follow resurrection hope, vindication, and life-over-death patterns across the canon.
Follow shepherding as divine care, messianic leadership, and pastoral oversight across Scripture.
Trace the Spirit's presence, empowerment, renewal, and mission-bearing work across Scripture.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Mark 13 moves from Jesus' prediction of temple destruction, to warnings against deception, persecution, and premature alarm, to gospel witness among all nations, to the abomination and urgent flight from Judea, to tribulation and false christs, to cosmic signs and the coming of the Son of Man, and finally to watchfulness because the exact day and hour are unknown.
Mark 13 announces covenantal judgment on the temple while also expanding the horizon to gospel witness among all nations and the coming of the Son of Man. The temple, which had become corrupt and fruitless, will fall. Yet God's purposes do not collapse with the temple's stones. Jesus' words endure, the gospel goes to the nations, the elect are preserved and gathered, and the Son of Man receives public vindication.
Mark 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death and resurrection will not end His mission but launch worldwide witness. The temple will fall, but the gospel must go to all nations. Disciples will be persecuted because of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will empower their testimony. The Son of Man who is about to be rejected, condemned, and crucified will come in power and glory and gather His elect. The gospel therefore produces endurance, mission, hope, and watchfulness.
Discernment, endurance, Spirit-dependence, gospel courage, missionary urgency, obedience in crisis, hope in the Son of Man, confidence in Jesus' words, and watchful readiness.
Focus Points
- Temple destruction
- Impermanence of religious structures
- Mount of Olives discourse
- Deception
- False messiahs
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Birth pains
- Persecution
- Public witness
- Synagogue flogging
- Governors and kings
- Gospel to all nations
- Holy Spirit speech
- Family betrayal
- Hatred because of Jesus
- Endurance
- Salvation
- Abomination of desolation
- Flight from Judea
- Great distress
- Elect preserved
- Shortened days
- False prophets and signs
- Cosmic upheaval
- Son of Man
- Power and glory
- Gathering of the elect
- Fig tree lesson
- Permanence of Jesus' words
- Unknown day and hour
- Watchfulness
- Servants with assigned work
- Temple Judgment
- Deception and Discernment
- Providential Upheaval
- Persecution as Witness
- Global Gospel Mission
- Spirit-Enabled Testimony
- Elect Preservation
- Son of Man Vindication
- Permanence of Jesus' Word
- Christology
- Scripture Fulfillment
- Eschatology
- Providence
- Mission
- Pneumatology
- Perseverance
- Election
- False Teaching
- Authority of Christ's Word
Cross References
Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on His way. His disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the temple. But He answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t You? Most certainly I tell You, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down.” As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him...
Parallel Olivet discourse
As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, He said, “As for these things which You see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.” They asked Him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to...
Parallel temple destruction discourse
They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold the doves. He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple. He taught, saying to them, “Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a...
Temple judgment foundation
He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country. When it was time, He sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer His share of the fruit of the vineyard. They took Him, beat Him, and sent Him away empty.
Leadership judgment foundation
“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’ ”
Temple destruction accusation
The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
Temple curtain torn
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and He came even to the ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. Dominion was given Him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass...
Son of Man background
He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. In the middle of the week He will cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. On the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, wrath will be poured out on the desolate.”
Abomination/desolation background
But You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon You. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Gospel witness to nations
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, may it be known to You all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom You crucified, whom God raised...
Spirit-enabled testimony
But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, You have no need that anything be written to You. For You Yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape.
Watchfulness and day of the Lord
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the...
Gathered people from all nations
Passages
Chapter opening: Mark 13:1-2
Master, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings (διδασκαλε, ιδε ποταπο λιθο κα ποταπα οικοδομα). Mt 24:1 and Lu 21:5 tell of the fact of the comment, but Mark alone gives the precise words. Perhaps Peter himself (Swete) was the one who sought thus by a pleasant platitude to divert the Teacher's attention from the serious topics of recent hours in the temple.
It was not a new observation, but the merest commonplace might serve at this crisis. Josephus ( Ant . xv. II, 3) speaks of the great size of these stones and the beauty of the buildings. Some of these stones at the southeastern and southwestern angles survive today and measure from twenty to forty feet long and weigh a hundred tons. Jesus had, of course, often observed them.
These great buildings (ταυτας τας οικοδομας). Jesus fully recognizes their greatness and beauty. The more remarkable will be their complete demolition (καταλυθη), loosened down . Only the foundation stones remain.
Over against the temple (κατεναντ του ιερου). In full view of the temple about which they had been speaking. Privately (κατ' ιδιαν). Peter and James and John and Andrew (named only in Mark) had evidently been discussing the strange comment of Jesus as they were coming out of the temple. In their bewilderment they ask Jesus a bit to one side, though probably all the rest drew up as Jesus began to speak this great eschatological discourse.
Tell us, when shall these things be? (Ειπον ημιν ποτε ταυτα εσται;). The Revised Version punctuates it as a direct question, but Westcott and Hort as an indirect inquiry. They asked about the what sign (τ σημειον). Mt 24:3 includes "the sign of thy coming and the end of the world," showing that these tragic events are brought before Jesus by the disciples. See discussion of the interpretation of this discourse on Mt 24:3 .
This chapter in Mark is often called "The Little Apocalypse" with the notion that a Jewish apocalypse has been here adapted by Mark and attributed to Jesus. Many of the theories attribute grave error to Jesus or to the Gospels on this subject. The view adopted in the discussion in Matthew is the one suggested here, that Jesus blended in one picture his death, the destruction of Jerusalem within that generation, the second coming and end of the world typified by the destruction of the city.
The lines between these topics are not sharply drawn in the report and it is not possible for us to separate the topics clearly. This great discourse is the longest preserved in Mark and may be due to Peter. Mark may have given it in order "to forewarn and forearm" (Bruce) the readers against the coming catastrophe of the destruction of Jerusalem. Both Matthew ( Mt 24 ) and Luke ( Lu 21:5-36 ) follow the general line of Mark 13 though Mt 24:43-25:46 presents new material (parables).
Take need that no man lead you astray (Βλεπετε μη τις υμας πλανηση). Same words in Mt 24:4 . Lu 21:8 has it "that ye be not led astray" (μη πλανηθητε). This word πλαναω (our planet ) is a bold one. This warning runs through the whole discussion. It is pertinent today after so many centuries. About the false Christs then and now see on Mt 24:5 . It is amazing the success that these charlatans have through the ages in winning the empty-pated to their hare-brained views.
Only this morning as I am writing a prominent English psychologist has challenged the world to a radio communication with Mars asserting that he has made frequent trips to Mars and communicated with its alleged inhabitants. And the daily papers put his ebullitions on the front page. For discussion of the details in verses 6-8 see on Mt 24:5-8 . All through the ages in spite of the words of Jesus men have sought to apply the picture here drawn to the particular calamity in their time.
Must needs come to pass (δε γενεσθα). Already there were outbreaks against the Jews in Alexandria, at Seleucia with the slaughter of more than fifty thousand, at Jamnia, and elsewhere. Caligula, Claudius, Nero will threaten war before it finally comes with the destruction of the city and temple by Titus in A. D. 70. Vincent notes that between this prophecy by Jesus in A.
D. 30 (or 29) and the destruction of Jerusalem there was an earthquake in Crete (A. D. 46 or 47), at Rome (A. D. 51), at Apamaia in Phrygia (A. D. 60), at Campania (A. D. 63). He notes also four famines during the reign of Claudius A. D. 41-54. One of them was in Judea in A. D. 44 and is alluded to in Ac 11:28 . Tacitus ( Annals xvi. 10-13) describes the hurricanes and storms in Campania in A.
D. 65.
But take heed to yourselves (Βλεπετε δε υμεις εαυτους). Only in Mark, but dominant note of warning all through the discourse. Note υμεις here, very emphatic. Councils (συνεδρια). Same word as the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. These local councils (συν, εδρα, sitting together) were modelled after that in Jerusalem. Shall ye be beaten (δαρησεσθε). Second future passive indicative second person plural.
The word δερω means to flay or skin and here has been softened into beat like our tan or skin in the vernacular. Aristophanes has it in this colloquial sense as have the papyri in the Koine . Before governors and kings (επ ηγεμονων κα βασιλεων). Gentile rulers as well as before Jewish councils. Shall stand (σταθησεσθε). First aorist passive indicative second person plural of ιστημ.
Must first be preached (πρωτον δε κηρυχθηνα). This only in Mark. It is interesting to note that Paul in Col 1:6 , 23 claims that the gospel has spread all over the world. All this was before the destruction of Jerusalem.
Be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak (μη προμεριμνατε τ λαλησητε). Negative with present imperative to make a general prohibition or habit. Jesus is not here referring to preaching, but to defences made before these councils and governors. A typical example is seen in the courage and skill of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin in Acts. The verb μεριμναω is from μεριζω (μερις), to be drawn in opposite directions, to be distracted.
See on Mt 6:25 . They are not to be stricken with fright beforehand, but to face fearlessly those in high places who are seeking to overthrow the preaching of the gospel. There is no excuse here for the lazy preacher who fails to prepare his sermon out of the mistaken reliance upon the Holy Spirit. They will need and will receive the special help of the Holy Spirit (cf.
Joh 14-16 ).
But he that endureth to the end (ο δε υπομεινας εις τελος). Note this aorist participle with the future verb. The idea here is true to the etymology of the word, remaining under (υπομενω) until the end. The divisions in families Jesus had predicted before ( Lu 12:52 f.; 14:25 f. ). Be saved (σωθησετα). Here Jesus means final salvation (effective aorist future passive), not initial salvation.
Standing where he ought not (εστηκοτα οπου ου δε). Mt 24:15 has "standing in the holy place" (εστος εν τοπο αγιω), neuter and agreeing with βδελυγμα (abomination), the very phrase applied in 1Macc. 1:54 to the altar to Zeus erected by Antiochus Epiphanes where the altar to Jehovah was. Mark personifies the abomination as personal (masculine), while Lu 21:20 defines it by reference to the armies (of Rome, as it turned out).
So the words of Daniel find a second fulfilment, Rome taking the place of Syria (Swete). See on Mt 24:15 for this phrase and the parenthesis inserted in the words of Jesus ("Let him that readeth understand"). See also on Mt 24:16-25 for discussion of details in Mr 13:14-22 .
In the field (εις τον αγρον). Here Mt 24:18 has εν τω αγρω, showing identical use of εις with accusative and εν with the locative.
Which God created (ην εκτισεν ο θεος). Note this amplification to the quotation from Da 12:1 .
Whom he chose (ους εξελεξατο). Indirect aorist middle indicative. In Mark alone. Explains the sovereign choice of God in the end by and for himself.
That they may lead astray (προς το αποπλαναιν). With a view to leading off (προς and the infinitive). Mt 24:24 has ωστε αποπλασθα, so as to lead off.
But take ye heed (Hυμεις δε βλεπετε). Gullibility is no mark of a saint or of piety. Note emphatic position of you (υμεις). Credulity ranks no higher than scepticism. God gave us our wits for self-protection. Christ has warned us beforehand.
The sun shall be darkened (ο ελιος σκοτισθησετα). Future passive indicative. These figures come from the prophets ( Isa 13:9 f.; Eze 32:7 f.; Joe 2:1 f., 10 f.; Am 8:9 ; Zep 1:14-16 ; Zec 12:12 ). One should not forget that prophetic imagery was not always meant to be taken literally, especially apocalyptic symbols. Peter in Ac 2:15-21 applies the prophecy of Joel about the sun and moon to the events on the day of Pentecost. See on Mt 24:29-31 for details of verses 24-27 .
The stars shall be falling (ο αστερες εσοντα πιπτοντες). Periphrastic future indicative, εσοντα, future middle indicative and πιπτοντες, present active participle.
Shall gather together his elect (επισυναξε τους εκλεκτους αυτου). This is the purpose of God through the ages. From the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven (απ' ακρου γης εως ακρου ουρανου). The Greek is very brief, "from the tip of earth to the tip of heaven." This precise phrase occurs nowhere else.
Coming to pass (γινομενα). Present middle participle, linear action. See on Mt 24:32-36 for details of verses 28-32 (the Parable of the Fig Tree).
Not even the Son (ουδε ο υιος). There is no doubt as to the genuineness of these words here such as exists in Mt 24:36 . This disclaimer of knowledge naturally interpreted applies to the second coming, not to the destruction of Jerusalem which had been definitely limited to that generation as it happened in A.D. 70.
Commanded also the porter to watch (κα τω θυρωρω ενετειλατο ινα γρηγορη) . The porter or door-keeper (θυρωρος), as well as all the rest, to keep a watch (present subjunctive, γρηγορη). This Parable of the Porter is only in Mark. Our ignorance of the time of the Master's return is an argument not for indifference nor for fanaticism, but for alertness and eager readiness for his coming.
The four watches of the night are named here: evening (οψε), midnight (μεσονυκτιον), cock-crowing (αλεκτοροφωνιας), morning (πρω).
Watch (γρηγορειτε). Be on the watch. Present imperative of a verb made on the second perfect, εγρηγορα, to be awake. Stay awake till the Lord comes.