Mark 13 14

Mark 13:14 kjv

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Mark 13:14 nkjv

"So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14 niv

"When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong?let the reader understand?then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14 esv

"But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14 nlt

"The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be." (Reader, pay attention!) "Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 14 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial prophetic warning from Jesus Christ regarding a specific future event, the "abomination of desolation," which will signal the onset of a time of severe distress and judgment. It unequivocally instructs believers within the region of Judea to flee immediately to the mountains upon witnessing this event, emphasizing urgency and a lack of opportunity for delay. This sign marks a significant turning point in the unfolding of prophetic events, indicating that the time of extreme persecution and tribulation has arrived, necessitating immediate and decisive action for survival.

Mark 13 14 Context

Mark 13, known as the "Olivet Discourse," presents Jesus' detailed prophecy concerning the future. It begins with the disciples asking about the timing of the Temple's destruction and the sign of His coming and the end of the age (Mark 13:3-4). Jesus' discourse blends warnings about the immediate destruction of Jerusalem (fulfilled in AD 70) with prophecies about the ultimate eschatological events leading to His return. Mark 13:14 serves as a pivotal warning, marking a decisive moment within the wider "tribulation" described in the chapter. It implies that certain conditions, including persecution (Mark 13:9-13), would precede this specific sign. The "abomination of desolation" is derived directly from Daniel's prophecies, where it referred to sacrilege against the Temple (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the Maccabean period). Jesus here extends that prophecy to a future, momentous event that will require urgent and life-saving action from those who heed His warning. The geographically specific command to flee Judea points to a localized yet immensely significant unfolding of this sign.

Mark 13 14 Word analysis

• But when you see: Hotan de idēte (ὅταν δὲ ἴδητε). This emphasizes that the "seeing" is not passive observation but a distinct recognition and understanding of the specified event. It calls for the active discernment of the recipients.
• the abomination of desolation: to bdelugma tēs erēmōseōs (τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως).
  • abomination (bdelugma): A deeply detestable thing, especially in a cultic or religious sense; something idolatrous or sacrilegious that profoundly offends God and pollutes sacred space. Used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) for idol worship and practices forbidden by God's law.
  • desolation (erēmōseōs): A state of ruin, devastation, or abandonment; the act of causing a place to be made desolate.
  • Significance: This precise phrase comes directly from Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11. It refers to a definitive act of desecration that leads to the laying waste of something holy, particularly the Temple or its worship. In Daniel, it foreshadowed Antiochus Epiphanes' actions, but Jesus uses it to point to a future event with ultimate prophetic implications, a profound defilement against God that signals imminent judgment.
• standing: hestēkota (ἑστηκότα). A perfect active participle, indicating a state of having been set up and remaining there. It denotes a fixed, enduring, or established presence of the abomination.
• where it ought not to be: hopou ou dei (ὅπου οὐ δεῖ). Literally, "where it is not lawful/fitting." This underscores the extreme impropriety and sacrilege of the abomination's location. It refers to a holy place, most likely the Temple's inner courts or the Holy of Holies, which is sacred ground consecrated to God and thus strictly forbidden to anything unholy or profane. Its presence signifies ultimate disrespect and defiance toward God.
• (let the reader understand): ho anaginōskōn noeitō (ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω). This parenthetical remark is Mark's (and perhaps Jesus' own implicit instruction) to the reader. It is an urgent call for discernment, prompting those reading to connect the prophecy to its Old Testament roots (specifically Daniel) and to understand its profound spiritual and theological implications beyond a literal surface reading. It suggests that spiritual insight and prior knowledge of Scripture are essential to grasp the depth of this warning.
• then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains: This is a direct, imperative command, urging immediate and desperate flight.
  • Judea: The geographic region around Jerusalem. The warning is specifically for those residing in this critical area, highlighting the particular danger associated with the holy city.
  • flee to the mountains: Implies an immediate, urgent escape to a place of refuge and safety, away from the impending catastrophe. Mountains historically provided refuge and concealment. The imperative "flee" signifies no time for delay, hesitation, or collecting possessions, stressing the swift and overwhelming nature of the coming judgment or tribulation.

Words-Group Analysis

• "But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be": This phrase functions as the critical trigger for the subsequent command. It is the identifying sign that announces the dire escalation of events. The visible "standing" of the "abomination" is a clear, undeniable signal that removes any doubt for those who understand the prophecy.
• "(let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.": The parenthetical comment stresses the profound nature of the sign, suggesting that spiritual insight (understanding the implications from Daniel and Jesus' prior teachings) is crucial for accurate interpretation and timely response. The subsequent command emphasizes the radical and swift action required, indicating that life depends on immediate obedience to the prophetic warning. It shifts from intellectual understanding to urgent, life-saving physical action.

Mark 13 14 Bonus section

• Dual Fulfillment: Many theologians understand Jesus' prophecies, particularly in the Olivet Discourse, as having a dual or layered fulfillment: an initial partial fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and a comprehensive, ultimate fulfillment at the end of the age just before Christ's second coming. This verse serves as a primary example of this concept. The actions of the Roman army surrounding Jerusalem, leading to its devastation, have been seen as a type of the "abomination of desolation," leading to the "desolation" of the city and Temple. The future fulfillment awaits a specific "standing" of an ultimate anti-Christ figure or system within a recognized "holy place," bringing ultimate defilement and precipitating the great tribulation.
• Hermeneutical Key: The phrase "let the reader understand" acts as a hermeneutical key, guiding the interpreter to look beyond a superficial reading. It highlights the importance of spiritual insight, scriptural knowledge (especially Daniel's prophecies), and divine wisdom to properly discern the identity and timing of this critical event. This encourages deep study of prophecy rather than mere speculation.
• Call to Vigilance: The verse, like the rest of Mark 13, functions as a powerful call to vigilance for all generations of believers. Though the immediate instruction to "flee to the mountains" was specific to Judea and that particular manifestation, the underlying principle remains: believers must be awake, aware, and prepared to act decisively when signs of profound spiritual evil and impending judgment emerge, ensuring their spiritual and, if necessary, physical safety according to God's warnings.

Mark 13 14 Commentary

Mark 13:14 provides the crucial warning that initiates the "great tribulation" Jesus describes. The "abomination of desolation" points to a climactic act of sacrilege against God that demands immediate flight. While partially fulfilled in AD 70 when Roman armies surrounded and defiled Jerusalem, leading to immense suffering and necessitating flight, many scholars also see a future, ultimate fulfillment in an end-times figure (like the "man of lawlessness" in 2 Thes 2:3-4) who will commit a profound blasphemy or desecration, potentially in a rebuilt Temple. The explicit reference to Daniel emphasizes that this is a definitive event foreseen long ago, representing the peak of anti-God activity. The parenthetical instruction, "let the reader understand," signifies the interpretive importance and spiritual depth of the prophecy, urging believers to be knowledgeable in Scripture and discerning of the times. The command to "flee to the mountains" underscores the absolute urgency and severe nature of the impending judgment, leaving no room for delay or hesitation for those who wish to survive this unparalleled period of distress. It is a clear warning to physically separate oneself from the sphere of divine wrath centered in Judea.