Mark 13 35

Mark 13:35 kjv

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mark 13:35 nkjv

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming?in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning?

Mark 13:35 niv

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back?whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

Mark 13:35 esv

Therefore stay awake ? for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning ?

Mark 13:35 nlt

You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return ? in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 35 Meaning

Mark 13:35 emphasizes the critical command for followers of Christ to remain spiritually vigilant and ready at all times, because the exact timing of the Lord's return, likened to the "master of the house" returning, is unknown. The verse enumerates the four Roman night watches, underscoring that the master could return at any unpredictable moment, thereby necessitating constant watchfulness and readiness on the part of His servants. It is a powerful call to live in continuous anticipation of Christ's advent, whether in His general return or His coming for each individual at their life's end.

Mark 13 35 Context

Mark 13, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, records Jesus' prophecy to His disciples about future events while seated on the Mount of Olives. The chapter begins with Jesus foretelling the destruction of the Temple (Mk 13:1-2), followed by questions from His disciples about the timing and signs of these events (Mk 13:3-4). Jesus then describes signs leading up to "the end," including wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, and the preaching of the gospel to all nations (Mk 13:5-13). He also speaks of the "abomination of desolation" (Mk 13:14-23) and cosmic disturbances accompanying the coming of the Son of Man (Mk 13:24-27). Verse 35 falls within the concluding section of the discourse (Mk 13:32-37), which emphasizes the uncertainty of the exact time of the Son of Man's return, known only to the Father. Therefore, the primary message for the disciples, and for believers across all generations, is the command to be ever-watchful and prepared, using the illustration of a master's unexpected return. The overall context moves from specific events (Temple's fall) to the ultimate future coming of Christ, concluding with an urgent call to readiness.

Mark 13 35 Word analysis

• Watch (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite): An imperative verb meaning "be watchful," "stay awake," "be vigilant." It is a strong command for spiritual wakefulness and readiness, not merely physical wakefulness. It implies an active state of alert awareness and preparedness for the master's unexpected arrival. The command to grēgoreō is used throughout the New Testament to signify spiritual readiness and awareness of the Lord's imminent return or of spiritual dangers. It contrasts sharply with spiritual slumber or apathy.
• therefore (οὖν, oun): A conjunction that signifies logical consequence or inference. It connects the command to watch in verse 35 directly to the preceding statement in verse 32 that no one, not even the Son, knows the exact day or hour of the Lord's return. Because the time is unknown, watching is the necessary and logical response.
• for (γὰρ, gar): A conjunction that indicates reason or explanation. It explains why watching is necessary—because "you do not know when."
• you do not know (οὐκ οἴδατε, ouk oidate): From oida, meaning "to know," implying knowledge gained through insight or comprehension. The negative emphasizes the absolute unknowability of the specific timing for human beings, making the command to watch imperative. This reinforces the unique authority and sovereignty of God regarding the timetable of ultimate events.
• when (πότε, pote): An interrogative adverb meaning "when?" Here, it underscores the unspecified and unpredictable nature of the timing of the master's return.
• the master of the house (ὁ κύριος τῆς οἰκίας, ho kyrios tēs oikias): Literally "the lord of the house." This phrase identifies Jesus Himself, who is depicted as the owner who has departed and is expected to return. The "house" refers metaphorically to His followers, the Church, or even the world under His sovereign domain. The imagery implies His authority, the servants' responsibility, and their accountability to Him upon His return.
• is coming (ἔρχεται, erchetai): A present tense verb, often used to express a future certainty or an impending event. This indicates the Lord's coming is a definite future reality, even if the timing is unknown.
• in the evening (ὀψὲ, opse): The first Roman night watch, approximately 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• at midnight (μεσονύκτιον, mesonuktion): The second watch, approximately 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• at the crowing of the rooster (ἀλεκτοροφωνίας, alektorophōnias): The third watch, approximately 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. This phrase is specifically Roman in origin and also refers to a specific time event often used to demarcate dawn.
• or in the morning (πρωΐ, prōï): The fourth and final watch, approximately 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. These four specific divisions of the night underscore the comprehensive unpredictability of the master's return—it could happen at any moment throughout the entire night. This serves as a potent metaphor for Christ's potential return at any time within an indefinite period.

Mark 13 35 Bonus section

The Olivet Discourse, in which Mark 13:35 is embedded, presents both prophetic and ethical dimensions. While it predicts future events (e.g., Temple destruction, "abomination of desolation"), its ultimate thrust, particularly in verses 32-37, is an ethical one: how believers should live in light of these realities. The use of household imagery (master, house, servants, doorkeeper in verse 34) provides a tangible framework for understanding Christian discipleship as diligent waiting and active service. This command for "watching" has historical precedent in Jewish apocalyptic expectations, where awaiting God's decisive intervention was a prominent theme. For the early Church, facing persecution and uncertainty, this command provided immense comfort and a call to endurance, reminding them of the ultimate hope in their returning Lord. The implication is not to be consumed by calculations of dates but to be consumed by faithful living.

Mark 13 35 Commentary

Mark 13:35 provides a succinct yet profound call to eschatological watchfulness, forming the bedrock of Christian hope and discipline. Situated at the culmination of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus outlines future tribulations and His glorious return, this verse serves as a direct, imperative instruction for all His followers. The repeated emphasis on the unknown day and hour ("you do not know when") elevates vigilance from a mere suggestion to a spiritual necessity. The imagery of "the master of the house" underscores Christ's rightful dominion and the disciples' role as accountable servants. The meticulous listing of the four night watches—evening, midnight, rooster crow, and morning—is a rhetorical device that conveys the utter unpredictability and comprehensive scope of the potential return. It signifies that the Lord could come at any and every conceivable time. This command extends beyond physical alertness to encompass spiritual readiness, moral purity, and diligent service. Believers are called to live perpetually prepared, maintaining lives that reflect their expectation of Christ, avoiding complacency, spiritual slumber, or preoccupation with earthly concerns to the exclusion of eternal realities. This teaching prompts self-examination and diligent stewardship of time and resources, reminding believers that the return is not merely a future event but a present motivation for holy living.