Mark 13 36

Mark 13:36 kjv

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mark 13:36 nkjv

lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.

Mark 13:36 niv

If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

Mark 13:36 esv

lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

Mark 13:36 nlt

Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 36 Meaning

Mark 13:36 serves as a climactic warning within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, emphasizing the absolute necessity of constant spiritual vigilance and readiness for His unexpected return. The verse directly states the negative consequence of spiritual negligence: that His coming might catch His followers unprepared, metaphorically "sleeping." This implies a state of spiritual apathy, idleness, or being engrossed in worldly concerns, rather than actively fulfilling their assigned duties and maintaining a posture of anticipation for their Lord's arrival.

Mark 13 36 Context

Mark 13, often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," contains Jesus' prophecy regarding the destruction of the Temple, the signs preceding His return, and the end of the age. The discourse begins with the disciples marveling at the Temple's grandeur (Mk 13:1), prompting Jesus' shocking prediction of its complete destruction (Mk 13:2). In response to their questions about "when" these things would happen and "what will be the sign" (Mk 13:3-4), Jesus details various events, including tribulation, false messiahs, and cosmic disturbances. He emphasizes the uncertainty of the exact timing of His return (Mk 13:32). Mark 13:33-37 concludes the discourse with an urgent and repetitive call for watchfulness (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite). The verses immediately preceding 13:36 present the parable of the absent master who entrusts his servants with tasks, specifically the doorkeeper who must "stay awake" (Mk 13:34-35) to open for his sudden return. Verse 36 acts as the direct application and strong warning: the risk of the Master's sudden arrival finding one in spiritual neglect, hence the need for continuous vigilance. The context is intensely eschatological, urging disciples to live with an acute awareness of accountability and the Lord's unexpected reappearance.

Mark 13 36 Word analysis

• Lest: Greek mē (μὴ). This conjunction expresses a negative purpose or result, conveying a warning or a fear. It signals the negative consequence that the speaker wishes to avoid, here being caught unawares.
• Coming: Greek elthē (ἔλθῃ), an aorist subjunctive from erchomai (ἔρχομαι), meaning "to come, go." It signifies the act of His return, depicted as a definitive, single event. The subjunctive mood indicates potential or anticipated action.
• Suddenly: Greek exaiphnēs (ἐξαίφνης). This adverb emphasizes the unexpected, abrupt, or out-of-the-blue nature of the arrival. It conveys the idea of no prior warning or discernible signs immediately preceding the event. This echoes the "thief in the night" imagery used elsewhere for Christ's return.
• He find: Greek heuriskē (εὑρίσκῃ), a present subjunctive from heuriskō (εὑρίσκω), meaning "to find, discover." It suggests the action of the returning Master seeking out or discovering the state of His servants. The present tense can imply continuous discovery or an action concurrent with His coming, reinforcing that He will discover their ongoing state.
• You: Greek humas (ὑμᾶς). The direct address to the disciples, but through them, to all believers. It highlights the personal responsibility and accountability of each individual follower.
• Sleeping: Greek katheudontas (καθεύδοντας), a present active participle from katheudō (καθεύδω). While literally meaning physical sleep, in this eschatological and ethical context, it carries a deep spiritual connotation. It denotes:
  • Spiritual apathy/lethargy: Indifference to the Lord's return or to the spiritual duties commanded by Him.
  • Neglect of duty: Failure to be actively engaged in what the Lord commanded or implied.
  • Unpreparedness: Not being in a state of readiness, spiritual watchfulness, or active discipleship.
  • Moral laxity: Living as if there will be no accountability or imminent return, being consumed by worldly distractions rather than godly pursuits.
  • This state stands in stark contrast to "watching" (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite) mentioned repeatedly in Mark 13:33, 35, 37.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "lest coming suddenly": This phrase highlights the imminent and unexpected nature of the Lord's return. The fear expressed is not of the coming itself, but of its suddenness combined with a state of unpreparedness. It evokes the master returning when least expected to inspect his household, emphasizing the lack of pre-notification that some might desire.
• "he find you sleeping": This grouping points to the crucial state in which the Lord might find His servants upon His return. The emphasis is on being found in a specific condition—namely, one of spiritual negligence, rather than active faithfulness or wakefulness. This suggests judgment and disapproval from the Master for those who have neglected their duties or become spiritually dormant during His absence.

Mark 13 36 Bonus section

The warning in Mark 13:36 applies universally to all believers, regardless of their specific calling or circumstances. It challenges the temptation towards spiritual complacency or intellectual preoccupation with predicting timelines, redirecting focus instead to active, daily living in faithful obedience and readiness. The repeated command "watch" (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite) throughout this passage indicates a persistent state of alertness, not just an occasional thought about the end times. This means living soberly, prayerfully, and engaged in kingdom responsibilities, ensuring that when the Lord does return, one is found actively serving rather than in spiritual slumber or unfulfilled.

Mark 13 36 Commentary

Mark 13:36 crystallizes the urgent call to spiritual vigilance presented throughout Jesus' Olivet Discourse. It's not a speculative pronouncement about future events, but a direct ethical imperative for believers. The underlying message is that since the timing of Christ's return is utterly unknown, the only wise course of action is continuous, active preparedness. "Sleeping" is not about literal slumber, but spiritual dormancy, negligence, and being consumed by worldly anxieties or pleasures that eclipse focus on eternal realities and present duties. This warning underscores the gravity of spiritual accountability. A master expects his servants to be diligently working in his absence; similarly, Christ expects His followers to be faithful, alert, and engaged in His kingdom work. To be found "sleeping" implies spiritual failure, neglect of responsibilities, and an unreadiness for the Lord's accounting. This verse encourages a living hope and a constant anticipation that fuel present righteousness and service, rather than idleness or a dismissive attitude towards His promised return. It implies that true discipleship involves a watchful and responsive posture, always prepared to welcome the Master.