King James Version

What Does Mark 13:1 Mean?

Mark 13:1 in the King James Version says “And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildi...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”

Mark 13:1 · KJV

Context

1

And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

2

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately ,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! The disciple's wonder reflects Herod's temple's magnificence. Begun 20 BC, this expansion used stones up to 40 feet long, weighing 100+ tons. Josephus described white marble walls gleaming like snow, gold-plated pinnacles visible from miles away. The Greek potapoi lithoi (ποταποὶ λίθοι, 'what manner of stones!') expresses amazement at size and grandeur.

This marveling contrasts sharply with Jesus' imminent prediction of destruction (v. 2). The temple symbolized Jewish identity, God's presence, covenant faithfulness. To first-century Jews, imagining its destruction was unthinkable—yet Jesus foresaw it clearly. His prophecy fulfilled in AD 70 when Titus razed Jerusalem, temple stones literally toppled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Herod the Great began temple renovation ca. 20 BC to curry favor with Jews and display his architectural prowess. Construction continued until AD 64, just six years before Rome destroyed it. The temple complex covered 36 acres. Jesus spoke this ca. AD 30-33, roughly 40 years before fulfillment. The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 21) was delivered during Passion Week, Jesus' final days before crucifixion. The disciples' awe at temple stones shows they hadn't grasped His mission's radical nature—kingdom coming through temple's destruction, not preservation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'magnificent stones'—impressive religious structures or traditions—might God be calling you to see as temporary rather than ultimate?
  2. How does the disciples' focus on external grandeur contrast with Jesus' focus on coming judgment and spiritual reality?
  3. What does this scene teach about the difference between human estimation of religious impressiveness and God's eternal purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκπορευομένου2 of 19

“as he went”

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

αὐτοῦ3 of 19

“of his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκ4 of 19

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱεροῦ6 of 19

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

λέγει7 of 19

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῦ8 of 19

“of his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἷς9 of 19

“one”

G1520

one

τῶν10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν11 of 19

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ12 of 19

“of his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Διδάσκαλε13 of 19

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

ἴδε14 of 19
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ποταπαὶ15 of 19

“what”

G4217

interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort

λίθοι16 of 19

“of stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

καὶ17 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποταπαὶ18 of 19

“what”

G4217

interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort

οἰκοδομαί19 of 19

“buildings”

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:1-51Ezekiel 11:22-23Ezekiel 8:6Ezekiel 10:4Ezekiel 7:20-22Malachi 3:1-2

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