King James Version

What Does Mark 13:12 Mean?

Mark 13:12 in the King James Version says “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their pare...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.”

Mark 13:12 · King James Version


Context

10

And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

11

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

12

Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

13

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake : but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14

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:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son—the Greek paradōsei (παραδώσει, 'shall betray/deliver up') is the same verb used of Judas betraying Jesus (14:10). Family betrayal represents ultimate relational breakdown. Children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death—reverses natural family loyalty. The Greek thanatōsousin (θανατώσουσιν, 'shall put to death') means judicial execution, not merely hostility.

Jesus predicted faith would divide families (Matthew 10:34-36, quoting Micah 7:6). Gospel allegiance supersedes blood ties (Luke 14:26). This fulfilled literally: Christians faced denunciation by family members to authorities. Roman law required informing on treasonous relatives; emperor worship refusal constituted treason. Christian children faced parental rejection; Christian parents watched children apostatize or betray them. This continues today—converts from Islam, Hinduism face family ostracism, violence, death. Loyalty to Christ costs everything, including family.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early church witnessed family persecution. Roman historian Tacitus noted Nero's persecution (AD 64) involved informants, likely including family betrayals. Pliny's letter to Trajan (ca. AD 112) describes anonymous denunciations of Christians, probably including family members. Medieval Inquisition encouraged reporting heretical relatives. Reformation saw families divided—Protestant/Catholic conflicts split households. Modern totalitarian regimes (Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, China) incentivized children reporting parents. Today, converts from other religions often face family betrayal, honor killings. The gospel's divisive nature (Matthew 10:34) means choosing Christ above family, facing potential betrayal. This tests whether disciples love Jesus more than father/mother (Matthew 10:37).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does family betrayal for Christ's sake test whether disciples truly love Jesus 'more than father or mother' (Matthew 10:37)?
  2. What does the possibility of children betraying parents to death reveal about gospel's radical call to prioritize Christ above all human relationships?
  3. How should Christians in comfortable contexts prepare spiritually for potential family division or persecution if cultural tides shift?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
παραδώσει1 of 17

“shall betray”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

δὲ2 of 17

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφὸν3 of 17

“the brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀδελφὸν4 of 17

“the brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἰς5 of 17

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

θάνατον6 of 17

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

πατὴρ8 of 17

“the father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τέκνα9 of 17

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ10 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπαναστήσονται11 of 17

“shall rise up”

G1881

to stand up on, i.e., (figuratively) to attack

τέκνα12 of 17

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἐπὶ13 of 17

“against”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

γονεῖς14 of 17

“their parents”

G1118

a parent

καὶ15 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

θανατώσουσιν16 of 17

“shall cause”

G2289

to kill

αὐτούς·17 of 17

“them”

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


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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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