King James Version

What Does Mark 13:14 Mean?

Mark 13:14 in the King James Version says “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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:

15

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

16

And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not—the Greek bdelygma tēs erēmōseōs (βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως) quotes Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11. Daniel prophesied pagan desecration of temple. Antiochus Epiphanes fulfilled this typologically (167 BC, sacrificing pigs on altar, erecting Zeus statue). Jesus prophesied another fulfillment: standing where it ought not (Greek hestēkota hopou ou dei, ἑστηκότα ὅπου οὐ δεῖ)—the holy place.

This likely refers to AD 70 when Roman standards (bearing emperor's image, idolatrous) entered temple, or to events preceding (AD 66-70 Zealot atrocities in temple). Some interpret futuristically—Antichrist entering rebuilt temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). (Let him that readeth understand)—parenthetical aside urging interpretive discernment. Then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains—urgent escape commanded. Church tradition says Jerusalem Christians fled to Pella (Transjordan) before Rome destroyed city, heeding Jesus' warning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel's prophecy had initial fulfillment under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 BC), who desecrated temple, banned Judaism, triggered Maccabean revolt. Jesus prophesied another fulfillment. AD 70, Roman legions under Titus besieged Jerusalem. Josephus records zealots committed atrocities within temple—murder, defilement. When Romans breached city, legionary standards entered temple precincts—idolatrous images in holy place. Church historian Eusebius (4th century) recorded that Jerusalem Christians, remembering Jesus' words, fled to Pella before siege tightened, escaping destruction. Modern futurist eschatology anticipates final fulfillment—Antichrist defiling rebuilt temple during tribulation. Jesus' prophecy thus has near (AD 70) and possibly far (future) fulfillments, typical of prophetic perspective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's 'abomination of desolation' having multiple fulfillments (167 BC, AD 70, possibly future) illustrate prophetic texts' complexity?
  2. What does the parenthetical '(let him that readeth understand)' teach about interpreting prophecy—requiring discernment, application, obedience?
  3. How did early Christians' obedience to Jesus' command to 'flee' demonstrate that understanding prophecy should produce action, not just speculation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Ὅταν1 of 29

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ2 of 29

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἴδητε3 of 29

ye shall see

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

τὸ4 of 29
G3588

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

βδέλυγμα5 of 29

the abomination

G946

a detestation, i.e., (specially) idolatry

τῆς6 of 29
G3588

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

ἐρημώσεως7 of 29

of desolation

G2050

despoliation

τὸ8 of 29
G3588

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

ῥηθὲν9 of 29

spoken

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὑπὸ10 of 29

of by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

Δανιὴλ11 of 29

Daniel

G1158

daniel, an israelite

τοῦ12 of 29
G3588

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

προφήτου,13 of 29

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἑστός14 of 29

standing

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ὅπου15 of 29

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

οὐ16 of 29

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δεῖ17 of 29

it ought

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

18 of 29
G3588

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

ἀναγινώσκων19 of 29

(let him that readeth

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

νοείτω20 of 29

understand

G3539

to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed

τότε21 of 29

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

οἱ22 of 29
G3588

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

ἐν23 of 29

that be in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ24 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίᾳ25 of 29

Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

φευγέτωσαν26 of 29

flee

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

εἰς27 of 29

to

G1519

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

τὰ28 of 29
G3588

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

ὄρη29 of 29

the mountains

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)


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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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