King James Version

What Does Mark 13:16 Mean?

Mark 13:16 in the King James Version says “And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 13:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

18

And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment—laborers worked in fields wearing inner tunic, leaving outer cloak at field's edge (valuable garment, used as nighttime covering). Jesus commanded: don't return for it. The urgency supersedes recovering even necessary items. The Greek mē epistrepsatō (μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω, 'let him not turn back') parallels v. 15's prohibition—no delay permitted.

This intensifies the point: value life above clothing, safety above possessions. It echoes Proverbs: 'How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?' (Proverbs 6:9)—spiritual urgency demands immediate response. Hesitation proves fatal. Philippians 3:13-14 applies spiritually: 'forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark.' Christians must pursue Christ single-mindedly, not distracted by worldly concerns. The field worker leaving his cloak pictures believers abandoning worldly attachments to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judean agriculture involved day laborers working fields outside villages. Outer garments (himation) were valuable—used as collateral (Exodus 22:26-27 required returning by sunset), nighttime covering, protection. Workers left them at field edges for mobility. When danger struck (bandits, invading armies, wild animals), workers fled immediately. Jesus' command: don't risk life retrieving property. AD 70's siege fulfilled this: those who hesitated to flee, attempting to save belongings, perished. Spiritually applicable throughout church history: Christians must abandon worldly attachments pursuing Christ. Reformers left Catholic Church despite cost; missionaries abandoned comfort for gospel; converts from other religions forsake family, security. Discipleship costs everything—no turning back.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command not to retrieve even necessary items (outer garment) illustrate discipleship's radical cost?
  2. What does 'not turning back' teach about Christian life—how does Philippians 3:13-14 apply this spiritually?
  3. What 'garments'—worldly securities, comforts, attachments—might Christians need to abandon without looking back to follow Christ fully?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 15
G3588

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

εἰς3 of 15

“in”

G1519

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

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

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

ἀγρὸν5 of 15

“the field”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ὢν6 of 15

“him that is”

G5607

being

μὴ7 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιστρεψάτω8 of 15

“again”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

εἰς9 of 15

“in”

G1519

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

τὰ10 of 15
G3588

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

ὀπίσω11 of 15

“back”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

ἆραι12 of 15

“for to take up”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸ13 of 15
G3588

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

ἱμάτιον14 of 15

“garment”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ15 of 15
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 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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