King James Version

What Does Mark 13:21 Mean?

Mark 13:21 in the King James Version says “And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:”

Mark 13:21 · KJV

Faith

Context

19

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

20

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

21

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

22

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

23

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not—Jesus returns to the deception theme (vv. 5-6). The Greek ide (ἴδε, 'lo/behold') draws urgent attention; hōde (ὧδε, 'here') and ekei (ἐκεῖ, 'there') indicate localized messianic claims. False teachers will direct people to specific locations or individuals claiming Christ's presence. Jesus commands: mē pisteuete (μὴ πιστεύετε, 'do not believe')—absolute prohibition.

Why? Christ's return will be unmistakable, universal, visible to all (v. 26; Revelation 1:7—'every eye shall see him'). No one will need to point Him out; His appearing will be self-evident as lightning (Matthew 24:27). Any localized, secretive, cult-like claim ('Christ is in the desert,' 'Christ is in the inner chambers') is false. This guards against deception: when Christ returns, you'll know—no announcement needed. False teachers exploit credulity, claiming secret knowledge or special revelation. Christians must test claims against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

AD 66-70 witnessed messianic pretenders claiming to deliver Israel from Rome. Josephus names several. After AD 70, various figures claimed messianic authority: Simon bar Kokhba (AD 132, led revolt, proclaimed Messiah by Rabbi Akiva, failed); medieval figures like Sabbatai Zevi (17th century); modern cult leaders (Jim Jones, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon) claiming Christ returned in them. Each fulfilled Jesus' warning. Christian history includes movements claiming Christ returned secretly (Jehovah's Witnesses claim 1914 invisible return; some Adventist groups claim secret rapture occurred). All contradict Jesus' clear teaching: His return will be public, visible, unmistakable. Vigilance against false christs remains necessary. Test claims by Scripture; reject secret, localized messianic assertions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus emphasize His return will be unmistakable rather than localized, secretive, or requiring announcement?
  2. What makes Christians vulnerable to false christs' deception—and how does Scripture knowledge protect against it?
  3. How do modern cults and movements fulfill Jesus' warning about localized messianic claims—and what's the proper Christian response?

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

τότε2 of 15

“then”

G5119

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

ἐάν3 of 15

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις4 of 15

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῖν5 of 15

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἴπῃ6 of 15

“shall say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἰδού,7 of 15

“Lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὧδε8 of 15

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ὁ9 of 15
G3588

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

Χριστός10 of 15

“is Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἢ11 of 15

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

Ἰδού,12 of 15

“Lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐκεῖ13 of 15

“he is there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

μὴ14 of 15

“him not”

G3361

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

πιστεύσητε15 of 15

“believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:23-25Luke 21:8Matthew 24:5Deuteronomy 13:1-3Luke 17:23-24John 5:43

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