King James Version

What Does Mark 13:24 Mean?

Mark 13:24 in the King James Version says “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,”

Mark 13:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

25

And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light—Jesus quotes Isaiah 13:10 and Joel 2:31, employing apocalyptic imagery (Greek: apokalypsis, unveiling) to describe cosmic upheaval. The phrase meta tēn thlipsin ekeinēn (μετὰ τὴν θλῖψιν ἐκείνην, 'after that tribulation') links this cosmic shaking to the judgment on Jerusalem described in verses 14-23. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, celestial disturbances symbolize the collapse of political powers—the 'sun' often represented ruling authority, the 'moon' subordinate powers.

While some interpreters see purely symbolic language for AD 70's destruction, others recognize a dual fulfillment: the Roman siege prefiguring Christ's final parousia (παρουσία, coming/presence). The darkening of luminaries echoes Exodus 10:21-23, where God's judgment on Egypt brought darkness—now cosmic darkness precedes the Son of Man's appearing in glory (v. 26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mark wrote circa AD 65-70, just before or during the Roman siege of Jerusalem. His Jewish-Christian audience would immediately recognize these images from Isaiah, Joel, and Ezekiel—prophets who used cosmic language to describe historical judgments. First-century apocalyptic expectation was intense; the Qumran community (Dead Sea Scrolls) anticipated similar upheavals accompanying God's intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing apocalyptic language as symbolic political imagery affect your interpretation of end-times prophecy?
  2. What does the dual fulfillment pattern (AD 70 and final judgment) teach about how God works in history?
  3. In what ways do current political upheavals remind you that human kingdoms are temporary before Christ's eternal reign?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀλλ'1 of 20

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν2 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

ἐκείνην3 of 20

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ταῖς4 of 20
G3588

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

ἡμέραις5 of 20

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

μετὰ6 of 20

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὴν7 of 20
G3588

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

θλῖψιν8 of 20

“tribulation”

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

ἐκείνην9 of 20

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὁ10 of 20
G3588

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

ἥλιος11 of 20

“the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

σκοτισθήσεται12 of 20

“shall be darkened”

G4654

to obscure (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ14 of 20
G3588

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

σελήνη15 of 20

“the moon”

G4582

the moon

οὐ16 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

δώσει17 of 20

“give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τὸ18 of 20
G3588

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

φέγγος19 of 20

“light”

G5338

brilliancy

αὐτῆς20 of 20
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 13:24 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 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 13:10Acts 2:19-20Matthew 24:29-31Revelation 6:12-14Joel 3:152 Peter 3:10

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