King James Version

What Does Mark 13:26 Mean?

Mark 13:26 in the King James Version says “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 13:26 · KJV


Context

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.

27

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus prophesies His Second Coming: 'And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.' This echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where one 'like the Son of man' receives eternal dominion. The 'clouds' symbolize divine presence (Exodus 13:21, Acts 1:9). 'Great power' (Greek dynamis megalē) contrasts His first coming's humility with Second Coming's triumph. 'Glory' (doxa) refers to visible manifestation of divine majesty. This coming will be unmistakable—universal visibility (13:24-25, Revelation 1:7), cosmic upheaval, and gathering of elect (13:27). Reformed eschatology affirms Christ's bodily return to judge living and dead, establish new heaven and earth, and vindicate His people. This hope motivates endurance during persecution (13:9-13) and watchfulness (13:33-37). The same Jesus who suffered returns glorified.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Context is the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives as Jesus predicted Jerusalem's destruction (13:1-2, fulfilled AD 70). Disciples asked when this would occur (13:4), and Jesus warned of false Christs, wars, persecution, and tribulation (13:5-23) before His return. The discourse blends near fulfillment (Jerusalem's fall) with far fulfillment (Second Coming), common in prophetic literature. First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation anticipated divine intervention overthrowing Rome and vindicating Israel. Jesus corrects this: the kingdom comes through suffering before glory, cross before crown. The early church's imminent expectation ('this generation shall not pass,' 13:30) referred to the type of people or fulfilled proleptically in Jerusalem's destruction, while the final consummation awaits Christ's return.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does the certainty of Christ's glorious return shape your present priorities and endurance under trial?
  2. How does contrasting Christ's humiliation and exaltation motivate your own cross-bearing?

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)

ὄψονται3 of 15

shall they see

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

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

υἱὸν5 of 15

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ6 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου7 of 15

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐρχόμενον8 of 15

coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν9 of 15

in

G1722

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

νεφέλαις10 of 15

the clouds

G3507

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

μετὰ11 of 15

with

G3326

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

δυνάμεως12 of 15

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

πολλῆς13 of 15

great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ14 of 15

And

G2532

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

δόξης15 of 15

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)


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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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