King James Version

What Does Mark 13:29 Mean?

Mark 13:29 in the King James Version says “So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.”

Mark 13:29 · KJV

Context

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:

29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors—The Greek ginōskete (γινώσκετε, know/recognize) shifts from passive observation to certain knowledge. Tauta (ταῦτα, 'these things') refers back to the specific signs enumerated in verses 5-23: false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and great tribulation. The phrase eggys estin epi thyrais (ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἐπὶ θύραις, 'near is at doors') uses spatial metaphor for temporal imminence.

The subject of 'it is nigh' is ambiguous in Greek—could be masculine ('he,' the Son of Man) or neuter ('it,' the kingdom/end). This ambiguity may be intentional: Christ's coming and the kingdom's consummation are inseparable. The image of standing at the doors echoes James 5:9, where the Judge stands before the doors. For Mark's audience, these signs were materializing in the Roman-Jewish war (AD 66-70), yet Jesus's words extend beyond that immediate crisis to final fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By AD 65-70, Jewish revolt against Rome was escalating. False messiahs like Theudas (Acts 5:36) and Simon bar Giora had appeared. Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (AD 49); Nero's persecution began (AD 64). Earthquakes struck Laodicea (AD 60) and Pompeii (AD 62). Mark's readers could 'see these things' unfolding, signaling judgment's nearness—the temple's destruction would come within a generation (v. 30).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians balance confidence in recognizing prophetic fulfillment with humility about interpretive certainty?
  2. What does Jesus's emphasis on 'when you see' teach about responding to current events through biblical lenses?
  3. In what ways does knowing Christ stands 'at the doors' affect your daily priorities and spiritual alertness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οὕτως1 of 13

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 13

“in like manner”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς3 of 13

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ὅταν4 of 13

“when”

G3752

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

ταῦτα5 of 13

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἴδητε6 of 13

“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

γινόμενα7 of 13

“come to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

γινώσκετε8 of 13

“know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι9 of 13

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγύς10 of 13

“nigh”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

ἐστιν11 of 13

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐπὶ12 of 13

“even at”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

θύραις13 of 13

“the doors”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

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 13:29 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 13:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:91 Peter 4:17-18Ezekiel 7:10-12Ezekiel 12:25-28Hebrews 10:25-37

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