King James Version

What Does Mark 13:3 Mean?

Mark 13:3 in the King James Version says “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately ,”

Mark 13:3 · KJV

Context

1

And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

2

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately ,

4

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

5

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple—the Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem and the temple mount from the east, across the Kidron Valley. This location is deeply symbolic: Zechariah 14:4 prophesied Messiah would stand on the Mount of Olives when He returns. Jesus delivered this discourse with the doomed temple visible before Him. The Greek katenanti (κατέναντι, 'over against') indicates direct facing, visual confrontation.

Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately—Mark alone names all four disciples (Matthew 24:3 mentions only 'disciples,' Luke 21:7 'they'). These were the inner circle, first called (1:16-20). The private questioning (Greek kat' idian, κατ' ἰδίαν) shows they sought clarification away from crowds. They wanted to understand the shocking prophecy of temple destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Mount of Olives was significant in Jesus' ministry—He often withdrew there (Luke 21:37), prayed there in Gethsemane (Mark 14:26), ascended from there (Acts 1:9-12), and will return there (Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11). The private discourse format was common in Jewish rabbinic teaching—public parables for crowds, detailed explanation for disciples. This was Passion Week, days before Jesus' arrest. The temple's visible presence made His prophecy concrete. The four disciples formed Jesus' first followers, all fishermen from Galilee. Peter, James, and John were present at Transfiguration (9:2) and Gethsemane (14:33)—the inner circle witnessing glory and agony.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Jesus have chosen this specific location—overlooking the temple from the Mount of Olives—to deliver His discourse on the temple's destruction and His return?
  2. What does the disciples' private questioning teach about seeking understanding when God's revelations challenge our expectations?
  3. How does naming Peter, James, John, and Andrew emphasize continuity from Jesus' earthly ministry to post-resurrection church leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

καθημένου2 of 22

“as he sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

αὐτὸν3 of 22

“him”

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

εἰς4 of 22

“upon”

G1519

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

τὸ5 of 22
G3588

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

Ὄρος6 of 22

“the mount”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν7 of 22
G3588

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

Ἐλαιῶν8 of 22

“of Olives”

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

κατέναντι9 of 22

“over against”

G2713

directly opposite

τοῦ10 of 22
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ11 of 22

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

ἐπηρώτων12 of 22

“asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτὸν13 of 22

“him”

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

κατ'14 of 22

“privately”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν15 of 22
G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

Πέτρος16 of 22

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ17 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

Ἰάκωβος18 of 22

“James”

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ19 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

Ἰωάννης20 of 22

“John”

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ21 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

Ἀνδρέας22 of 22

“Andrew”

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:1Mark 4:34Matthew 24:3Mark 14:33Mark 9:2Matthew 13:10

Places in This Verse

Mount of OlivesHill · Modern: Mount of Olives · 31.78°N, 35.25°E18 verses across 9 books
View all places in Mark 13 →

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