King James Version

What Does Mark 13:32 Mean?

Mark 13:32 in the King James Version says “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

Mark 13:32 · KJV

Context

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.

32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

34

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus taught: 'But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father' (Περὶ δὲ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης ἢ τῆς ὥρας οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, οὐδὲ οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐν οὐρανῷ οὐδὲ ὁ υἱός, εἰ μὴ ὁ πατήρ). This concerns Christ's return ('that day'). Jesus affirmed His ignorance of the timing—even 'the Son' doesn't know, 'but the Father' alone. This raises Christological questions: how can omniscient deity not know? Reformed theology explains through doctrine of two natures—in His divine nature, Christ knows all; in His human nature during incarnation, He voluntarily limited certain knowledge (Philippians 2:7). This self-limitation was part of genuine human experience. The practical point: since Christ didn't know timing, neither can we. Claims to calculate Christ's return violate this teaching. Christians must watchfully await without presuming to know what Christ Himself didn't know.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation speculated about Messiah's coming and end-times signs (Daniel's prophecies, intertestamental literature). Early Christians eagerly anticipated Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:3-13). Some calculated dates, prompting Paul's correction (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Jesus' statement that even He didn't know the day should end speculation. Church history records repeated failed predictions—Montanists (2nd century), various medieval movements, William Miller (1844), Harold Camping (2011), and countless others. Each violated Jesus' teaching. The phrase 'not the angels... neither the Son, but the Father' indicates hierarchical knowledge within Trinity—the Father alone determines eschatological timing. This doesn't compromise Christ's deity but reflects economic Trinity (roles/functions) and incarnational limitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' acknowledgment of not knowing the day or hour challenge attempts to calculate or predict Christ's return?
  2. What does Jesus' self-limitation in knowledge during incarnation teach about the genuineness of His human experience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Περὶ1 of 23

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 23

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἡμέρας4 of 23

“day”

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

ἐκείνης5 of 23

“that”

G1565

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

καὶ6 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ7 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ὥρας8 of 23

“that hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

οὐδεὶς9 of 23

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οἶδεν10 of 23

“knoweth”

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

οὐδὲ11 of 23

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ὁ12 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἄγγελοι13 of 23

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ὁ14 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν15 of 23

“are in”

G1722

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

οὐρανῷ16 of 23

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

οὐδὲ17 of 23

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ὁ18 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

υἱός19 of 23

“the Son”

G5207

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

εἰ20 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ21 of 23
G3361

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

ὁ22 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

πατήρ23 of 23

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:36-42Acts 1:7Matthew 25:13Revelation 3:31 Thessalonians 5:1-2Mark 13:26-27

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