King James Version
What Does Mark 13:33 Mean?
“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”
Context
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.
35
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(33) **Take ye heed.**—Note once more the characteristic iteration of the warning. It would almost seem, from the very different conclusions of the discourse in the three Gospels, as if they had been based up to this point on a common document which then stopped and left them to a greater divergency of memory or tradition. The omission of St. Matthew’s reference to the history of Noah is, perhaps, characteristic of St. Mark’s as a Gentile Gospel.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 13:33 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 13:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge