King James Version

What Does Mark 13:37 Mean?

Mark 13:37 in the King James Version says “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

Mark 13:37 · KJV

Context

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:

36

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concluded His discourse: 'what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch' (ὃ δὲ ὑμῖν λέγω, πᾶσιν λέγω, Γρηγορεῖτε). The command 'Watch' (Grēgoreite, Γρηγορεῖτε) means stay awake, be alert, remain vigilant. Jesus addressed the four disciples (Peter, James, John, Andrew, v. 3), but extends application: 'what I say unto you I say unto all' (pasin legō, πᾶσιν λέγω). This watchfulness applies to all Christians across all generations. We don't know Christ's return timing (v. 32-33), requiring constant readiness. Watchfulness means: (1) spiritual alertness resisting temptation, (2) faithful service fulfilling assigned tasks, (3) expectant hope looking for Christ's appearing. This isn't anxious fear but joyful anticipation. The command's present imperative indicates continuous action—keep watching, don't stop. Every generation must live ready for Christ's return.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early church lived in imminent expectation of Christ's return. Paul expected it (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), though later anticipated possible death first (2 Timothy 4:6-8). As decades passed, some mocked delayed return (2 Peter 3:3-4). Peter explained God's timing differs from human perception (2 Peter 3:8-9). Jesus' command to 'watch' became standard Christian exhortation (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 16:15). Church history shows recurring movements claiming Christ's imminent return, often setting dates (Montanists, medieval movements, William Miller 1844, Harold Camping 2011). All violated Jesus' teaching that no one knows the time (v. 32). The command to 'watch' doesn't mean calculating dates but maintaining spiritual vigilance and faithful service regardless of timing. Every generation must live ready.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to 'watch' shape Christian living—avoiding both presumption (He's delayed, I can be careless) and speculation (calculating dates)?
  2. What does Jesus' extension of this command to 'all' teach about every generation's responsibility to live expectantly awaiting His return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἃ1 of 7

“what”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ2 of 7

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 7

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγω4 of 7

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πᾶσιν5 of 7

“unto all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

λέγω6 of 7

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γρηγορεῖτε7 of 7

“Watch”

G1127

to keep awake, i.e., watch (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 13:37 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 13:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:41-46Mark 13:33Mark 13:35

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 13 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes