King James Version

What Does Mark 13:4 Mean?

Mark 13:4 in the King James Version says “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 13:4 · KJV

Context

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:

6

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? The disciples asked two questions: (1) timing of temple destruction, (2) signs of its fulfillment. The Greek pote (πότε, 'when') seeks chronological timing, while sēmeion (σημεῖον, 'sign') requests identifying indicators. They assumed temple destruction coincided with end-times and Messiah's kingdom establishment—a common Jewish expectation.

Jesus' answer (vv. 5-37) addresses both near fulfillment (AD 70 temple destruction) and far fulfillment (Second Coming), blending prophetic horizons. This 'prophetic perspective' collapses timeframes—like mountain peaks appearing adjacent from distance though miles apart. The disciples couldn't distinguish timing; Jesus warned of birth pains (v. 8) preceding the end. The Old Testament prophets similarly blended near/far fulfillments (Joel 2:28-32, applied both to AD 30 Pentecost and future day of the Lord).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation connected temple fate with Messiah's coming and end-times. Intertestamental literature (4 Ezra, 2 Baruch) linked temple rebuilding/vindication with Messiah's kingdom. The disciples, steeped in this tradition, naturally assumed temple destruction meant world's end. Jesus' answer both confirms and corrects: yes, cataclysmic events come, but 'the end shall not be yet' (v. 7). AD 70 fulfilled the near prophecy; Christ's return awaits. Early Christians debated whether AD 70 was the Second Coming. By letter writing (2 Thessalonians, 2 Peter), apostles clarified Christ's return remained future. This interpretive challenge—distinguishing near/far prophetic fulfillments—continues in eschatological debates.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does blending near and far prophetic fulfillments—temple destruction and Second Coming—teach us to read biblical prophecy carefully?
  2. What does the disciples' assumption that temple destruction meant immediate end-times reveal about human tendency to misread God's timing?
  3. How should Christians balance expectant hope for Christ's return with recognition that 'the end shall not be yet'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Εἰπὲ1 of 14

“Tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἡμῖν2 of 14

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

πότε3 of 14

“when”

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

ταῦτα4 of 14

“shall these things”

G5023

these things

ἔσται5 of 14

“be”

G2071

will be

καὶ6 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

τί7 of 14

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ8 of 14
G3588

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

σημεῖον9 of 14

“shall be the sign”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ὅταν10 of 14

“when”

G3752

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

μέλλῃ11 of 14

“shall”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πάντα12 of 14

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ταῦτα13 of 14

“shall these things”

G5023

these things

συντελεῖσθαι14 of 14

“be fulfilled”

G4931

to complete entirely; generally, to execute (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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:6-7Matthew 24:3Luke 21:7Daniel 12:8Daniel 12:6John 21:21-22

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