Devine Scripture

Mark 13:14

What does Mark 13:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:14 means

Jesus then spoke of a definitive prophetic sign: "the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not." This phrase, referencing Daniel's prophecy (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11), refers to a sacrilegious act that desecrates a holy place, bringing about devastating judgment. When this occurs, Jesus commanded those in Judea to "flee unto the mountains" immediately. This specific instruction underscores the urgency and severity of this particular sign, warning believers to recognize it as the precise trigger for swift escape, not delay.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when you see the unclean thing which makes destruction, in the place where it has no right to be (let this be clear to the reader), then let those who are in Judaea go quickly to the mountains:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And when ye may see the abomination of the desolation, that was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (whoever is reading let him understand), then those in Judea, let them flee to the mountains;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when you shall see the abomination of desolation, standing where it ought not (he that readeth let him understand): then let them that are in Judea flee unto the mountains.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not, (he that reads let him consider [it],) then let those in Judaea flee to the mountains;

Context

This verse introduces a pivotal and highly specific sign: the "abomination of desolation." Following the general warnings of persecution and the need for endurance (vv. 9-13), this sign marks a distinct escalation and a clear call to action. It serves as a critical turning point in the discourse, moving from general precursors to a precise event that demands an immediate and decisive response from those living in Judea, as detailed in the subsequent verses.

v.13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

v.14This passage

v.15and let him that is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate.

  • Daniel 11:31

    And forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt-offering, and they shall set up the abomination that maketh desolate.

  • Matthew 13:51

    Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.

  • Lamentations 1:10

    The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: For she hath seen that the nations are entered into her sanctuary, Concerning whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thine assembly.

  • Daniel 12:11

    And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

  • Daniel 8:13

    Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said unto that certain one who spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the continual burnt-offering, and the transgression that maketh desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

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