Devine Scripture

Mark 13:15

What does Mark 13:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:15 means

Emphasizing the extreme urgency of the flight triggered by the abomination of desolation, Jesus added further specific instructions. He warned that if someone was on the "housetop" (a common location for relaxation or chores in the Middle East), they should not descend into their house to retrieve any belongings. The command highlights that there would be no time for gathering possessions; immediate escape would be paramount, signifying the swift and overwhelming nature of the coming danger that would allow no delay.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And let him who is on the house-top not go down, or go in, to take anything out of his house:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he upon the house-top, let him not come down to the house, nor come in to take anything out of his house;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house nor enter therein to take any thing out of the house.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and him that is upon the housetop not come down into the house, nor enter [into it] to take away anything out of his house;

Context

This verse continues the immediate, practical instructions for fleeing Judea, building directly on the command given in verse 14 concerning the "abomination of desolation." It intensifies the sense of urgency by illustrating that even basic necessities or personal belongings must be abandoned in the face of imminent danger. This provides concrete guidance for a situation of extreme peril, reinforcing the critical nature of a prompt and unhesitating response.

v.14But 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:

v.15This passage

v.16and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 6:4

    Give not sleep to thine eyes, Nor slumber to thine eyelids;

  • Genesis 19:26

    But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

  • Job 2:4

    And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

  • Genesis 19:22

    Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

  • Proverbs 22:3

    A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

  • Philippians 3:7

    Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 13:15.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary