Mark 13:16
What does Mark 13:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:16 means
Further underscoring the vital need for haste, Jesus instructed that anyone "in the field" working should not return to their home to collect their cloak. In ancient times, a cloak was an essential garment, often serving as a blanket by night. Yet, even this important item was to be forsaken for the sake of immediate escape. This vivid imagery reinforces the message that the danger would strike so suddenly and severely that any delay, even for practical necessities, would be fatal.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And let not him who is in the field go back to take his coat.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he who is in the field, let him not turn to the things behind, to take up his garment.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And let him that shall be in the field not turn back to take up his garment.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and him that is in the field not return back to take his garment.
Context
This verse reinforces the extreme urgency of escape, adding another practical scenario to the instructions from verse 15. It further emphasizes that when the "abomination of desolation" occurs, there will be absolutely no time for delay or gathering possessions. This continuation of specific examples helps the reader grasp the critical importance of immediate flight, setting the stage for Jesus' expressions of woe for those who would be particularly disadvantaged during this time.
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