Mark 13:2
What does Mark 13:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:2 means
Jesus responded to the disciple's admiration by prophesying that the massive and seemingly impregnable Temple buildings would be utterly dismantled. He declared that not one stone would be left upon another, indicating a complete and devastating destruction. This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army, under General Titus, besieged Jerusalem and demolished the Temple, leaving it in ruins. Jesus' words underscore the temporary nature of even the most revered human accomplishments in light of divine judgment and the coming new covenant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus said to him, Do you see these great buildings? there is not one stone here resting on another which will not be overturned.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus answering said to him, `Seest thou these great buildings? there may not be left a stone upon a stone, that may not be thrown down.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus answering, said to him: Seest thou all these great buildings? There shall not be left a stone upon a stone, that shall not be thrown down.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus answering said to him, Seest thou these great buildings? not a stone shall be left upon a stone, which shall not be thrown down.
Context
This verse delivers Jesus' first, striking prophecy about the Temple's destruction, directly answering the disciple's awe-filled comment in verse 1. It sets a solemn tone for the entire Olivet Discourse, introducing the theme of judgment and the end of an era. The pronouncement of complete demolition prepares the reader for the following verses, where the disciples seek further clarification about the timing and signs of such momentous events.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 6:14
for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us.
- 1 Kings 9:7
then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
- Micah 3:12
Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
- Revelation 11:2
And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
- Jeremiah 26:18
Micah the Morashtite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
- Luke 21:6
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
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