Devine Scripture

Mark 13:21

What does Mark 13:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:21 means

During this intense period of tribulation, Jesus warned His disciples about further deception. He specifically cautioned: "And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not." This means that in the midst of the chaos and distress, false messiahs would emerge, attempting to capitalize on people's desperation and longing for a savior. Believers are instructed to exercise extreme discernment and outright reject such claims, recognizing them as additional snares designed to lead them astray.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And then if any man says to you, See, here is Christ; or, See, there; have no faith in it:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And then, if any may say to you, Lo, here <FI>is<Fi> the Christ, or, Lo, there, ye may not believe;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And then if any man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ. Lo, he is here: do not believe.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And then if any one say to you, Lo, here [is] the Christ, or Lo, there, believe [it] not.

Context

This verse returns to the theme of deception, specifically warning against false Christs who will appear during the Great Tribulation just described (vv. 19-20). It follows the assurance that the days will be shortened for the elect's sake, indicating that even with divine protection, vigilance against spiritual error remains critical. This warning sets up the explanation in the next verse regarding the deceptive methods employed by these false figures.

v.20And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

v.21This passage

v.22for there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 21:8

    And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.

  • John 5:43

    I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

  • Luke 17:23

    And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo, here! go not away, nor follow after them:

  • Deuteronomy 13:1

    If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder,

  • Matthew 24:23

    Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

  • Matthew 24:5

    For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.

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