Mark 13:23
What does Mark 13:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:23 means
After detailing various signs, persecutions, and deceptive warnings, Jesus summarized His instruction with a final, earnest admonition: "But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand." This command to "take heed" reiterates the necessity of spiritual alertness and careful attention to His words. It also serves as a source of comfort, reminding His disciples that they are forewarned and therefore equipped to discern and endure the coming trials. Jesus' comprehensive teaching leaves no excuse for ignorance concerning these future events.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But take care; see, I have made all things clear to you before the time.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye, take heed; lo, I have foretold you all things.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take you heed therefore: behold, I have foretold you all things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But do ye take heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.
Context
This verse functions as a concluding summary and reinforcement of all the preceding warnings regarding false prophets and intense tribulation (vv. 5-22). It serves to underline the importance of His entire discourse by stating that He has proactively informed them of all these things. This final call to vigilance transitions the discourse from specific warnings about tribulation to the glorious, unmistakable signs of His Second Coming, which are described next.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 44:7
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.
- 2 Peter 3:17
Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.
- Luke 21:34
But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:
- Mark 13:33
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
- Mark 13:9
But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.
- John 16:1
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be caused to stumble.
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