Devine Scripture

Mark 13:24

What does Mark 13:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:24 means

Jesus then described the dramatic cosmic events that will occur "in those days, after that tribulation." The sun will be darkened, and the moon will lose its light, signaling a profound disruption of the natural order. This imagery, often found in prophetic literature, indicates a time of ultimate judgment and the dramatic ushering in of the Lord's return. These celestial disturbances are not merely natural phenomena but divinely orchestrated signs, proclaiming the imminent arrival of the Son of Man in power and glory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But in those days, after that time of trouble, the sun will be made dark and the moon will not give her light,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give her light.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But in those days, after that distress, the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give its light;

Context

This verse marks a distinct shift from the dark days of tribulation (vv. 14-23) to the immediate, visible signs of Jesus' Second Coming. The cosmic disturbances described here—darkened sun and moon—are the unmistakable precursors that immediately follow the tribulation and precede His glorious appearance, as detailed in the very next verse. This transition shifts the focus from earthly suffering to heavenly glory and divine intervention.

v.23But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

v.24This passage

v.25and the stars shall be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens shall be shaken.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • Joel 3:15

    The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

  • 2 Peter 3:12

    looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

  • Jeremiah 4:23

    I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.

  • Zephaniah 1:14

    The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly.

  • Isaiah 13:10

    For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in its going forth, and the moon shall not cause its light to shine.

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