Devine Scripture

Mark 13:32

What does Mark 13:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:32 means

Though Jesus had given many signs and a general timeframe, He stated with absolute clarity: "But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." This profound declaration emphasizes the incomprehensible sovereignty of God the Father, who alone holds the precise knowledge of the timing of the end. It serves as a strong caution against setting dates and discourages speculative curiosity, redirecting believers to focus on readiness and obedience rather than exact timelines.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But of that day or that hour no one has knowledge, not even the angels in heaven, or the Son, but the Father.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And concerning that day and the hour no one hath known--not even the messengers who are in the heaven, not even the Son--except the Father.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But of that day or of that hour no one knows, neither the angels who are in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

Context

This verse provides a crucial caveat to all previous discussions of signs and timing, firmly stating the ultimate unknowability of the precise day and hour of the end. It directly counters any temptation to calculate dates based on the preceding information. This humbling declaration of God the Father's sole knowledge then sets the stage for Jesus' final, overarching command: the call to constant watchfulness and readiness, which permeates the remaining verses.

v.31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

v.32This passage

v.33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 13:26

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

  • Revelation 3:3

    Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:19

    Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

  • Revelation 1:1

    The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.

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