Mark 13:34
What does Mark 13:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:34 means
To illustrate the importance of watchfulness, Jesus told a parable about a man going on a journey abroad. He entrusted his house to his servants, assigning "to each one his work" and specifically commanding "the porter to watch." This imagery depicts Christ as the absent master and believers as His servants. Each has a specific task to perform, and the porter (or doorkeeper) represents the need for constant vigilance on the part of all, as they await the master's unpredictable return. This emphasizes faithful stewardship and readiness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is as when a man who is in another country for a time, having gone away from his house, and given authority to his servants and to everyone his work, gives the porter an order to keep watch.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862as a man who is gone abroad, having left his house, and given to his servants the authority, and to each one his work, did command also the porter that he may watch;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Even as a man who, going into a far country, left his house and gave authority to his servants over every work and commanded the porter to watch.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[it is] as a man gone out of the country, having left his house and given to his bondmen the authority, and to each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper that he should watch.
Context
This verse presents a parable that vividly illustrates the meaning of Jesus' command to watch from verse 33. The analogy of a master entrusting his household to servants defines the disciples' role in an ongoing, active way during His absence. This practical example sets the scene for the explicit call to watchfulness in the following verse, linking the uncertainty of the master's return to the imperative for His servants to remain alert.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:29
I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
- Colossians 3:24
knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
- Revelation 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
- Matthew 25:14
Forit isaswhena man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
- Ezekiel 3:17
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
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