Devine Scripture

Mark 13:35

What does Mark 13:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:35 means

Expanding on the parable, Jesus reiterated the central command: "Watch therefore." He explained that the master's return could be at any unexpected time—"whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning." The unpredictability of the master's arrival highlights the continuous nature of the required vigilance. Since no one knows the specific hour, constant readiness is essential for all who serve Him. This emphasizes that watching is not a passive waiting but an active, moment-by-moment alertness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So you are to keep watch: because you are not certain when the master of the house is coming, in the evening, or in the middle of the night, or at the cock's cry, or in the morning;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

watch ye, therefore, for ye have not known when the lord of the house doth come, at even, or at midnight, or at cock-crowing, or at the morning;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Watch ye therefore (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning):

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Watch therefore, for ye do not know when the master of the house comes: evening, or midnight, or cock-crow, or morning;

Context

This verse continues the parable from verse 34, directly applying the uncertainty of the master's return to the disciples' need for constant watchfulness. It explicitly details the various times the master might return, reinforcing the unpredictability and therefore the necessity of continuous vigilance. This direct command to "Watch" then leads to the warning against being found unprepared, underscoring the serious consequences of spiritual slumber.

v.34It 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.

v.35This passage

v.36lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 14:30

    And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.

  • Matthew 24:44

    Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  • Mark 13:33

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

  • Mark 6:48

    And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:

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