Mark 13:36
What does Mark 13:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:36 means
Jesus warned about the negative consequence of spiritual unpreparedness: "lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping." To be found "sleeping" here does not refer to physical rest, but to spiritual complacency, apathy, or neglect of one's duties while awaiting the master's return. The suddenness of the master's arrival would catch such a servant off guard, leading to regret and potential discipline. This underscores the need for continuous spiritual wakefulness and diligent service.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For fear that, coming suddenly, he sees you sleeping.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862lest, having come suddenly, he may find you sleeping;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Context
This verse directly states the negative consequence for failing to heed the watchfulness commands in verses 33-35. It presents the warning of being found "sleeping" as a strong motivation for readiness. This cautionary note leads directly into Jesus' final, universal command to "Watch," ensuring that His core message of vigilance is understood not just by the immediate disciples but by all future believers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:45
And when he rose up from his prayer, he came unto the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow,
- Ephesians 5:14
Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.
- Matthew 25:5
Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
- Mark 14:37
And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour?
- Proverbs 24:33
Yeta little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep;
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