Mark 13:4
What does Mark 13:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:4 means
The disciples, deeply impacted by Jesus' prophecy of the Temple's destruction, asked Him two specific questions: "When shall these things be?" and "What shall be the sign when these things are all about to be accomplished?" They likely understood the destruction of the Temple to be connected with the end of the age and the coming of the Messiah's kingdom. Their questions reveal their natural human curiosity about future events and their desire for discernible indicators to prepare them for what was to come. Jesus' subsequent discourse directly addresses these inquiries.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tell us, when shall these things be? and whatshall bethe sign when these things are all about to be accomplished?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tell us, when shall these things be? and whatshall bethe sign when these things are all about to be accomplished?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Say when these things will be, and what will be the sign when these things are all about to be done.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Tell us when these things shall be? and what <FI>is<Fi> the sign when all these may be about to be fulfilled?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Tell us, when shall these things be and what shall be the sign when all these things shall begin to be fulfilled?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Tell us, when shall these things be, and what is the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?
Context
These questions form the explicit framework for the remainder of Jesus' discourse in Mark 13. They directly follow His startling prophecy regarding the Temple's demolition (v. 2) and His movement to the Mount of Olives (v. 3). Jesus' subsequent teachings, which detail various signs and exhortations, are His comprehensive answer to the disciples' search for understanding regarding the timing and indicators of these momentous future events.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 12:8
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things?
- Matthew 24:3
And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
- Daniel 12:6
And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
- Acts 1:6
They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
- Luke 21:7
And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?
- John 21:21
Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.