Mark 13:9
What does Mark 13:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 13:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 13:9 means
Jesus then shifted His focus directly to the personal experiences of His disciples, warning them to "take ye heed to yourselves." He prophesied that they would face intense persecution: being delivered to councils, beaten in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings specifically because of their allegiance to Him. This persecution, however, would serve a divine purpose, becoming "a testimony unto them," meaning an opportunity to bear witness to the gospel before powerful authorities. This warns believers of personal suffering for their faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But take care: for they will give you up to the Sanhedrins; and in Synagogues you will be whipped; and you will be taken before rulers and kings because of me, for a sign to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And take ye heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to sanhedrims, and to synagogues, ye shall be beaten, and before governors and kings ye shall be set for my sake, for a testimony to them;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But look to yourselves. For they shall deliver you Up to councils: and in the synagogues you shall be beaten: and you shall stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony unto them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But ye, take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to sanhedrims and to synagogues: ye shall be beaten and brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them;
Context
Following descriptions of global unrest in verses 7-8, this verse refocuses on the personal suffering of believers. It serves as a direct, sober warning to the disciples about the persecution they will specifically endure. This shift provides a much-needed caution and an explanation for suffering, setting the stage for the broader call to preach the gospel amidst these trials in the very next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.
- Matthew 10:17
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;
- Matthew 24:9
Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.
- 1 Corinthians 4:9
For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.
- Acts 21:11
And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
- Acts 7:54
Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
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