Mark 13:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

Stay alert! Be on your guard! For you do not know when the time will come.

Berean Standard Bible:

Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Take ye heed{G991}, watch{G69} and{G2532} pray{G4336}: for{G1063} ye know{G1492} not{G3756} when{G4219} the time{G2540} is{G2076}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Ephesians 6:18

  • Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Romans 13:11

  • ¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Romans 13:12

  • The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Luke 12:40

  • Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Revelation 16:15

  • Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

1 Peter 5:8

  • ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Luke 21:34

  • And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

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Commentary for Mark 13:33

Mark 13:33 is part of the Olivet Discourse, a passage in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the future, particularly concerning the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the end times. This verse encapsulates the key themes of vigilance and preparedness in light of the unknown timing of these events.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the anticipation of the eschatological climax of history, which was a significant aspect of early Christian belief. The disciples had asked Jesus about the signs of the end of the age, and in response, Jesus provided a series of warnings and teachings about what to expect. The verse "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is" emphasizes the need for constant readiness and spiritual alertness. Jesus urges his followers to remain watchful for the signs he has described and to maintain a life of prayer, signifying a relationship with God that is both aware and dependent upon divine guidance.

The themes of watchfulness and prayer are central to Christian discipleship, as they reflect a life lived in anticipation of Christ's return and a commitment to maintaining one's spiritual condition. This verse serves as a reminder that the exact time of the end times is known only to God, and thus, believers should live with a sense of urgency and responsibility to be found faithful when the time comes. It also reflects the early Christian belief in the imminent return of Christ, which was a source of hope and motivation for the early church as it navigated the challenges of the first century.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G991
    There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βλέπω
    Transliteration: blépō
    Pronunciation: blep'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
  2. Strong's Number: G69
    There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀγρυπνέω
    Transliteration: agrypnéō
    Pronunciation: ag-roop-neh'-o
    Description: ultimately from Α (as negative particle) and ὕπνος; to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake:--watch.
  3. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  4. Strong's Number: G4336
    There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: προσεύχομαι
    Transliteration: proseúchomai
    Pronunciation: pros-yoo'-khom-ahee
    Description: from πρός and εὔχομαι; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.
  5. Strong's Number: G1063
    There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γάρ
    Transliteration: gár
    Pronunciation: gar
    Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
  6. Strong's Number: G1492
    There are 626 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἴδω
    Transliteration: eídō
    Pronunciation: i'-do
    Description: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
  7. Strong's Number: G3756
    There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὐ
    Transliteration: ou
    Pronunciation: ookh
    Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
  8. Strong's Number: G4219
    There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πότε
    Transliteration: póte
    Pronunciation: pot'-eh
    Description: from the base of ποῦ and τέ; interrogative adverb, at what time:--+ how long, when.
  9. Strong's Number: G2540
    There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καιρός
    Transliteration: kairós
    Pronunciation: kahee-ros'
    Description: of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:--X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare χρόνος.
  10. Strong's Number: G2076
    There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐστί
    Transliteration: estí
    Pronunciation: es-tee'
    Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.