Mark 13:1

¶ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]!

And {G2532} as he {G846} went {G1607} out of {G1537} the temple {G2411}, one {G1520} of his {G846} disciples {G3101} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, see {G2396} what manner {G4217} of stones {G3037} and {G2532} what {G4217} buildings {G3619} are here!

As Yeshua came out of the Temple, one of the talmidim said to him, "Look, Rabbi! What huge stones! What magnificent buildings!"

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!”

And as he went forth out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings!

Commentary

Mark 13:1 introduces one of Jesus's most significant prophetic discourses, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" in Mark's Gospel. This verse sets the immediate scene for Jesus's profound predictions about the future.

Context

As Jesus and His disciples were departing from the magnificent Second Temple in Jerusalem, one of the disciples expressed immense awe at its grandeur. This was Herod's Temple, a massive and ongoing reconstruction project that had been underway for many decades. It was renowned throughout the Roman world for its colossal stones, intricate architecture, and immense wealth, making it a source of great national pride. The disciple’s exclamation, "Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]!", vividly captures their astonishment at the scale and permanence of the structure. This exchange is also found in the parallel accounts of Matthew 24:1 and Luke 21:5.

Key Themes

  • Human Admiration vs. Divine Foresight: The disciples were captivated by the physical splendor and apparent permanence of the Temple. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus’s immediate, sobering response in Mark 13:2, where He foretells its complete destruction, emphasizing that "there shall not be left one stone upon another."
  • The Catalyst for Prophecy: This seemingly innocent observation from a disciple serves as the direct trigger for one of Jesus's most extensive prophetic discourses. This discourse details not only the Temple's eventual fall but also signs of the end of the age and His second coming.
  • The Transience of Earthly Glory: The verse subtly introduces the theme that even the grandest human achievements and institutions are temporary and subject to God's sovereign plan and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "what manner of stones" translates the Greek potapoi lithoi (ποταποὶ λίθοι), which conveys a strong sense of astonishment and wonder. It highlights the disciples' profound impression of the sheer size, quality, and magnificent craftsmanship of the building materials used in the Temple complex. Their words reflect a common human tendency to be impressed by outward displays of power and permanence.

Practical Application

Mark 13:1 serves as a powerful reminder for us today not to place our ultimate hope, security, or admiration in earthly structures, institutions, or achievements, no matter how impressive or seemingly enduring they may appear. Just as the magnificent Temple was destined for destruction, so too are all things of this world temporary and transient. Our focus should be on the eternal kingdom of God and the spiritual realities that truly endure. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial grandeur and to prioritize spiritual understanding and our relationship with God, recognizing that true and lasting value is found in Him, not in what man builds. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that believers themselves are living stones in a spiritual house, a temple not made with hands.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 24:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

  • Matthew 24:51 (7 votes)

    And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • Ezekiel 11:22 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

  • Ezekiel 11:23 (4 votes)

    And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.

  • Ezekiel 10:4 (3 votes)

    Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, [and stood] over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

  • Ezekiel 10:19 (3 votes)

    And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

  • Malachi 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.