Mark 13:13

KJV

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye shall be {G2071} hated {G3404} of {G5259} all {G3956} men for {G1223} my {G3450} name's sake {G1223}{G3686}: but {G1161} he that shall endure {G5278} unto {G1519} the end {G5056}, the same {G3778} shall be saved {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out till the end will be delivered.

Berean Standard Bible

You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

American Standard Version

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:13, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serves as both a stark warning and a profound promise to His disciples and all future followers. It prophesies that believers will face universal hatred and persecution specifically "for my name's sake," directly linking their suffering to their identification with Christ. However, it immediately balances this grim reality with a powerful affirmation: those who steadfastly endure through these trials "unto the end" will ultimately receive salvation, underscoring the indispensable role of perseverance in the Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:13 is situated within the broader framework of Jesus' eschatological discourse, often called the "Olivet Discourse," which begins in [Mark 13:1](/mark/13-1 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"). This chapter records Jesus' private teaching to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, prompted by their questions regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Before addressing cosmic signs and the tribulation, Jesus provides a series of warnings about immediate and future persecutions. He describes how His followers will be delivered up to councils, beaten in synagogues, and stand before governors and kings for His sake, as detailed in [Mark 13:9-12](/mark/13-9-12 "Mark 13:9-12 - Warnings of Persecution"). Verse 13 specifically intensifies these warnings by emphasizing the universal nature of the hatred they will encounter and then pivots to highlight the absolute necessity of faithful endurance as the pathway to ultimate salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' words reflect the historical reality that His followers would soon face a world hostile to their message and allegiance. In the 1st century, early Christians experienced persecution from both Jewish authorities, who viewed them as heretical, and later from Roman authorities, who saw their exclusive worship of Christ as a threat to imperial cults and social order. The phrase "hated of all men" captures the pervasive suspicion and antagonism Christians would encounter, ranging from social ostracism to severe physical persecution, including martyrdom. This was not merely a theoretical warning but a prophetic insight into the trials that would characterize the early church's existence and continue throughout history. The cultural expectation of loyalty to one's family, community, and state made the exclusive devotion to Christ, which often required breaking these ties, particularly challenging and provocative.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **cost of discipleship**, making it clear that following Jesus is not a path to worldly ease but often involves suffering and opposition, a theme echoed in Jesus' call to [take up one's cross in Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Call to Take Up the Cross"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **persecution for Christ's name**, emphasizing that opposition to believers is not arbitrary but directly stems from their identification with Jesus Christ and His message. This spiritual conflict is a recurring motif throughout the New Testament, as seen in [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred for Believers"). Thirdly, the verse powerfully introduces the theme of **perseverance and endurance**, stressing that steadfast faithfulness through trials is essential for ultimate salvation. This is a vital component of true faith, distinguishing genuine commitment from superficial adherence, and is paralleled in other eschatological passages like [Matthew 24:13](/matthew/24-13 "Matthew 24:13 - Perseverance to the End"). Finally, it reinforces the **promise of salvation**, assuring believers that despite the intense trials, God's ultimate deliverance awaits those who remain faithful to the very end, a promise that extends to eternal life and communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hated (Greek, _miséō_):** This term, G3404, signifies a deep-seated detestation, abhorrence, or active persecution. It conveys more than mere dislike, pointing to a profound spiritual antagonism against Christ and those who bear His name. The passive voice "ye shall be hated" indicates that this opposition is something inflicted upon believers, originating from a source external to them, namely "all men" (representing the world hostile to God).
* **Endure (Greek, _hypoménō_):** G5278, _hypoménō_, is a crucial word meaning "to stay under," "to remain," "to stand firm," or "to bear up under." It implies not passive suffering but an active, courageous steadfastness in the face of adversity. This endurance is not merely about waiting for an end, but about actively maintaining faith, hope, and obedience despite trials, temptations, and persecution.
* **Saved (Greek, _sṓzō_):** G4982, _sṓzō_, means to save, deliver, preserve, or heal. In this eschatological context, it primarily refers to ultimate spiritual salvation from divine judgment and entrance into God's eternal kingdom. While it can also encompass preservation through specific periods of tribulation, its ultimate scope is the eternal well-being of the faithful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake:"** This clause serves as a stark prophetic warning. Jesus predicts that His followers will experience widespread, intense animosity. The phrase "of all [men]" (G3956, _pâs_) suggests a universal or pervasive opposition, not necessarily every single individual, but a general societal or spiritual hostility. The crucial qualifier "for my name's sake" (G1223, _diá_, G3686, _ónoma_, G3450, _moû_) identifies the precise reason for this hatred: it is not for any personal failing or social misstep, but solely because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ and their identification with His authority and character. This highlights the spiritual nature of the conflict.
* **"but he that shall endure unto the end,"** This clause introduces a critical contrast and condition. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) shifts the focus from the certainty of persecution to the necessity of a specific response. "He that shall endure" (G5278, _hypoménō_) emphasizes the individual responsibility to persevere. The phrase "unto the end" (G1519, _eis_, G5056, _télos_) specifies the duration and scope of this endurance. It refers to the conclusion of the period of tribulation, the end of one's life, or the consummation of the age, implying a steadfastness that does not falter at any point before the appointed goal.
* **"the same shall be saved."** This final clause presents the glorious outcome and divine promise for those who meet the condition of endurance. "The same" (G3778, _hoûtos_) points back directly to the one who perseveres. "Shall be saved" (G4982, _sṓzō_) signifies ultimate deliverance and spiritual salvation. This is the ultimate reward, assuring believers that their faithfulness through suffering will not be in vain but will culminate in eternal life and security in God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:13 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Antithesis** is prominent, sharply contrasting the external reality of universal hatred and persecution with the internal necessity of endurance and the ultimate promise of salvation. This creates a dramatic tension that underscores the challenging nature of discipleship while simultaneously offering profound hope. The phrase "hated of all [men]" can be understood as **hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the pervasive and intense nature of the opposition believers will face, rather than a literal assertion that every single human will hate them. This rhetorical device effectively communicates the magnitude of the spiritual conflict. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **prophecy**, with Jesus foretelling future events and the experiences of His followers, thereby establishing His divine foresight and authority. The structure also implies a **conditional clause**, where ultimate salvation is presented as the direct consequence of enduring faithfulness, emphasizing the active role of the believer in their spiritual journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:13 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian discipleship in a fallen world. It asserts that suffering and opposition are not anomalies but inherent aspects of following Jesus. This reality challenges any notion of a triumphalist or easy faith, instead calling believers to a resilient commitment rooted in Christ. The hatred experienced by believers is not random but directly linked to Jesus' "name," signifying their allegiance to His identity, authority, and mission. This highlights the spiritual warfare at play, where the kingdom of God clashes with the kingdom of darkness. The promise of salvation for those who endure unto the end underscores that genuine faith is characterized by perseverance, not merely initial belief. It is a faith that remains steadfast through trials, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and deliverance.
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred for Believers")
* [Matthew 24:13](/matthew/24-13 "Matthew 24:13 - Perseverance to the End")
* [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Faithful Unto Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:13 offers profound guidance for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a world that often stands in opposition to Christ. Firstly, it cultivates a realistic expectation: we should not be surprised when our commitment to Jesus elicits hostility, misunderstanding, or even active persecution. This prophetic warning helps prevent disillusionment and instead prepares us to face adversity with courage, understanding that our suffering is a participation in Christ's own. Secondly, the verse issues a powerful call to **endurance**. True faith is not merely about making a good start, but about finishing well. This requires spiritual discipline, a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a clear, unwavering focus on the eternal hope that lies ahead. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment: are we fair-weather Christians, or are we rooted deeply enough in Christ to withstand the storms? Finally, the promise of salvation serves as an immense source of comfort and motivation. Knowing that our temporary sufferings are not in vain, but lead to ultimate deliverance and eternal glory, empowers us to persevere. It encourages a long-term, eternal perspective on our faith and life, reminding us that the transient difficulties of this world pale in comparison to the everlasting reward awaiting those who remain faithful to the very end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced "hatred" or opposition for your faith, even in subtle forms? How did you respond?**
* **What does "enduring unto the end" practically look like in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or temptations?**
* **How does the promise of ultimate "salvation" motivate you to persevere through difficult circumstances?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of endurance and resilience in our spiritual walk, both individually and as a community of believers?**

### FAQ

**Does "all men" literally mean every single person will hate Christians?**

Answer: While the King James Version translates it as "all men," the Greek word _pâs_ (G3956) can mean "all," "every," or "the whole." In this context, it is generally understood as a rhetorical hyperbole, emphasizing the widespread and pervasive nature of the opposition believers will face, rather than a literal assertion that every single individual on earth will harbor hatred. It signifies that hostility will come from various quarters and be a general characteristic of the world's response to those who follow Christ, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where Jesus also has followers and sympathetic individuals.

**What kind of "salvation" is promised in this verse?**

Answer: The "salvation" (Greek: _sṓzō_, G4982) promised here is primarily ultimate spiritual deliverance and eternal life with God. While it can encompass preservation through specific periods of tribulation or physical deliverance, its fullest meaning in this eschatological context points to the final vindication of believers, their rescue from divine judgment, and their entrance into God's eternal kingdom. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan for those who remain faithful to Christ, a theme echoed in passages like [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation") and [1 Peter 1:9](/1_peter/1-9 "1 Peter 1:9 - The Outcome of Faith, the Salvation of Souls").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus' prophetic words but supremely in His own life, death, and resurrection. Jesus Himself endured the ultimate "hatred of all men" for His Father's name's sake, facing rejection, betrayal, and crucifixion at the hands of those He came to save. He perfectly exemplified what it means to "endure unto the end," steadfastly setting His face toward Jerusalem and the cross, submitting to the Father's will even unto death, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). His endurance was not passive suffering but an active, resolute commitment to His redemptive mission, "for the joy that was set before him," as [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith") beautifully articulates. In His resurrection, Jesus became the first to be "saved" in the ultimate sense, triumphing over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Therefore, His promise in [Mark 13:13](/mark/13-13 "Mark 13:13 - Perseverance and Salvation") is not a mere moral exhortation but a divine assurance grounded in His accomplished work. Believers are empowered to endure precisely because Christ has already endured and triumphed, and the Holy Spirit indwells them, enabling them to walk in His footsteps and share in His victory. Our salvation is secured by His endurance, and our ability to endure is a gift of His grace, guaranteeing our participation in His ultimate salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Matthew 24:13

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Romans 2:7

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: