Mark 13:15

KJV

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter [therein], to take any thing out of his house:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} let him {G2597} that is on {G1909} the housetop {G1430} not {G3361} go down {G2597} into {G1519} the house {G3614}, neither {G3366} enter {G1525} therein, to take {G142} any thing {G5100} out of {G1537} his {G846} house {G3614}:

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone is on the roof, he must not go down and enter his house to take any of his belongings;

Berean Standard Bible

Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house.

American Standard Version

and let him that is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:15, part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivers an urgent and uncompromising command for immediate flight for those on the housetop, emphasizing that in the face of impending calamity, there is no time to descend into the house or retrieve any possessions. This instruction underscores the absolute necessity of unhesitating obedience and detachment from worldly goods when divine judgment or severe tribulation is at hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13, often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," is Jesus' prophetic teaching given on the Mount of Olives to His disciples concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs preceding His second coming. This chapter begins with Jesus' prediction of the Temple's demolition ([Mark 13:1-2](/mark/13-1-2 "Mark 13:1-2 - Prophecy of Temple Destruction")), followed by questions from His disciples about when these things will happen and what signs will precede them ([Mark 13:3-4](/mark/13-3-4 "Mark 13:3-4 - Disciples' Questions")). Jesus then warns against deception ([Mark 13:5-6](/mark/13-5-6 "Mark 13:5-6 - Warning Against Deception")) and describes various tribulations such as wars, earthquakes, and famines, calling them "the beginning of sorrows" ([Mark 13:7-8](/mark/13-7-8 "Mark 13:7-8 - The Beginning of Sorrows")). The discourse then shifts to the persecution of believers ([Mark 13:9-13](/mark/13-9-13 "Mark 13:9-13 - Persecution and Endurance")), before reaching the pivotal warning about "the abomination of desolation" ([Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation")). Mark 13:15 immediately follows this warning, providing a specific, urgent instruction for those in Judea to flee without delay, highlighting the extreme nature of the impending crisis. It is part of a series of commands emphasizing the speed and decisiveness required for escape.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite houses, particularly in urban areas, commonly featured flat rooftops (_dōma_ in Greek) that were integral to daily life. These rooftops served multiple purposes: for drying grain, for sleeping during hot summer nights, for leisure, for prayer, and as accessible pathways, often connected to external staircases or adjacent roofs. This architectural design meant that a person on the housetop had a direct route to escape without needing to re-enter the main living quarters. Jesus' warning in Mark 13:15 is deeply rooted in this cultural reality. The instruction to "not go down into the house" would have been immediately understood by His audience as a command to abandon all possessions and flee directly from their current vantage point. This passage is widely interpreted as a specific prophetic warning to the inhabitants of Judea during the Roman-Jewish War (A.D. 66-70), which culminated in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by Roman forces under Titus in A.D. 70. The urgency reflects the brutal efficiency of Roman sieges, leaving no time for gathering belongings.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:15 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Urgency of Flight** in the face of divine judgment or severe tribulation. The command for immediate departure, without pausing to gather possessions, emphasizes that survival depends on instant and unhesitating obedience to God's warning. This theme is echoed in parallel passages like [Matthew 24:17-18](/matthew/24-17-18 "Matthew 24:17-18 - Urgency of Flight") and [Luke 21:21](/luke/21-21 "Luke 21:21 - Flee from Judea"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Warning and Protection**. Jesus, through His prophetic foresight, provides a clear, practical instruction for His followers to escape great tribulation, demonstrating God's sovereign care and desire to provide a way of escape for His people during times of judgment. Finally, the command to leave everything behind points to the theme of **Detachment from Material Possessions**. In moments of extreme crisis, life and obedience to God's warnings are paramount, far outweighing the value of worldly goods. This principle resonates with earlier biblical narratives, such as Lot's escape from Sodom, where he and his family were warned not to look back or linger for possessions ([Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - Lot's Escape from Sodom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **housetop (Greek, _dōma'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word properly refers to an edifice, but specifically denotes a roof. In the context of ancient Jewish homes, the housetop was a flat, accessible area, often used for various daily activities and as a potential escape route. The instruction "let him that is on the housetop" precisely identifies the location of the person receiving the warning, emphasizing that their immediate vantage point offers a direct path to safety, bypassing the interior of the house.
* **go down (Greek, _katabaínō'_):** Derived from "down" and "to go," this verb means "to descend" literally or figuratively. In this verse, it is a direct command in the negative ("not go down"), specifically forbidding any movement from the housetop *into* the house. This highlights the absolute urgency; even the slightest detour or delay to re-enter the dwelling is prohibited, as it would jeopardize escape.
* **take (Greek, _aírō'_):** A primary root meaning "to lift up," or by implication, "to take up or away." Here, it is used in the context of "to take any thing out of his house." This word powerfully conveys the complete abandonment of material possessions. The command is not merely to leave *some* things, but to "take *any* thing" (G5100, _tìs_, meaning "any person or object"), emphasizing that nothing, no matter how valuable or cherished, should be prioritized over immediate flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let him that is on the housetop":** This clause sets the scene, addressing specifically those who find themselves in a position of immediate observation or temporary security on the roof of their dwelling. It implies a state of readiness or awareness, distinguishing them from those who might be inside.
* **"not go down into the house":** This is the primary negative command, forbidding any descent from the roof into the interior of the house. It underscores the extreme urgency of the situation, indicating that even a brief moment spent re-entering the dwelling would be a fatal delay. The path of escape is outward and immediate.
* **"neither enter [therein], to take any thing out of his house":** This second negative command reinforces and clarifies the first. "Neither enter therein" reiterates the prohibition against re-entering the house, while "to take any thing out of his house" provides the explicit reason for this prohibition: no time can be wasted on gathering possessions. This emphasizes the absolute priority of life and obedience over material wealth, highlighting the severity of the impending crisis.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** of the verbs ("let him... not go down," "neither enter"), which conveys a direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable command. This grammatical choice emphasizes the absolute necessity of immediate action. **Imagery** is vividly used, painting a clear picture of a person on a housetop, poised for flight, and the forbidden act of descending into the house. This visual helps the audience grasp the extreme urgency. Furthermore, the instruction to "not go down... neither enter... to take any thing out of his house" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to stress the critical nature of the moment. While literally impossible to take *nothing* if one were to flee, the absolute phrasing underscores that *no time whatsoever* should be spent on material concerns, even for the most essential items. The "house" itself can be seen as **Symbolism** for worldly security, comfort, and possessions, which must be abandoned for the sake of spiritual and physical preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:15 is a profound theological statement on divine warning, human response, and the nature of discipleship in the face of eschatological events. It reveals God's compassionate foresight in providing specific instructions for His people to navigate periods of intense tribulation and judgment. The command to flee without delay transcends a mere physical escape; it embodies a spiritual principle of readiness and detachment. True discipleship demands a willingness to prioritize God's commands and one's eternal well-being over any earthly attachment, even those as fundamental as one's home and possessions. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that when God's warnings are given, whether through prophetic word or unfolding events, the appropriate response is immediate, unhesitating obedience, trusting in His provision and protection above all else. It challenges believers to hold loosely to the things of this world, recognizing that ultimate security and salvation are found only in Him.

* [Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - Lot's Escape from Sodom")
* [Matthew 24:17-18](/matthew/24-17-18 "Matthew 24:17-18 - Flee from the Rooftop")
* [Luke 21:21](/luke/21-21 "Luke 21:21 - Those in Judea Must Flee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Mark 13:15 had a direct historical fulfillment in the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, its principles resonate deeply with believers across all generations. This passage serves as a powerful call to spiritual preparedness and vigilance, reminding us that life's most critical moments often demand immediate, decisive action rooted in faith. It challenges us to examine our attachments: what are we holding onto that might hinder our swift obedience to God's call or our escape from spiritual danger? In an age often characterized by materialism and the pursuit of comfort, Jesus' words urge us to cultivate a radical detachment from worldly possessions, recognizing that our true treasure is not found in what we own, but in our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. The "housetop" can be seen as any position of temporary security or observation from which we are called to move swiftly when God's warnings become clear. This verse encourages us to be spiritually agile, ready to abandon anything that would impede our walk with Christ, always prioritizing His will and our eternal salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "housetops" or places of temporary comfort might I be clinging to that could hinder my swift obedience to God's call?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater detachment from material possessions or worldly security to prioritize God's kingdom?**
* **How does the urgency of this command inform my readiness for unexpected spiritual challenges or even the return of Christ?**
* **Am I truly prepared to abandon everything for the sake of following Christ, trusting in His ultimate provision and protection?**

### FAQ

**Was Mark 13:15 a prophecy that has already been fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, Mark 13:15 is widely understood by biblical scholars to be a specific prophecy that found its primary historical fulfillment in the events surrounding the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jesus' detailed warnings in the Olivet Discourse, including the instruction to flee from Judea when "the abomination of desolation" (likely referring to the Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem, as clarified in [Luke 21:20](/luke/21-20 "Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies")) appeared, provided a clear directive for His followers. Historical accounts, such as those by Eusebius, record that Christians in Jerusalem, heeding these warnings, fled to Pella in the Decapolis region before the siege began, thus escaping the horrific destruction and famine that befell the city. This particular verse emphasizes the extreme urgency of that flight.

**Does Mark 13:15 have any relevance for believers today, or is it solely a historical warning?**

Answer: While Mark 13:15 had a specific historical fulfillment, its underlying principles offer timeless wisdom and spiritual application for believers today. The core message of **urgency in response to divine warning**, **detachment from material possessions**, and **prioritizing obedience to God** remains profoundly relevant. Spiritually, it calls us to be alert and prepared for the Lord's return ([Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Watchful")), to hold loosely to worldly comforts, and to be ready to abandon anything that hinders our walk with Christ or our response to His call. It reminds us that our true security is not in earthly possessions but in God alone, and that in times of spiritual crisis or divine judgment, swift and unhesitating obedience is paramount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:15, a stark command for immediate flight in the face of impending judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a physical escape from a historical catastrophe, but in the spiritual refuge and salvation offered by Jesus Himself. As the divine Prophet, Christ forewarns His disciples of coming tribulation, demonstrating His sovereign knowledge and compassionate care for His people. His instruction to flee without delay foreshadows the greater call to flee from the judgment of sin and the wrath to come, finding shelter in Him. Just as those on the housetop were to abandon all earthly security for physical preservation, so too are believers called to forsake all self-reliance and worldly attachments to embrace the ultimate security found in Christ's atoning work ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All as Loss for Christ")). He is the true "way of escape" from eternal condemnation ([1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - Way of Escape from Temptation and Trial")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the one who provides ultimate refuge for those who trust in Him ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope")). Thus, Mark 13:15, in its urgent call to flee, points to the supreme necessity of running to Christ, our only true Deliverer and the source of eternal life.

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

Luke 17:31

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Luke 17:33

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Matthew 24:16

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Matthew 24:18

Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.