13:1 13:1

Mark 13:2

13:3 13:3

Bible Versions

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Seest thou {G991} these {G5025} great {G3173} buildings {G3619}? there shall {G863} not {G3364} be left {G863} one stone {G3037} upon {G1909} another {G3037}, that {G3739} shall {G2647} not {G3364} be thrown down {G2647}.
"You see all these great buildings?" Yeshua said to him, "They will be totally destroyed -- not a single stone will be left standing!"
“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.

Mark 13:2 (KJV): "And Jesus answering said unto him, ‹Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.›"

Context

This powerful statement by Jesus is part of what is commonly known as the "Olivet Discourse," a significant prophetic sermon delivered on the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem and its grand Temple complex. The verse immediately follows the disciples' awe-struck comments about the Temple's impressive size and ornate construction. Jesus, in response to their admiration for the physical splendor of the Temple, delivers a shocking prophecy that completely counters their perception of its permanence. This stark declaration immediately follows the disciples' admiration of the magnificent Temple buildings in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Prophecy of Destruction: The primary theme is Jesus' precise foretelling of the complete demolition of the Second Temple. His words "not be left one stone upon another" emphasize the totality of the coming destruction.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This prophecy highlights God's ultimate control over history and the consequences of rejecting His Son. The Temple, central to Jewish life and worship, was a symbol of God's presence among His people; its destruction signified a profound shift in divine economy.
  • Transience of Earthly Structures: Jesus' words serve as a stark reminder that even the most impressive human achievements and institutions are temporary. It underscores the transience of all earthly structures and accomplishments in the face of God's eternal plan.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This prophecy was fulfilled with chilling accuracy in 70 AD when the Roman armies, under General Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple. Historical accounts confirm that the Temple was indeed leveled, with not a single stone remaining in its original place, as the Romans sought to recover melted gold.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase used, "οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον" (ou mē aphethē hōde lithos epi lithon), translates literally to "there shall not be left here stone upon stone." The double negative "οὐ μὴ" (ou mē) creates an emphatic negation, signifying an absolute certainty that this event will not happen—i.e., not a single stone will remain. This makes Jesus' declaration incredibly strong and irreversible, underscoring the absolute nature of the coming destruction.

Related Scriptures

  • Parallel Accounts: This prophecy is also recorded in parallel passages in the Gospels, emphasizing its significance: Matthew 24:2 and Luke 21:6.
  • The Olivet Discourse: This verse serves as the opening to Jesus' extended discourse on the end times, the destruction of Jerusalem, and His second coming, which continues throughout Mark 13.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to place our trust and security not in physical structures, human institutions, or worldly achievements, but in God alone and His eternal kingdom. Jesus' prophecy highlights His foreknowledge and divine authority, assuring us that His words are true and will always come to pass. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts – our relationship with God and the advancement of His spiritual kingdom – rather than being captivated by the temporary glories of this world. It also calls us to consider God's judgment and the importance of heeding His warnings and embracing the truth found in Jesus Christ.

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.

  • Luke 21:6

    [As for] these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

  • Matthew 24:2

    And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

  • 1 Kings 9:7

    Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

  • 1 Kings 9:8

    And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

  • Micah 3:12

    Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

  • Luke 19:41

    ¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

  • Luke 19:44

    And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
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