Mark 13:23

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

But {G1161} take {G991} ye {G5210} heed {G991}: behold {G2400}, I have foretold {G4280} you {G5213} all things {G3956}.

But you, watch out! I have told you everything in advance!

So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.

But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

Mark 13:23 is a pivotal warning from Jesus within His Olivet Discourse, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and the comprehensive nature of His prophetic revelations concerning the end times.

Context

This verse is found within the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:1-37), where Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Following detailed prophecies about wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, and the rise of false Christs and false prophets, Jesus delivers this concise summary warning. He has just described how deceptive figures will emerge, performing signs and wonders to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Mark 13:21-22).

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Warning: Jesus asserts His complete knowledge of future events, providing His followers with crucial information to navigate challenging times. His declaration, "I have foretold you all things," underscores the sufficiency of His revelation.
  • Vigilance and Discernment: The command "take ye heed" serves as a powerful imperative for constant spiritual alertness. Believers are called to be watchful and discerning, especially in an era prone to deception.
  • Protection Through Prophetic Knowledge: By revealing what is to come, Jesus equips His disciples to recognize and resist the schemes of deceivers. Understanding His prophecies acts as a safeguard against being led astray.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take ye heed" translates from the Greek blepete (βλέπετε), an imperative verb meaning "look," "see," "beware," or "be careful." It conveys a strong sense of urgency and the need for active observation and caution. The word "foretold" comes from the Greek proeireka (προείρηκα), meaning "to speak before" or "to say beforehand," highlighting that Jesus' warnings are proactive and comprehensive, given in advance of their fulfillment.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 13:23 remains profoundly relevant. It encourages us to:

  • Study God's Word: Just as Jesus' disciples were given foreknowledge, we are to diligently study the Scriptures, particularly prophecy, to understand God's plan and remain grounded in truth.
  • Exercise Spiritual Discernment: In a world filled with diverse teachings and claims, Christians must critically evaluate all information against the unchangeable truth of the Bible. This includes being cautious of those who claim special revelations or perform deceptive signs.
  • Live in Preparedness, Not Fear: Jesus' warnings are not meant to induce panic but to encourage a state of spiritual readiness and active faith. Knowing that He has foretold "all things" provides a foundation of trust and peace amidst global uncertainties. This readiness aligns with other calls to "watch and pray" as the day approaches.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 3:17

    Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

  • Mark 13:5

    ¶ And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you:

  • John 14:29

    And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

  • Isaiah 44:7

    And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

  • Isaiah 44:8

    Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

  • Luke 21:8

    And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

  • 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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