Mark 13:24

KJV

¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} in {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250}, after {G3326} that {G1565} tribulation {G2347}, the sun {G2246} shall be darkened {G4654}, and {G2532} the moon {G4582} shall {G1325} not {G3756} give {G1325} her {G846} light {G5338},

Complete Jewish Bible

In those days, after that trouble, the sun will grow dark, the moon will stop shining,

Berean Standard Bible

But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;

American Standard Version

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:24 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, delivering a profound prophetic statement about the cosmic events that will immediately follow a period of intense global tribulation. It foretells a dramatic darkening of the sun and the moon's failure to emit light, serving as unmistakable celestial signs that herald the imminent return of the Son of Man and the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:24 stands as a crucial transition point within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, a detailed prophetic sermon delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. The preceding verses [Mark 13:1-23](/mark/13-1-23 "Mark 13:1-23 - The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End") describe a period of escalating global distress, false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and intense persecution, culminating in the "abomination of desolation" and unparalleled tribulation. Verse 24 marks a shift from these earthly tribulations to cosmic disturbances, signaling that the end of that specific period of suffering will immediately precede the glorious return of Christ, as described in [Mark 13:26-27](/mark/13-26-27 "Mark 13:26-27 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). This verse thus serves as a clear chronological marker, emphasizing the direct succession of cosmic signs after the great tribulation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience, His disciples, were steeped in Old Testament prophetic tradition, which frequently employed vivid cosmic imagery to describe the "Day of the Lord" – a time of divine judgment and intervention. Prophets like [Isaiah](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment") and [Joel](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun and Moon Darkened") had foretold similar celestial phenomena accompanying God's decisive action in history. While parts of the Olivet Discourse found a partial fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the cosmic signs described in [Mark 13:24](/mark/13-24 "Mark 13:24 - Cosmic Signs After Tribulation") clearly transcend that historical event, pointing to a future, global, and supernatural culmination. The disciples would have understood these signs as portents of a divinely orchestrated, cataclysmic shift in the cosmic order, signifying the imminent establishment of God's kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark and broader biblical eschatology. Firstly, it highlights **Cosmic Disturbances** as definitive signs of the end times, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His power to alter its very fabric to fulfill His purposes. Secondly, the phrase "after that tribulation" underscores the theme of **Eschatological Transition**, marking a clear chronological sequence where the most intense period of human suffering directly precedes the dramatic unveiling of Christ's glory. This transition signals the imminent approach of the "Day of the Lord" and the glorious [Second Coming of Jesus Christ](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Son of Man's Coming"). Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, assuring believers that despite the chaos of tribulation, God remains in control, orchestrating events precisely according to His revealed word, leading to the ultimate triumph of His Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively)," encompassing affliction, anguish, burden, persecution, and trouble. In this context, it refers to an intense period of suffering, distress, and persecution that precedes the cosmic signs and Christ's return, indicating severe external pressure and internal anguish.
* **darkened (Greek, _skotízō'_):** From G4654, meaning "to obscure (literally or figuratively)." Here, it denotes a literal obscuring or dimming of the sun's light, suggesting a supernatural event rather than a natural eclipse, signifying a profound disruption of the natural order.
* **light (Greek, _phéngos'_):** From G5338, meaning "brilliancy." This term refers to the inherent luminosity or radiance of the moon. The declaration that the moon "shall not give her light" signifies a complete cessation of its natural function as a source of light, paralleling the darkening of the sun and emphasizing the totality of the cosmic disruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in those days, after that tribulation,"**: This clause establishes a precise chronological marker. "Those days" refers to the period immediately following the intense and unparalleled "tribulation" described in the preceding verses of Mark 13. The conjunction "But" (G235, _allá'_) introduces a significant shift, indicating that these cosmic events are distinct from, yet directly subsequent to, the earthly suffering. It emphasizes a definitive end to one period and the beginning of another.
* **"the sun shall be darkened,"**: This is a direct prophetic statement of a supernatural event. The sun, the primary source of light and warmth for the earth, will cease to function as it normally does. This is not a mere eclipse but a divine act that profoundly alters the natural order, serving as an unmistakable sign of God's direct intervention and the approaching climax of history.
* **"and the moon shall not give her light,"**: This phrase parallels the darkening of the sun, reinforcing the complete cessation of natural celestial light. The moon's light is reflective of the sun, and its failure to "give her light" signifies a total cosmic disruption, where both major celestial bodies lose their inherent or reflected luminosity. This dual event underscores the magnitude and universality of the impending divine judgment and the ushering in of a new era.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Apocalyptic Language**, which uses vivid, often dramatic, and sometimes symbolic imagery to describe future events, particularly those related to divine judgment and the end of the age. The darkening of the sun and the moon withholding its light are classic apocalyptic motifs found throughout prophetic literature, designed to evoke awe and a sense of impending cosmic change. Secondly, **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical description of the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light. This structural repetition emphasizes the totality and simultaneous nature of the celestial disruption. While potentially literal, the imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the collapse of the established world order, the cessation of human reliance on natural cycles, and the dramatic unveiling of God's direct intervention and the dawning of a new, divinely ordained era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:24 is deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative of eschatology, particularly the concept of the "Day of the Lord." This verse vividly portrays the cosmic signs that will accompany God's decisive intervention in human history, echoing Old Testament prophecies that depict celestial disturbances as precursors to divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. The theological significance lies in its affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. These dramatic alterations to the fabric of the cosmos underscore that God is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of all events, bringing His redemptive plan to its appointed climax. For believers, these signs are not meant to induce fear, but to serve as a confirmation of the certainty of Christ's promised return, urging vigilance, perseverance, and a confident hope in the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord")
* [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Parallel Olivet Discourse Passage")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:24 calls believers to a profound spiritual readiness and a reorientation of priorities in light of the certain future. The cosmic signs described are not mere abstract predictions but concrete assurances of Christ's imminent return, following a period of intense tribulation. This truth should inspire not fear, but a deeper trust in God's sovereign control over history and a renewed commitment to living purposefully for His kingdom. It encourages perseverance through present difficulties, knowing that suffering is temporary and precedes ultimate glory. Our focus should shift from earthly anxieties to eternal hope, motivating us to live lives marked by faithfulness, evangelism, and a watchful anticipation of our Lord's appearing. We are called to be vigilant, discerning the "signs of the times" not to predict dates, but to live with a sense of urgency and expectation, ready to meet Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return, heralded by such dramatic signs, impact my daily living and priorities?**
* **What does "perseverance through tribulation" mean for me personally, and how can I cultivate resilience in my faith?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of vigilance and readiness for the Lord's coming, without falling into speculation or fear?**
* **In what ways can the hope of Christ's glorious appearing strengthen my resolve to share the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**Are the cosmic signs in Mark 13:24 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: While apocalyptic literature often employs symbolic language, the context of Mark 13:24, particularly its parallel in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Cosmic Signs in Olivet Discourse") and similar Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun and Moon Darkened")), suggests these cosmic disturbances are intended to be understood as literal, visible, and supernatural events. They are dramatic alterations to the natural order, serving as unmistakable signs to humanity that the "Day of the Lord" and the return of Christ are at hand. While they carry symbolic weight regarding the collapse of the old order, their primary force is in their literal manifestation as divine interventions.

**When does "that tribulation" refer to in Mark 13:24?**

Answer: "That tribulation" refers to a specific, unparalleled period of intense suffering and persecution that Jesus describes earlier in the Olivet Discourse (e.g., [Mark 13:19](/mark/13-19 "Mark 13:19 - Great Tribulation")). While some aspects of the Olivet Discourse had a partial fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the "great tribulation" mentioned here, followed by cosmic signs and the global return of Christ, points to a future, distinct, and universally experienced period of distress preceding the Second Coming. It is a time of unprecedented difficulty that will immediately precede the celestial phenomena and the glorious appearing of the Son of Man.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:24, with its dramatic portrayal of cosmic upheaval, ultimately finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the glorious return of Jesus Himself. These celestial disturbances are not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated heralds of the King of Kings. The darkening of the sun and the moon's failure to shine underscore the profound shift from the natural order to the supernatural reign of Christ, signaling that the light of the world, Jesus, is about to break through the darkness. This verse sets the stage for the triumphant arrival of the [Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory](/mark/13-26 "Mark 13:26 - The Son of Man Coming in Clouds"), as described just two verses later. It reminds us that the ultimate purpose of all prophecy, tribulation, and cosmic signs is to usher in the eternal reign of Christ, where He will gather His elect and establish His perfect [kingdom on a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth"). The very heavens will declare His coming, testifying to His supreme authority as Lord over all creation and history, fulfilling the promise of His [second advent](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return").

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

Acts 2:19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

Revelation 6:14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.