Mark 13:26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

And {G2532} then {G5119} shall they see {G3700} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} coming {G2064} in {G1722} the clouds {G3507} with {G3326} great {G4183} power {G1411} and {G2532} glory {G1391}.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with tremendous power and glory.

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Context of Mark 13:26

Mark chapter 13, often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," records Jesus' prophetic teaching given to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. They had asked Him about the timing of the temple's destruction and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (see Mark 13:4). Jesus describes a period of tribulation, false prophets, and cosmic disturbances leading up to His glorious return. Verse 26 directly follows descriptions of cosmic signs—the sun being darkened, the moon not giving light, and the stars falling from heaven—signaling the immediate prelude to this momentous event.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Second Coming of Christ: This verse unequivocally declares the future, visible return of Jesus Christ. It's not a spiritual or symbolic coming, but a literal, physical manifestation that will be universally witnessed.
  • The Son of Man: Jesus frequently used this title for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13, where a figure "like the Son of Man" comes with the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion. This title emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority and Messianic role.
  • Coming in Clouds with Power and Glory: The imagery of "clouds" is consistently associated with divine presence and majesty in the Old Testament (e.g., God leading Israel in a cloud by day, the cloud of glory covering the tabernacle). Jesus' return will be marked by immense power and radiant glory, a stark contrast to His humble first advent. This event will be universally witnessed, as Revelation 1:7 also proclaims.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. It connects Him directly to the prophetic vision in Daniel 7:13-14, where this figure is given everlasting dominion and glory. The "clouds" (Greek: nephelōn) are not merely atmospheric phenomena but signify a divine, supernatural appearance, often linked with God's presence and judgment. "Great power" (Greek: dynameōs megalēs) and "glory" (Greek: doxēs) emphasize the unparalleled majesty and authority with which Christ will return, utterly distinct from His first coming in humility.

Practical Application and Significance

Mark 13:26 offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Hope and Assurance: For those who follow Christ, this verse is a source of immense hope, looking forward to the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate triumph of Jesus over all evil. It reinforces the blessed hope of His return.
  • Watchfulness and Readiness: Understanding the certainty and nature of His return should motivate believers to live lives of faithfulness, vigilance, and obedience. While the exact timing is unknown (as stated in Mark 13:32), the call is to be prepared.
  • Confirmation of Prophecy: This verse confirms the biblical narrative of Christ's sovereignty and His ultimate victory. It assures that God's plan will unfold exactly as prophesied, despite any present trials or uncertainties, giving believers confidence in God's faithfulness.
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.

  • Revelation 1:7

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

  • Matthew 24:30

    And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Mark 14:62

    And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

  • Matthew 25:31

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Daniel 7:14

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

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