Mark 13:3

KJV

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as he {G846} sat {G2521} upon {G1519} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636} over against {G2713} the temple {G2411}, Peter {G4074} and {G2532} James {G2385} and {G2532} John {G2491} and {G2532} Andrew {G406} asked {G1905} him {G846} privately {G2596}{G2398},

Complete Jewish Bible

As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple, Kefa, Ya`akov, Yochanan and Andrew asked him privately,

Berean Standard Bible

While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,

American Standard Version

And as he sat on the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:3 serves as the pivotal setting for Jesus' profound prophetic discourse, often termed the Olivet Discourse. Following His declaration of the Temple's imminent destruction, Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives, directly opposite the grand structure. Here, His inner circle—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—approach Him privately, initiating a crucial dialogue about the signs of the end times and His future coming. This intimate moment underscores the gravity of the revelation Jesus is about to impart, establishing the context for one of the New Testament's most significant eschatological passages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' striking prophecy in [Mark 13:1-2](/mark/13-1-2 "Mark 13:1-2 - Jesus Foretells the Temple's Destruction"), where He declares that the magnificent Jerusalem Temple, a symbol of Jewish identity and worship, will be utterly destroyed, with "not one stone left upon another." The disciples' private inquiry in [Mark 13:3](/mark/13-3 "Mark 13:3 - The Setting for the Olivet Discourse") is a direct response to this astonishing and unsettling prediction. Their questions in [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - The Disciples' Questions") about "when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?" naturally flow from the scene set by Jesus' position and their privileged access. Thus, [Mark 13:3](/mark/13-3 "Mark 13:3 - The Setting for the Olivet Discourse") acts as the narrative bridge, transitioning from a public pronouncement to a private, detailed teaching session, often paralleled in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jerusalem Temple, particularly Herod's Temple, was an architectural marvel and the epicenter of Jewish religious and national life in the 1st century AD. Its destruction, prophesied by Jesus, would have been an almost unthinkable catastrophe for His Jewish listeners, akin to the end of the world. The Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, provided a panoramic and unobstructed view of the Temple Mount. This geographical vantage point was not merely coincidental; it held significant prophetic meaning, as seen in [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Return to the Mount of Olives"), which speaks of the Lord standing on the Mount of Olives in the day of His coming. The disciples' private approach reflects the common practice of rabbinic teaching, where intimate questions were often reserved for a smaller, trusted group, allowing for deeper, more sensitive instruction away from the crowds.
* **Key Themes:** [Mark 13:3](/mark/13-3 "Mark 13:3 - The Setting for the Olivet Discourse") introduces several crucial themes that permeate the subsequent discourse. One is **Eschatological Inquiry**, as the disciples' questions drive the entire prophetic teaching, highlighting humanity's innate desire to understand the future and the signs of God's unfolding plan. Another is **Intimate Discipleship**, emphasizing Jesus' intentional decision to share profound and often challenging truths with His closest followers—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—who were often privy to His most significant moments, such as the [Transfiguration](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - The Transfiguration") and the [Garden of Gethsemane](/mark/14-33 "Mark 14:33 - Jesus in Gethsemane"). Finally, the **Symbolic Setting** of the Mount of Olives directly facing the Temple underscores the direct connection between Jesus' prophecy and the physical structure, serving as a powerful visual aid for the impending destruction and the ultimate return of the Lord, as anticipated in [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Ascension and Promise of Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sat (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** (G2521) This verb signifies a settled position, implying a deliberate act of resting or taking a seat. In this context, Jesus is not merely passing by but has intentionally taken a seated posture, indicative of His role as a teacher or judge. This posture conveys authority and readiness to deliver an important discourse, setting the tone for the weighty revelations that follow.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** (G2411) This term refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Temple in Jerusalem, including its outer courts and surrounding structures, not just the inner sanctuary (which would be _naos_). The disciples would have been looking at the vast, impressive complex that dominated the Jerusalem skyline, making Jesus' prophecy of its utter destruction ("not one stone left upon another") all the more shocking and impactful. The use of _hierón_ emphasizes the scale of what was being discussed.
* **privately (Greek, _kat' idian'_):** The KJV translates the Greek phrase "κατ' ἰδίαν" (kat' idian) as "privately." This phrase literally means "according to one's own" or "separately." The preposition _katá_ (G2596) here indicates distribution or separation, while _ídios_ (G2398) refers to something pertaining to oneself, one's own, or private. Together, they emphasize that the disciples approached Jesus "by themselves" or "apart from the crowd." This highlights the intimate and exclusive nature of the ensuing conversation, reserved for Jesus' closest confidantes, distinguishing it from His public teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple,"**: This clause establishes the precise geographical and visual context for the discourse. Jesus has deliberately positioned Himself on the Mount of Olives, a prominent hill to the east of Jerusalem, which offers a direct, unobstructed view "over against" (facing) the grand Temple complex. This setting is crucial, as the physical proximity and visual connection to the Temple underscore the immediate relevance of Jesus' previous prophecy concerning its destruction, directly linking the words to the visible reality.
* **"Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,"**: This identifies the specific individuals who initiate the conversation and emphasizes the confidential nature of their inquiry. These four disciples constitute Jesus' inner circle, often chosen for moments of profound revelation or intense spiritual experience (e.g., the Transfiguration, Gethsemane). Their decision to approach Him "privately" signifies their deep concern and desire for a more intimate understanding of the weighty matters Jesus had just spoken of, setting the stage for a teaching session away from the general public.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the stage for the Olivet Discourse. The **Setting as a Device** is paramount; placing Jesus on the Mount of Olives "over against the temple" is not merely descriptive but highly symbolic and functional. This geographical vantage point provides a direct visual connection between Jesus' prophecy of the Temple's destruction and the very object of that prophecy, intensifying the dramatic tension. Furthermore, it subtly introduces **Foreshadowing**, as the Mount of Olives is prophetically significant in Jewish tradition, often associated with the Lord's return (e.g., [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Return to the Mount of Olives")). The specific naming of "Peter and James and John and Andrew" highlights **Character Focus**, emphasizing that this is an **Intimate Dialogue** reserved for Jesus' closest disciples, underscoring the gravity and sensitivity of the information about to be revealed. This private audience contrasts sharply with Jesus' public teachings, signaling a shift to deeper, more eschatological truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:3 is the theological gateway to the Olivet Discourse, a foundational text for Christian eschatology. It highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom concerning future events, particularly the end times and Christ's return. The disciples' private inquiry underscores a key aspect of discipleship: a yearning for deeper understanding of God's sovereign plan, even when those plans involve challenging or unsettling prophecies. Jesus' willingness to share these profound truths with His inner circle emphasizes the value of intimate teaching and the responsibility of those entrusted with such knowledge. The setting itself, the Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple, carries immense theological weight, connecting the immediate historical destruction of Jerusalem with broader, cosmic eschatological events, and pointing to the ultimate authority and prophetic accuracy of Jesus Christ.

* [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - The Disciples' Questions on the Mount of Olives") - Parallel account of the disciples asking Jesus privately on the Mount of Olives about the signs of His coming and the end of the age.
* [Luke 21:7](/luke/21-7 "Luke 21:7 - The Disciples' Inquiry in Luke") - Another parallel account where the disciples ask Jesus about the timing and signs of the Temple's destruction.
* [Daniel 9:26](/daniel/9-26 "Daniel 9:26 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction") - Old Testament prophecy foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem and the sanctuary, providing a broader prophetic context for Jesus' words.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:3 invites us into a moment of profound intimacy and revelation, reminding us that genuine discipleship involves a deep desire to understand God's unfolding plan, even when it pertains to challenging future events. Just as Peter, James, John, and Andrew sought private counsel from Jesus, we are encouraged to diligently seek wisdom from Christ through His Word, especially concerning the signs of the times and His promised return. This verse serves as a call to earnest study of biblical prophecy, not out of mere curiosity, but with a view to living faithfully and discerningly in the present. It teaches us that while the future may hold uncertainties, our trust rests in the sovereign Lord who reveals His purposes to those who draw near to Him. Our response to such revelations should be one of humble inquiry, watchful anticipation, and steadfast obedience, preparing our hearts for His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the disciples' "private" inquiry reveal about their relationship with Jesus and their understanding of His teachings?**
* **How does the setting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Temple, enhance the significance of Jesus' subsequent discourse for you personally?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to seek deeper understanding of biblical prophecy and God's future plans?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose these four disciples to speak with privately?**

Answer: Jesus often had an inner circle of disciples—Peter, James, and John—who were present for some of His most significant and intimate moments, such as the [Transfiguration](/mark/9-2 "Mark 9:2 - The Transfiguration") and the [raising of Jairus's daughter](/mark/5-37 "Mark 5:37 - Raising Jairus's Daughter"). Andrew, Peter's brother, is also included here, possibly due to his close relationship with Peter or his own earnestness. This selection suggests that the truths Jesus was about to reveal were of such profound importance and sensitivity that they were reserved for those with whom He had a particularly deep and trusting relationship, preparing them for the weighty implications of the Olivet Discourse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:3, by setting the stage for the Olivet Discourse, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment and interpreter of all prophecy. As Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the very Temple whose destruction He foretells, He embodies the new and living way, transcending the temporary structures of the old covenant. His prophetic words are not merely predictions but authoritative declarations from the one who is Himself the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). The Mount of Olives, a place of future divine intervention in Old Testament prophecy ([Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Return to the Mount of Olives")), becomes the very place from which the Son of Man will ascend to heaven ([Acts 1:9-12](/acts/1-9-12 "Acts 1:9-12 - The Ascension of Jesus")) and to which He promises to return ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Jesus' Return")). Thus, Jesus is not just a prophet, but the very object and culmination of prophecy, the true Temple not made with hands ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the True Temple")), and the sovereign Lord who holds the keys to history and the future ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). His private teaching to the disciples underscores His role as the divine revealer, the one through whom all of God's purposes are made known and brought to fruition.

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

Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Matthew 24:3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Mark 5:37

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

Mark 1:16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mark 1:19

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.