Mark 13:32

But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

But {G1161} of {G4012} that {G1565} day {G2250} and {G2532} that hour {G5610} knoweth {G1492} no man {G3762}, no, not {G3761} the angels {G32} which {G3588} are in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, neither {G3761} the Son {G5207}, but {G1508} the Father {G3962}.

However, when that day and hour will come, no one knows -- not the angels in heaven, not the Son, just the Father.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Commentary on Mark 13:32 (KJV)

Mark 13:32 is a profound and often discussed verse from the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' significant prophecy concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs leading up to His second coming and the end of the age. This particular verse addresses the precise timing of these momentous events, asserting that their exact hour remains a mystery to all but God the Father.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 21) where Jesus is responding to His disciples' questions about when these things will happen and what will be the sign of His coming. Having described various signs and tribulations, Jesus shifts to the ultimate timing, emphasizing its secrecy. The preceding verses (Mark 13:28-31) speak of the certainty of His coming, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate that signs will indicate its nearness, but this verse stresses the impossibility of knowing the precise day or hour.

Key Themes

  • The Father's Exclusive Knowledge: The primary message is that only God the Father possesses the knowledge of "that day and that hour." This highlights God's supreme sovereignty and control over all of creation and its timeline. It underscores that the timing of these climactic events is entirely within His divine prerogative, as also stated in Acts 1:7.
  • The Son's Incarnate Humility: The phrase "neither the Son" is a deeply significant theological statement. It points to Jesus speaking from His incarnate, human perspective, or perhaps a functional subordination in His role as Messiah on Earth. While fully God, Jesus voluntarily limited the exercise of His divine attributes during His earthly ministry, a concept sometimes referred to as kenosis (self-emptying), as described in Philippians 2:7. This demonstrates profound humility and obedience to the Father's will.
  • Call to Watchfulness, Not Speculation: The unknowable timing serves as a powerful imperative for believers to live in constant readiness and spiritual vigilance, rather than engaging in date-setting or idle speculation. Since no one knows when the Lord will return, the appropriate response is to always be prepared, as Jesus urges in the verses immediately following (e.g., Mark 13:33).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "οἶδεν οὐδείς" (oiden oudeis), translated "knoweth no man," emphasizes an absolute lack of knowledge. The inclusion of "οὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός" (oude ho Huios), "neither the Son," is crucial. Theological interpretations vary, but the most common understanding is that Jesus, in His human capacity, did not possess this specific knowledge, or that He was not authorized by the Father to reveal it. It does not diminish His divine nature but highlights the mysterious interplay between His divine and human natures during His earthly ministry.

Practical Application

For believers today, Mark 13:32 offers several vital applications:

  1. Discourages Date-Setting: This verse explicitly refutes any attempts to predict the exact day or hour of Christ's return. Such endeavors are contrary to Jesus' own words and often lead to disappointment and disillusionment.
  2. Encourages Constant Readiness: Since the timing is unknown, the emphasis shifts from knowing when to being ready always. This means living a life of faith, obedience, and active service, being prepared for the Lord's sudden arrival.
  3. Fosters Trust in God's Sovereignty: We can rest in the assurance that the timing of all things is perfectly orchestrated by a wise and loving God, who holds the ultimate authority. Our role is to trust Him and faithfully carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) until He comes.
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.

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

  • Matthew 24:36

    But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

  • Matthew 25:13

    Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

  • Revelation 3:3

    Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1

    ¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

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