Mark 13:34

KJV

[For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Son of man is as {G5613} a man {G444} taking a far journey {G590}, who left {G863} his {G846} house {G3614}, and {G2532} gave {G1325} authority {G1849} to his {G846} servants {G1401}, and {G2532} to every man {G1538} his {G846} work {G2041}, and {G2532} commanded {G1781} the porter {G2377} to {G2443} watch {G1127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"It's like a man who travels away from home, puts his servants in charge, each with his own task, and tells the doorkeeper to stay alert.

Berean Standard Bible

It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.

American Standard Version

It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:34 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, presenting a parable that vividly illustrates the period between His ascension and His Second Coming. It depicts Jesus as a master who embarks on a distant journey, entrusting His household (representing His followers) with specific authority and individual responsibilities, while explicitly commanding the doorkeeper (symbolizing all believers) to remain vigilant. This parable underscores the themes of faithful stewardship, diligent service, and constant watchfulness that should characterize the lives of His disciples during His physical absence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's declaration in [Mark 13:32-33](/mark/13-32-33 "Mark 13:32-33 - The Unknown Hour and Call to Watch") that the exact timing of His return is unknown, even to Himself, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance. The disciples' initial inquiry in [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples' Question about the End") about the signs of His coming and the end of the age sets the stage for this extended discourse. Within the broader narrative of the Olivet Discourse ([Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse")), Jesus skillfully interweaves prophecies concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (fulfilled in 70 AD) with eschatological warnings about His ultimate return. Verse 34 serves as a crucial transition, moving from a general exhortation to watch to a specific, illustrative parable that delineates the practical responsibilities and mindset required of His followers during the "interim" period of His physical absence. It shifts the focus from merely waiting to actively working and watching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable of the absent master and his entrusted servants would have resonated deeply with Jesus's audience. In ancient Jewish and Roman households, it was common for wealthy landowners or masters to travel for extended periods, leaving their estates and affairs in the charge of trusted servants. These servants were given specific duties, authority, and resources to manage the household and its operations in the master's absence. The "porter" (or doorkeeper) held a particularly crucial role, responsible for the security of the house and for being the first to recognize the master's return. This cultural backdrop highlights the expectation of diligent work and faithful management, as well as the anticipation of the master's unpredictable return, which demanded constant readiness. The parable thus draws on familiar social structures to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **The Master's Departure and Promised Return**. The "man taking a far journey" is an unmistakable symbol for Jesus Himself, who would soon ascend to heaven, inaugurating a period of waiting for His disciples. This departure, however, is not abandonment but a temporary physical absence, undergirded by the certain promise of His [future return](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return") to His "house" (often understood as His church or the world He redeems). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Servant Responsibility and Stewardship**. The "servants" are Jesus's followers, to whom He "gave authority" ([exousía](/mark/3-15 "Mark 3:15 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")) and entrusted His work. This highlights the Christian calling to active stewardship, where believers are not passive recipients but are empowered and commissioned to manage His affairs on earth until He returns, as seen in the parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"). Thirdly, the phrase "to every man his work" underscores **Individual Calling and Work**, affirming that each believer has a unique and specific role, gift, or task within the Kingdom of God, contributing to the overall mission. Finally, the command to the "porter to watch" extends to all servants, reinforcing the paramount theme of **Vigilance and Watchfulness**. This is a central thread throughout the Olivet Discourse, urging a state of spiritual alertness, preparedness, and active engagement in one's responsibilities, rather than passive waiting, as further emphasized in [Mark 13:35-37](/mark/13-35-37 "Mark 13:35-37 - Be on Guard!").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** From *anēr* (man) and *optanomai* (to see, the countenance); literally "man-faced," indicating a human being. In this context, it refers to a generic human master, but allegorically points to Jesus in His human form, who is about to depart.
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** A primary verb meaning "to give" in a very wide application, properly or by implication, literally or figuratively. Here, it signifies the act of entrusting, bestowing, or committing authority and responsibility. It implies a deliberate and purposeful delegation of power and tasks.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From *deō* (to bind); a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary); often used in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency. In the New Testament, *doûlos* often describes believers as bond-servants of Christ, willingly submitting to His will and serving Him. This term emphasizes their complete devotion and accountability to the Master.
* **watch (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** From *egeirō* (to rouse); to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively). It implies being vigilant, alert, and ready. This is a recurring command in Jesus's eschatological teachings, urging disciples to maintain spiritual readiness and not be caught unaware or unprepared for His return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey":** This clause establishes the central metaphor of the parable. "The Son of Man" is Jesus's favored self-designation, highlighting both His humanity and His divine authority as the coming judge and king (cf. [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds")). His "far journey" refers to His impending ascension into heaven and subsequent absence, a period that would span from His first coming to His second.
* **"who left his house":** The "house" represents the sphere of the Master's influence and possessions, which in the allegorical sense, refers to the world, His church, and the Kingdom of God on earth. The act of "leaving" signifies His physical departure but not His abandonment or disengagement.
* **"and gave authority to his servants":** This is a crucial element, indicating that the Master did not merely leave but actively delegated power and responsibility. "Authority" (Greek: *exousía*) implies both the right and the capacity to act on the Master's behalf. The "servants" are His disciples, to whom He entrusts the ongoing work of His Kingdom.
* **"and to every man his work":** This phrase emphasizes the individualized nature of the commission. While there is a collective authority given, each servant is assigned a specific "work" (Greek: *érgon*), implying a unique task, role, or area of stewardship. This highlights personal accountability and the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ.
* **"and commanded the porter to watch":** The "porter" (Greek: *thyrōrós*) is the doorkeeper, whose primary duty is to guard the entrance and be the first to recognize and admit the returning master. This specific command to the porter extends metaphorically to all servants, reinforcing the overarching imperative for constant vigilance and readiness for the Master's unexpected return. It is not passive waiting but active, watchful engagement in one's assigned duties.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:34 is a masterful employment of several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Parable**, a short, simple story designed to illustrate a spiritual lesson. Beyond a simple story, it is also an **Allegory**, where each element of the narrative has a symbolic meaning: the "man taking a far journey" is Jesus, His "house" is His church or the world, the "servants" are His disciples, and the "porter" symbolizes all who are called to be vigilant. The entire passage is rich in **Symbolism**: the journey symbolizes Christ's ascension and inter-advent period, the authority and work symbolize the Great Commission and the spiritual gifts given to believers, and the command to "watch" symbolizes spiritual alertness and preparedness for the Second Coming. This layered use of symbolism allows the parable to convey complex theological truths in an accessible and memorable way, emphasizing both the privilege of service and the urgency of readiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:34 encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of Christ's present reign and the responsibilities of His followers. It establishes the "already-not yet" tension of the Kingdom of God: Christ has inaugurated His Kingdom, but its full consummation awaits His return. During this interim, believers are not merely waiting but are actively engaged as stewards of His household, empowered by His authority and tasked with specific responsibilities. The parable underscores the sovereignty of Christ, who, even in His physical absence, remains the Master who delegates, expects faithfulness, and will ultimately return to hold His servants accountable. It highlights the divine expectation for diligent work, wise stewardship of spiritual gifts and resources, and a constant posture of spiritual readiness, knowing that the Master's return is certain but its timing is unknown.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "The Parable of the Talents")
* [Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "The Parable of the Minas")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewardship of God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:34 offers timeless and urgent guidance for believers living in the "in-between" time—the period stretching from Christ's ascension to His glorious Second Coming. It calls us to a life characterized by purpose, diligence, and spiritual alertness. We are not called to idleness or passive waiting, but rather to active, faithful stewardship of the gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Each of us, as servants in the Master's house, has a unique "work" to do, contributing to the advancement of His Kingdom and the building up of His church. This understanding should motivate us to live with intentionality, recognizing that our lives are not our own but are dedicated to His service. Furthermore, the command to "watch" compels us to maintain a constant state of spiritual readiness, living holy lives, pursuing justice, sharing the Gospel, and being prepared for Christ's unexpected return, which could occur at any moment. This active waiting transforms our present reality into a dynamic period of faithful engagement, knowing that our Master will return to commend those who have been found faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "authority" and "work" has the Master entrusted to me personally, and how am I faithfully stewarding them?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a greater sense of "watchfulness" and spiritual alertness in my daily life?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return, coupled with the uncertainty of its timing, impact my priorities and decisions today?**
* **Am I living as a diligent servant, actively engaged in the Master's business, or am I passively waiting?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself "the Son of Man" in this context?**

Answer: Jesus's use of "the Son of Man" is highly significant. It is His most frequent self-designation in the Gospels and carries rich theological weight. Drawing from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), it simultaneously emphasizes His true humanity and His divine authority as the coming judge and king. In Mark 13:34, by identifying Himself as the "man taking a far journey," He subtly connects His present humble state with His future glorious return, asserting His rightful claim as the sovereign Master who delegates authority and will one day return to hold all accountable. It highlights that the one who departs is the very one who will return in power and glory.

**Who are the "servants" and what does "gave authority" mean for them?**

Answer: The "servants" (Greek: *doûlos*) in this parable represent all of Jesus's disciples—believers throughout history. The phrase "gave authority" (Greek: *exousía*) signifies that Jesus has not left His followers without power or purpose. This authority is not for personal gain but for the advancement of His Kingdom. It encompasses the spiritual authority to preach the Gospel ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")), to cast out demons, to heal the sick ([Mark 3:15](/mark/3-15 "Mark 3:15 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples")), and to administer the affairs of His "house" (the church). It implies a divine enablement and commission to carry on His work in the world during His physical absence, making them His empowered representatives.

**What does it mean for the "porter to watch," and how does this apply to all believers?**

Answer: The "porter" (Greek: *thyrōrós*) was the doorkeeper, whose specific duty was to remain awake and alert, guarding the house and being ready to open the door immediately upon the master's unexpected return. The command to the porter to "watch" (Greek: *grēgoreúō*) is then extended to all servants in [Mark 13:37](/mark/13-37 "Mark 13:37 - And What I Say Unto You I Say Unto All, Watch"). For all believers, "watching" means far more than passive waiting. It implies spiritual vigilance, a state of constant readiness, moral preparedness, and active engagement in the Master's work. It means living in such a way that if Christ were to return at any moment, we would be found faithful, diligently carrying out our assigned tasks, and eagerly anticipating His arrival, not caught off guard by sin or spiritual slumber ([Romans 13:11-14](/romans/13-11-14 "Romans 13:11-14 - Wake Up!")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:34, though a parable about an absent master, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the ultimate "man taking a far journey," whose ascension to the Father's right hand ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven")) marked His physical departure. Yet, this departure was not an abandonment but a strategic move in His redemptive plan, allowing for the sending of the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus's Departure")) to empower His "servants" (the Church) with "authority" to continue His mission on earth. The "work" given to "every man" is the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), to make disciples of all nations, a task enabled by His all-encompassing authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus, as the true Master, will assuredly return, not as a mere man, but as the glorious Son of Man, King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), to gather His faithful servants and hold the unfaithful accountable. Thus, the parable not only foreshadows His post-resurrection ministry through His Church but also underscores His ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His promised return, which serves as the blessed hope and motivating force for all who "watch" for Him ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Our Blessed Hope")).

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

Matthew 25:14

¶ For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

John 10:3

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Luke 12:36

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Luke 12:40

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Matthew 24:47

Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.