Mark 13:35

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Watch ye {G1127} therefore {G3767}: for {G1063} ye know {G1492} not {G3756} when {G4219} the master {G2962} of the house {G3614} cometh {G2064}, at even {G3796}, or {G2228} at midnight {G3317}, or {G2228} at the cockcrowing {G219}, or {G2228} in the morning {G4404}:

So stay alert! for you don't know when the owner of the house will come,

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning.

Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning;

Commentary

Context

Mark 13:35 is part of the extensive discourse given by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. In this chapter, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Following prophecies about future tribulations and His glorious return, Jesus transitions into parables emphasizing the necessity of watchfulness. This particular verse concludes the parable of the doorkeeper (Mark 13:34-37), urging constant readiness due to the unknown timing of the master's return.

Key Themes

  • Vigilance and Readiness: The central command is "Watch ye therefore." This isn't merely physical wakefulness but a spiritual alertness, a state of constant preparedness for the Lord's return. Believers are called to live in a way that is always ready to meet Him.
  • Uncertainty of Timing: The verse explicitly states, "ye know not when the master of the house cometh." This highlights that the precise hour or day of Christ's return is unknown to humanity, a theme reiterated elsewhere in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 24:36). This uncertainty is the very reason for constant vigilance.
  • Accountability and Stewardship: The "master of the house" represents Christ, and the servants (including the doorkeeper in the preceding verses) represent believers. Just as a servant is expected to be diligently working and managing affairs in the master's absence, so too are believers to be faithful stewards of their lives and responsibilities until Christ returns.
  • The Master's Return: The "coming" of the master is a clear reference to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a foundational doctrine of Christian faith. The four specified times—even, midnight, cockcrowing, morning—represent the four watches of the Roman night, signifying that His return could occur at *any* unexpected moment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "Watch ye" is grēgoreite (γρηγορεῖτε), which carries the strong sense of being awake, alert, vigilant, and ready. It's a command to be spiritually attentive, not just physically awake. The phrase "master of the house" (oikodespotēs - οἰκοδεσπότης) refers to the head of the household, emphasizing authority and ownership, underscoring Jesus' sovereign right to return and assess His servants.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless call to spiritual preparedness for all believers. Since the exact timing of Christ's return is unknown, we are to live each day with purpose, faithfulness, and a sense of divine accountability. This means actively pursuing righteousness, engaging in good works, spreading the Gospel, and maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word. The emphasis on constant vigilance is not meant to instill fear, but to inspire diligent living and hope in the promised return of our Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 13:33

    Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

  • Matthew 24:42

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

  • Matthew 24:44

    Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  • Mark 14:30

    And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

  • Mark 6:48

    And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
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