Mark 13:35

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:35 serves as a profound and urgent call to spiritual vigilance, emphasizing the absolute uncertainty of the timing of the Lord's return. Through the metaphor of a master's unexpected arrival, Jesus exhorts His disciples, and by extension all believers, to maintain a constant state of readiness and faithfulness, as the precise hour of His coming remains unknown, whether it be in the evening, at midnight, at cockcrow, or in the morning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:35 concludes the "Little Apocalypse" or Olivet Discourse, which begins in [Mark 13:1](/mark/13-1 "Mark 13:1 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction"). Following His prophecy of the Temple's destruction and signs preceding the end of the age and His glorious return, Jesus transitions into a series of parables and exhortations emphasizing the necessity of watchfulness. Specifically, this verse is the concluding command of the Parable of the Doorkeeper (or Watchful Servants) found in [Mark 13:34-37](/mark/13-34-37 "Mark 13:34-37 - The Parable of the Doorkeeper"). The parable depicts a master leaving his house in the care of his servants, assigning each a task, and commanding the doorkeeper to "watch." The overarching message is that just as the doorkeeper must be alert for the master's return, so too must believers be perpetually ready for the Son of Man's coming. Verse 35 reiterates the core message of vigilance by explicitly stating the unknown timing of the master's arrival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the Olivet Discourse is the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and the Temple, providing a poignant backdrop for Jesus' prophecies. The "master of the house" (οἰκοδεσπότης, _oikodespotēs_) was a familiar figure in ancient Jewish and Roman society, representing the head of a household who held ultimate authority and ownership over his estate and servants. The mention of "even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning" directly references the four watches of the Roman night, which were common divisions of time during Jesus' era. The first watch was "evening" (6 PM - 9 PM), the second "midnight" (9 PM - 12 AM), the third "cockcrowing" (12 AM - 3 AM), and the fourth "morning" (3 AM - 6 AM). This detailed breakdown underscores the idea that the master's return could occur at literally any unexpected moment within the entire night, reinforcing the need for continuous alertness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Mark's Gospel and broader New Testament eschatology. The most prominent theme is **Vigilance and Readiness**, encapsulated by the imperative "Watch ye therefore." This is not merely physical wakefulness but a deep spiritual alertness and preparedness for the Lord's return, a call to live in a manner that is always ready to meet Him. Closely related is the **Uncertainty of Timing**, as the verse explicitly states, "ye know not when the master of the house cometh." This divine secrecy regarding the precise hour or day of Christ's return is a recurring theme in Jesus' teaching, notably in [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour"). This uncertainty is the very impetus for continuous vigilance. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Accountability and Stewardship**, where the "master of the house" represents Christ, and the servants (including the doorkeeper) represent believers. Just as a servant is expected to be diligently working and managing affairs in the master's absence, believers are called to be faithful stewards of their lives, gifts, and responsibilities until Christ returns. Finally, the "coming" of the master is a direct reference to the **Second Coming of Jesus Christ**, a foundational doctrine of Christian faith, emphasizing its certainty despite the unknown timing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watch (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** From the root meaning "to keep awake," this verb signifies more than mere physical wakefulness. It denotes a state of spiritual alertness, vigilance, and readiness. In the context of eschatology, it implies an active, expectant waiting, a preparedness for the Lord's return that manifests in righteous living and faithful service. It is an imperative command, urging continuous spiritual attention.
* **Master (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, derived from a word implying "supremacy," refers to one supreme in authority, a controller, or a lord. In this context, it unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ Himself, who is the ultimate authority and owner of His "house" (the church or the world). His designation as "Master" underscores His sovereign right to return and His authority to hold His servants accountable.
* **Cockcrowing (Greek, _alektorophōnía'_):** This compound word literally means "cock-crow." In the Roman system of night watches, the "cockcrowing" was the third watch of the night, spanning from midnight to 3 AM. Its inclusion among the four possible times of the master's return vividly illustrates the unpredictability and suddenness of His coming, emphasizing that it could occur at the most unexpected and inconvenient hour.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Watch ye therefore:"** This opening imperative serves as the central command of the verse and the entire preceding parable. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this exhortation to the preceding context of the master's departure and the doorkeeper's assigned duty. It is a direct call to spiritual alertness and readiness, not merely passive waiting but active vigilance.
* **"for ye know not when the master of the house cometh,"** This clause provides the crucial rationale for the command to watch. The "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason: the disciples (and all believers) are ignorant of the precise timing of the master's return. This divine secrecy regarding the hour of Christ's coming is a recurring theme in eschatological discourse, designed to prevent complacency and foster continuous readiness. The "master of the house" is a clear reference to Jesus Himself, and His "coming" refers to His Second Advent.
* **"at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:"** This phrase meticulously lists the four watches of the Roman night. "Even" (G3796, _opsé_) refers to the first watch (6-9 PM), "midnight" (G3317, _mesonýktion_) to the second (9 PM-12 AM), "cockcrowing" (G219, _alektorophōnía_) to the third (12-3 AM), and "morning" (G4404, _prōḯ_) to the fourth (3-6 AM). This comprehensive list emphasizes that the master's return could occur at any point, at any unexpected hour, reinforcing the absolute necessity of perpetual vigilance. The repeated "or" (G2228, _ḗ_) highlights the disjunctive nature of these possibilities, stressing the uncertainty.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in "Watch ye therefore," which functions as a direct command, demanding immediate and continuous action from the audience. This is not a suggestion but an authoritative directive. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor**, where the "master of the house" represents Jesus Christ, and His "coming" signifies His Second Advent. The entire scenario of a master leaving his servants in charge and returning unexpectedly is an extended **Allegory** drawn from the preceding parable, conveying spiritual truths through a relatable domestic scenario. Furthermore, the listing of the four night watches ("at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning") is an example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts or a comprehensive list represent a totality. In this case, the four watches collectively represent "at any time whatsoever," emphasizing the complete unpredictability of the master's return. The use of **Repetition** with the conjunction "or" (Greek: _ē_) between each watch reinforces the exhaustive nature of the possible timings, underscoring the pervasive uncertainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:35 encapsulates a core tenet of Christian eschatology: the certainty of Christ's return coupled with the uncertainty of its timing. This divine paradox is not meant to induce fear or anxiety but to cultivate a lifestyle of active faith, spiritual readiness, and diligent stewardship. The "watching" commanded by Jesus is not passive observation but an active, expectant posture of living righteously, serving faithfully, and proclaiming the Gospel. It underscores God's sovereignty over time and events, while simultaneously highlighting human responsibility to live in light of eternity. The passage reminds believers that their lives are lived in the interim between Christ's first and second comings, a period during which they are entrusted with the "master's business" and will be held accountable for their faithfulness.

* [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Ready for the Lord's Coming")
* [Luke 12:35-40](/luke/12-35-40 "Luke 12:35-40 - Be Dressed for Service")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-6](/1_thessalonians/5-1-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - Live as Children of Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:35 provides a timeless and urgent call to spiritual preparedness for every believer. The directive to "watch" is not a call to anxiety or obsessive speculation about end-times dates, but rather an invitation to live with intentionality, purpose, and a profound awareness of God's ultimate sovereignty and our accountability to Him. Since the exact moment of Christ's return remains veiled, our response should be one of diligent faithfulness in our daily lives. This means actively pursuing righteousness, engaging in the good works to which God has called us, stewarding our resources and gifts for His glory, and consistently seeking to grow in our relationship with Him through prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers. The uncertainty of His coming should inspire not fear, but a hopeful and diligent living out of our faith, ensuring that we are found faithful, productive, and ready whenever He appears.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "watching" practically look like in my daily life, beyond merely waiting?**
* **How does the uncertainty of Christ's return motivate or challenge my current priorities and commitments?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" and in need of greater vigilance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of readiness and faithfulness in my relationship with God and my service to others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the four watches of the night mentioned in Mark 13:35?**

Answer: The mention of "even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning" refers to the four divisions of the Roman night watch system (6 PM-9 PM, 9 PM-12 AM, 12 AM-3 AM, 3 AM-6 AM). This detailed listing is highly significant because it encompasses every possible time within the night, symbolizing that the "master's" (Jesus') return could occur at literally any moment, at any unexpected or inconvenient hour. It serves as a powerful literary device, a **merism**, to emphasize the complete unpredictability of the timing of Christ's Second Coming. This comprehensive scope underscores the absolute necessity for constant spiritual vigilance, as believers "know not when the master of the house cometh" ([Mark 13:35](/mark/13-35 "Mark 13:35 - The Unknown Hour")). It reinforces the idea that there is no specific time to anticipate, thus requiring continuous readiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 13:35 is a direct command to the disciples to "watch" for the Master's return, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the "master of the house" who has indeed come, first in His incarnation to inaugurate His kingdom, and who promises to come again in glory. The call to vigilance is not merely about being prepared for an event, but about being prepared for a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who, having accomplished salvation through His death and resurrection, has ascended to heaven, entrusting His "house" (the church) with His mission until His glorious return. Therefore, "watching" becomes a Christ-centered activity: it means living in faithful obedience to His commands, serving His purposes, and eagerly anticipating the day when we will see Him face to face. Our hope is not in a vague future event, but in the certain return of the One who is "the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). The uncertainty of His timing serves to keep our focus perpetually on Him, shaping our present lives in light of His promised future appearance, when He will "appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Will Appear a Second Time")). Our vigilance is a testimony to our love for Him and our longing for His kingdom to come in its fullness.

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 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.