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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 13:33 Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/13-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/41_Mrk_13_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 13:33 - Readiness at Any Hour" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be on your guard and stay alert! 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Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Take heed; watch; for you do not know when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the <i>appointed</i> time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the <i>appointed</i> time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“See to it, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the <i>appointed</i> time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Be on guard and stay constantly alert [and pray]; for you do not know when the <i>appointed</i> time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch! Be alert! For you don&#8217t know when the time is coming. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So watch out and be ready! You don't know when the time will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Be careful! Watch! You don't know the exact time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be careful! Watch out! Because you don't know when the time will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be on your guard, stay alert, and pray! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you do not know when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Take care, be on the alert, and pray; for you do not know when it will happen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Take heed, watch and pray, for you have not known when the time is;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Take heed; watch; for you do not know when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Take heed, watch and pray, for ye have not known when the time is;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />See, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Take heed, be vigilant, and pray. For you do not know when the time may be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Look out, be alert and pray; for you do not know when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when that time is.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Take heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Beware, watch; for you know not when the time is.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Take ye heed, watch, and pray; for ye know not when the time is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />be circumspect, be vigilant, and devout: because you are uncertain when that time will be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Take care, be on the alert, and pray; for you do not know when it will happen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Take heed, watch [and pray]; for ye know not when the time is.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Take heed <Fr><i>therefore,</i><FR> watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/13-33.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4559" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/13.htm">Readiness at Any Hour</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32</span>No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">Be on your guard</a> <a href="/greek/69.htm" title="69: agrypneite (V-PMA-2P) -- Ultimately from a and hupnos; to be sleepless, i.e. Keep awake.">and stay alert!</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you do not know</a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time.">when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2540.htm" title="2540: kairos (N-NMS) -- Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.">appointed time</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will come.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">34</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a></span><br />So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a></span><br />So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35-40</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">1 Peter 4:7</a></span><br />The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a></span><br />And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a></span><br />“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a></span><br />Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a></span><br />Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6</a></span><br />On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Take you heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Mark 13:23,35-37</a></b></br> But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/14-37.htm">Mark 14:37,38</a></b></br> And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a></b></br> Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/mark/3-16.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/mark/13-18.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/mark/13-32.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/mark/15-41.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/luke/8-18.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/mark/14-32.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-9.htm">the persecutions for the gospel;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-10.htm">that the gospel must be preached to all nations;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-14.htm">that great calamities shall happen to the Jews;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-24.htm">and the manner of his coming to judgment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/13-32.htm">the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be on your guard</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness. In the context of <a href="/mark/13.htm">Mark 13</a>, Jesus is speaking about the end times and the signs of His return. The call to be on guard is a warning against complacency and spiritual slumber. In the broader biblical narrative, this echoes the warnings given to the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient to God's commandments (<a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a>). The Greek word used here, "blepete," implies a continuous, active watchfulness, suggesting that believers must constantly be aware of spiritual dangers and the need for perseverance in faith.<p><b>and stay alert!</b><br>The command to stay alert reinforces the urgency of the previous phrase. This alertness is not just physical but spiritual, requiring discernment and awareness of the times. In the cultural context of the first century, watchfulness was a critical duty for guards and servants, especially at night. This metaphor would resonate with Jesus' audience, who understood the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. Theologically, this alertness is linked to prayer and spiritual readiness, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a>, where believers are encouraged to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.<p><b>For you do not know</b><br>This phrase highlights the uncertainty of the timing of future events, specifically the return of Christ. It underscores the limitations of human knowledge and the need for trust in God's sovereign plan. The unpredictability of the timing is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings about the end times (<a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36</a>). This uncertainty serves as a motivation for constant readiness and faithfulness, as believers are called to live in a state of preparedness, not knowing when the Lord will return.<p><b>when the appointed time will come.</b><br>The "appointed time" refers to the divinely ordained moment of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's eschatological plan. This concept of an appointed time is rooted in the Old Testament, where God sets specific times for His purposes (<a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a>). Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty and control over history. The term "kairos" in Greek indicates a specific, opportune moment rather than chronological time, emphasizing the significance and decisiveness of this event. This appointed time is a central theme in eschatology, reminding believers of the culmination of God's redemptive work and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, providing a warning and instruction to His disciples and, by extension, to all believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all followers of Christ who are called to heed His warnings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_of_olives.htm">Mount of Olives</a></b><br>The location where Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse, which includes this verse, discussing the end times and the need for vigilance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/end_times.htm">End Times</a></b><br>The broader context of this passage, where Jesus speaks about the signs of the end of the age and His second coming.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/appointed_time.htm">Appointed Time</a></b><br>Refers to the unknown time of Christ's return, emphasizing the need for constant readiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a></b><br>Believers are called to be constantly on guard, maintaining a state of spiritual alertness and readiness for Christ's return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/uncertainty_of_timing.htm">Uncertainty of Timing</a></b><br>The exact time of Jesus' return is unknown, which should motivate Christians to live each day as if it could be the day of His coming.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparedness.htm">Spiritual Preparedness</a></b><br>Just as a watchman stays alert, Christians must cultivate a life of prayer, study, and obedience to remain prepared.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_waiting.htm">Active Waiting</a></b><br>Waiting for Christ's return is not passive; it involves active engagement in God's work and living out the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a></b><br>Believers should encourage one another to stay vigilant and support each other in their spiritual journeys.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_codex_gigas.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_mark_13_30's_prediction_occur.htm">Why does Jesus' return prediction in Mark 13:30 suggest an imminent end of the world that didn’t happen?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/living_like_christ_returns_today.htm">Are you living as if Christ could return today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'kairos'_mean.htm">What does the Greek word "kairos" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(33) <span class= "bld">Take ye heed.</span>--Note once more the characteristic iteration of the warning. It would almost seem, from the very different conclusions of the discourse in the three Gospels, as if they had been based up to this point on a common document which then stopped and left them to a greater divergency of memory or tradition. The omission of St. Matthew's reference to the history of Noah is, perhaps, characteristic of St. Mark's as a Gentile Gospel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 33-37.</span> - These exhortations, which gather up in a succinct form the practical bearing of the parallel passages and parables in St. Matthew, must not be understood as implying that our Lord's coming in judgment would be during the lifetime of his disciples. The preceding words would teach them plainly enough that the actual time of this coming was hidden from the. m. But the intention was that, while by the certainty of the event their faith and hope would be quickened, by the uncertainty of the time they might be left in a continual state of watchfulness and prayer. According to the Jewish reckoning, there were only three watches - namely, the first watch, from sunset to 10 p.m.; the second watch, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and the third watch, from 2 a.m. to sunrise. But after the establishment of the Roman power in Judaea, these watches were divided into four; and were either described as the first, second, third, and fourth respectively; or, as here, by the terms <span class="cmt_word">even</span>, beginning at six and ending at nine; <span class="cmt_word">midnight</span>, ending at twelve; <span class="cmt_word">cockcrowing</span>, ending at three; and <span class="cmt_word">morning</span>, ending at six. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/13-33.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Be on your guard</span><br /><span class="grk">Βλέπετε</span> <span class="translit">(Blepete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> </span><span class="str2">(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] stay alert!</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγρυπνεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(agrypneite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_69.htm">Strong's 69: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ultimately from a and hupnos; to be sleepless, i.e. Keep awake.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do not know</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδατε</span> <span class="translit">(oidate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="grk">πότε</span> <span class="translit">(pote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4219.htm">Strong's 4219: </a> </span><span class="str2">When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">appointed time</span><br /><span class="grk">καιρός</span> <span class="translit">(kairos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2540.htm">Strong's 2540: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will come.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/13-33.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 13:33 Watch keep alert and pray (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/13-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 13:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 13:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/13-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 13:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 13:34" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>