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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 13:35 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/13-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/41_Mrk_13_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 13:35 - Readiness at Any Hour" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/13-35.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/13-35.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 35</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/13-34.htm" title="Mark 13:34">◄</a> Mark 13:35 <a href="/mark/13-36.htm" title="Mark 13:36">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/13.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. <a href="/nlt/mark/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. <a href="/esv/mark/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— <a href="/bsb/mark/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/mark/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore watch--for you do not know when the master of the house comes: either at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or morning-- <a href="/kjv/mark/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/mark/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— <a href="/nasb_/mark/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, stay alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— <a href="/nasb/mark/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore, be on the alert— for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— <a href="/nasb77/mark/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, at cockcrowing, or in the morning— <a href="/lsb/mark/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— <a href="/amp/mark/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, be continually on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— <a href="/csb/mark/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. <a href="/hcsb/mark/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore be alert, since you don&#8217t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. <a href="/asv/mark/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/cev/mark/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So be alert! You don't know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. <a href="/erv/mark/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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; <a href="/gwt/mark/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Therefore, be alert, because you don't know when the owner of the house will return. It could be in the evening or at midnight or at dawn or in the morning. <a href="/gnt/mark/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming--it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. <a href="/isv/mark/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> So keep on watching, because you don't know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening, at three o'clock in the morning, or at dawn. <a href="/msb/mark/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/mark/13.htm">NET Bible</a> Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return--whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn-- <a href="/nheb/mark/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Watch therefore, for you do not know when the lord of the house is coming --at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; <a href="/wbt/mark/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: <a href="/wey/mark/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be wakeful therefore, for you know not when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at cock-crow, or at dawn. <a href="/web/mark/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming—whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> watch, therefore, for you have not known when the lord of the house comes, at evening, or at midnight, or at rooster-crowing, or at the morning; <a href="/blb/mark/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore watch--for you do not know when the master of the house comes: either at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or morning-- <a href="/ylt/mark/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> watch ye, therefore, for ye have not known when the lord of the house doth come, at even, or at midnight, or at cock-crowing, or at the morning; <a href="/slt/mark/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house comes, at eve, or midnight, or cock-crowing, or morning.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Watch ye therefor, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,) <a href="/cpdv/mark/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, be vigilant, for you do not know when the lord of the house may arrive: in the evening, or in the middle of the night, or at first light, or in the morning. <a href="/nabre/mark/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Be alert therefore, for you do not know when the owner of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at the cockcrow, or in the morning. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the Master of the house comes, in the evening or at midnight or at cockcrow or in the morning.” <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> watch you therefore; for you know not when the master of the house comes, whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the crowing of the cock, or in the morning; <a href="/godbey/mark/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Watch therefore: for you know not when the Lord of the house cometh, late, or at midnight, or at the crowing of the cock, or in the morning;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/mark/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Watch ye therefore; for ye know not at what time the master of the house cometh, at evening, or midnight, or cock-crowing, or in the morning: <a href="/mace/mark/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> watch ye therefore (for you don't know when the master of the house will return; whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning) <a href="/wey/mark/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be wakeful therefore, for you know not when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at cock-crow, or at dawn. <a href="/worrell/mark/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Watch, therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house is coming, at evening, or at midnight, or at cock-crowing, or in the morning;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/mark/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Watch <Fr>ye<FR> therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh: (in the evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning:)<Fr> <a href="/parallel/mark/13-35.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4576" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/13.htm">Readiness at Any Hour</a> …34It 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. 35<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1127.htm" title="1127: grēgoreite (V-PMA-2P) -- (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.">keep watch,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</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/2962.htm" title="2962: kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">master</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3614.htm" title="3614: oikias (N-GFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">will return—</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">whether</a> <a href="/greek/3796.htm" title="3796: opse (Adv) -- Late, in the evening. From the same as opiso; late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day.">in the evening,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/3317.htm" title="3317: mesonyktion (N-ANS) -- Midnight, the middle of the period between sunset and sunrise. Neuter of compound of mesos and nux; midnight.">at midnight,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/219.htm" title="219: alektorophōnias (N-GFS) -- From alektor and phone; cock-crow, i.e. The third night-watch.">when the rooster crows,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4404.htm" title="4404: prōi (Adv) -- Early in the morning, at dawn. Adverb from pro; at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch.">in the morning.</a> 36Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. <a href="/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38-40</a> Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. / You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-6</a> For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. / But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. ... <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a> Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you. <a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. <a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a> 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.” <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a> “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.” <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-12</a> 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. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Hebrews 10:25</a> Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Ephesians 5:14</a> So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a> Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. <a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Isaiah 21:11-12</a> This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” / The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Watch you therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning:<a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33</a> Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42,44</a> Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/26-75.htm">Cock-Crowing</a> <a href="/matthew/26-75.htm">Cock's</a> <a href="/matthew/26-75.htm">Crows</a> <a href="/mark/10-47.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/matthew/28-1.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/mark/11-19.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Master</a> <a href="/mark/9-36.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Midnight</a> <a href="/mark/11-20.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/mark/6-48.htm">Night</a> <a href="/mark/12-9.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/matthew/26-75.htm">Rooster</a> <a href="/mark/14-38.htm">Wakeful</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/mark/11-13.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-34.htm">Cock-Crowing</a> <a href="/mark/14-30.htm">Cock's</a> <a href="/mark/14-30.htm">Crows</a> <a href="/mark/14-30.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/mark/14-17.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/4-35.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/luke/11-5.htm">Midnight</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Night</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/mark/14-30.htm">Rooster</a> <a href="/mark/13-37.htm">Wakeful</a> <a href="/mark/13-37.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/mark/15-36.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 13</div>1. <a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a> 9. <a href="/mark/13-9.htm">the persecutions for the gospel;</a> 10. <a href="/mark/13-10.htm">that the gospel must be preached to all nations;</a> 14. <a href="/mark/13-14.htm">that great calamities shall happen to the Jews;</a> 24. <a href="/mark/13-24.htm">and the manner of his coming to judgment;</a> 32. <a href="/mark/13-32.htm">the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Therefore keep watch This phrase emphasizes vigilance and readiness. In the context of <a href="/mark/13.htm">Mark 13</a>, Jesus is speaking about the end times and His second coming. The call to "keep watch" is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging believers to live in a state of spiritual alertness and moral integrity. This echoes Jesus' earlier teachings in parables, such as the wise and foolish virgins (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>), where preparedness is crucial. The Greek word for "watch" (γρηγορέω) implies staying awake and being attentive, highlighting the importance of spiritual awareness.because you do not know when the master of the house will return The uncertainty of the timing of the master's return is a central theme in eschatological teachings. This reflects the unpredictability of Christ's second coming, as emphasized in <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36</a>, where it is stated that no one knows the day or hour. The "master of the house" symbolizes Jesus, who will return at an unexpected time. This imagery would resonate with first-century audiences familiar with household structures, where the master had authority and his return was significant.whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning These time references correspond to the four Roman watches of the night, which were periods of three hours each: evening (6-9 PM), midnight (9 PM-12 AM), when the rooster crows (12-3 AM), and morning (3-6 AM). This division of time would be familiar to the audience, emphasizing the need for constant readiness throughout all hours. The mention of these specific times underscores the unpredictability of the master's return and the necessity for continuous vigilance. The rooster crowing is notably associated with Peter's denial of Jesus (<a href="/mark/14-72.htm">Mark 14:72</a>), serving as a reminder of human frailty and the need for steadfastness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this passage, providing a warning and teaching to His disciples about the importance of being watchful and prepared for His return. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to heed His warnings and instructions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_master_of_the_house.htm">The Master of the House</a> A metaphor for Jesus Himself, who will return at an unknown time, emphasizing the need for vigilance. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_doorkeeper.htm">The Doorkeeper</a> Represents believers who are tasked with being watchful and alert, ready for the Master's return. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_four_watches_of_the_night.htm">The Four Watches of the Night</a> A reference to the Roman division of the night into four parts, symbolizing the unpredictability of the timing of Christ's return.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/be_watchful_and_alert.htm">Be Watchful and Alert</a> Jesus' command to "stay awake" (Greek: gr?goreite) is a call to spiritual vigilance. Believers must remain spiritually alert, discerning the times and living in readiness for Christ's return. <a href="/topical/u/understand_the_uncertainty_of_timing.htm">Understand the Uncertainty of Timing</a> The unpredictability of the Master's return (Greek: erchetai) serves as a reminder that we cannot predict the exact time of Christ's coming. This should motivate us to live each day as if it could be today. <a href="/topical/l/live_with_purpose_and_responsibility.htm">Live with Purpose and Responsibility</a> Like the doorkeeper, believers have responsibilities in God's kingdom. We are called to faithfully fulfill our roles, using our gifts and opportunities to serve God and others. <a href="/topical/c/cultivate_a_lifestyle_of_holiness.htm">Cultivate a Lifestyle of Holiness</a> In anticipation of Christ's return, we are urged to pursue holiness and godliness, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. <a href="/topical/e/encourage_one_another.htm">Encourage One Another</a> As a community of believers, we should encourage and exhort one another to remain steadfast and watchful, supporting each other in our spiritual journeys.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 13</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_codex_gigas.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_eu_today's_roman_empire.htm">Is the EU a modern version of the Roman Empire?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_watchmen.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a> <a href="/q/is_christ's_return_near.htm">Is Christ's return near?</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>(35) The master of the house.--Better, the Lord of the house. The Greek word is not the same as that commonly rendered the "goodman" or "master" of the house.At even, or at midnight.--The four times correspond roughly to the four watches of the night, beginning at 9 P.M., 12, 3 A.M., 6 A.M. The words may be noted as having left, and having been intended to leave, on St. Peter's mind, the impression that the promise of the coming of his Lord was undefined as to times or seasons, which is so prominent in 2 Peter 3. Each of the seasons named has had its counterpart, we may well believe, embracing many centuries of the world's history. <a href="/commentaries/mark/13-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. keep watch, γρηγορεῖτε (grēgoreite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1127.htm">Strong's 1127: </a> (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you do not know οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. when πότε (pote) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_4219.htm">Strong's 4219: </a> When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. master κύριος (kyrios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἰκίας (oikias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family. will return— ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. whether ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. in the evening, ὀψὲ (opse) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3796.htm">Strong's 3796: </a> Late, in the evening. From the same as opiso; late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day. at midnight, μεσονύκτιον (mesonyktion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3317.htm">Strong's 3317: </a> Midnight, the middle of the period between sunset and sunrise. Neuter of compound of mesos and nux; midnight. when the rooster crows, ἀλεκτοροφωνίας (alektorophōnias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_219.htm">Strong's 219: </a> From alektor and phone; cock-crow, i.e. The third night-watch. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. in the morning. πρωΐ (prōi) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4404.htm">Strong's 4404: </a> Early in the morning, at dawn. Adverb from pro; at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/13-35.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 13:35 Watch therefore for you don't know when (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/13-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 13:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 13:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/13-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 13:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 13:36" /></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>