“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "standing where it ought not" is a deliberately vague yet pointed description, leaving room for the reader to grasp the gravity of the situation without specifying the exact form of sacrilege. This phrasing underscores that the "abomination" isn't just a physical object, but anything that defiles God's sacred space and purpose, demanding immediate and decisive action from those who understand.
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples about the destruction of the Temple and the signs that will precede it. Following a description of general upheavals and persecutions, he pivots to a specific, dire warning and an urgent directive for action. This instruction immediately precedes advice on how to react to false messiahs and the immense tribulation that will follow.
Jesus uses a stark image, 'the abomination of desolation,' to signal a coming catastrophe. What does this phrase mean, and why is it such a dire warning?
Jesus' words here echo the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, Daniel 12:11). While interpretations vary, the 'abomination of desolation' consistently points to something utterly profane and destructive set up in a sacred place.
A Profane Intrusion
Historically, this phrase is often linked to the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. This could refer to pagan idols or standards (like Roman eagles) set up in or near the Temple, an act deeply offensive to Jewish faith. It represents God’s presence being utterly defiled and abandoned.
A Harbinger of Ruin
More than just a desecration, it's a sign that judgment has arrived and complete destruction is imminent. The 'desolation' speaks of the utter ruin that follows, the dismantling of sacred spaces and the scattering of God's people. When Jesus speaks of it 'standing where it ought not to be,' it highlights the perversion of holy ground into a place of horror and judgment.
When the 'abomination' appears, Jesus' instruction is not to fight, to defend, or even to gather belongings – it's to flee. Why such a radical and immediate command?
The instruction to 'flee to the mountains' is not a suggestion; it's a life-or-death directive. It demands a complete disruption of normal life and priorities.
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Abandoning All for Safety
Jesus explicitly says, 'let him that is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house: and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloak.' This highlights the absolute urgency. Possessions, comfort, even essential clothing, become secondary to survival. The flight must be immediate and decisive, showing that the 'abomination' signifies a moment when clinging to the familiar is fatal.
Trusting God's Providence
This radical obedience is an act of faith. Fleeing to the mountains would be perilous, uncertain, and would mean abandoning home and security. Yet, Jesus promises that 'he that endureth to the end shall be saved' (Mark 13:13). This implies that even in such desperate circumstances, God's care is present for those who heed His warning. The flight is not an act of despair, but a strategic move of obedience guided by divine foresight.
Jesus adds a parenthetical command: 'let the reader understand.' What is this 'reader' meant to grasp that others might miss?
The phrase 'let the reader understand' (or 'let him that readeth understand') is intriguing. It suggests a deeper layer of meaning, accessible to those who take the time to reflect and discern.
Beyond the Literal
While the immediate context points to a physical flight from a literal danger, the phrase invites a spiritual or symbolic interpretation. It hints that the significance of this event goes beyond a historical moment; it's a paradigm for recognizing God’s judgment and responding in faith.
A Call to Discernment
This 'understanding' isn't just about recognizing the signs but about grasping the why behind them. It’s about connecting the dots between God's warnings in Scripture (like Daniel’s prophecy) and the unfolding events. It calls believers to be spiritually alert, not just to the external circumstances, but to God's hand moving through them. This discernment is crucial for making the right, life-saving decisions when tribulation comes.
Understand the original words
bdelygma tēs erēmōseōs · Greek Noun phrase
An act or object that is detestable to God and desecrates the holy place; it historically refers to idolatrous acts or symbols that defile God’s sanctuary and necessitate divine judgment.
Jesus' warning about the 'abomination of desolation' and the urgent need to flee points directly to the Roman siege of Jerusalem in AD 67-70. This historical catastrophe, a direct consequence of the Jewish revolt against Rome, serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment on disobedience and a call to spiritual readiness.
c. 167 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Temple
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, seeking to Hellenize Judea, desecrates the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He erects an altar to Zeus on the temple mount and sacrifices pigs, an act considered an 'abomination' by Jews.
c. 63 BC
Roman General Pompey conquers Jerusalem
Roman general Pompey the Great enters Jerusalem, ending the Hasmonean dynasty's rule and establishing Roman dominance over Judea. This marks a significant shift in Judean political and religious life.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, and his followers believe he rose from the dead. This event is central to the Christian faith and its message.
c. AD 66
Jewish Revolt against Rome begins
Sporadic uprisings against Roman rule escalate into a full-scale rebellion in Judea. This conflict will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.
c. AD 67-70— this verse
Roman Army besieges Jerusalem
The Roman army, under the command of Vespasian and later Titus, lays siege to Jerusalem. This military action fulfills Jesus' prophecy of armies surrounding the city.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple
The Roman army breaches Jerusalem's walls, loots and burns the city, and destroys the Second Temple. This catastrophic event marks the end of an era for Judaism and fulfills Jesus' prophecy.
This passage in Daniel is the direct prophecy Jesus is referencing, speaking of a future 'abomination' that brings about desolation, which Jesus' followers would recognize as a sign.
Daniel 12:11This verse provides a specific timeline related to the cessation of daily sacrifices and the setting up of an 'abomination of desolation,' offering a deeper layer to the prophetic sign Jesus mentions.
Luke 21:20-21Luke's parallel account offers a more concrete sign of the abomination: 'Jerusalem surrounded by armies,' giving a practical understanding of what the disciples should look for as a trigger to flee.
Matthew 24:15-16Matthew's Gospel presents a very similar warning, explicitly mentioning the 'holy place' where the abomination would stand, offering further context to the location and significance of the sign.
This historical account describes Antiochus Epiphanes setting up an 'abomination' in the temple, which serves as a historical precursor and example of the type of profanity Jesus was referencing.
expositorsMark 13:8-16: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
CHAPTER 13:8-16 (Mark 13:8-16)THE IMPENDING JUDGMENT "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in divers places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail. But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver y…
ellicottMark 13:14: "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:"
(14-23) But when ye shall see. —See Notes on Matthew 24:15-28 . Standing where it ought not.—St. Mark substitutes this for “in the holy place” of St. Matthew. Of the two, the former seems, in its enigmatic form, more likely to have been the phrase actually used; the latter to hav…
The phrase "standing where it ought not" is a deliberately vague yet pointed description, leaving room for the reader to grasp the gravity of the situation without specifying the exact form of sacrilege. This phrasing underscores that the "abomination" isn't just a physical object, but anything that defiles God's sacred space and purpose, demanding immediate and decisive action from those who understand.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples about the destruction of the Temple and the signs that will precede it. Following a description of general upheavals and persecutions, he pivots to a specific, dire warning and an urgent directive for action. This instruction immediately precedes advice on how to react to false messiahs and the immense tribulation that will follow.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples about the destruction of the Temple and the signs that will precede it. Following a description of general upheavals and persecutions, he pivots to a specific, dire warning and an urgent directive for action. This instruction immediately precedes advice on how to react to false messiahs and the immense tribulation that will follow.
"“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." — The phrase "standing where it ought not" is a deliberately vague yet pointed description, leaving room for the reader to grasp the gravity of the situation without specifying the exact form of sacril…
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Last reviewed October 2026