Mark 13:35
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—
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse lists four specific times—evening, midnight, cockcrow, and morning—not just to show the unpredictability of the master’s return, but to cover the entire span of the night, implying we should be ready at any moment, without exception. This emphasizes that vigilance isn't just for the dark hours, but a continuous state of readiness throughout all of life’s seasons.
Jesus has just spoken about his return and the judgment that will follow, using the analogy of a master leaving his servants with tasks. He's emphasizing that since his return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night, they must be ready at all times. This verse specifically urges constant vigilance because the "master"—Jesus himself—could return at any point during the night, which was divided into four watches.
Imagine you're a servant waiting for your master to come home. You don't know when he'll arrive – could be evening, midnight, dawn, or morning. What does that uncertainty do to your day?
Jesus uses this vivid image to shake us out of complacency. The 'master of the house' is God, and His return, whether for an individual's life or the final judgment, is certain but unpredictable. The ancient Jewish night was divided into four watches, and Jesus lists them all to emphasize that His coming could be at any moment. This isn't about fear, but about a joyful readiness for the One we love and serve.
The Bible uses different words for 'watch.' This particular word isn't just about being awake; it's about being alert and ready for action.
The Greek word used here, 'grēgoreite,' implies more than just not sleeping. It carries the sense of rousing oneself, being vigilant, and actively alert. Think of a soldier on guard duty or a doorkeeper waiting for a signal. This isn't a passive waiting but an active, engaged readiness. It means our hearts and minds are focused on what truly matters, not lulled into a false sense of security or distracted by trivialities.
When the master leaves, he doesn't just say 'watch.' He assigns specific tasks. What does that mean for us while we wait?
The context surrounding this verse often speaks of the master giving his servants specific work to do before he leaves (as seen in Matthew 24 and Luke 12). This means our 'watching' isn't idleness; it's fulfilling the responsibilities God has given us. Whether it's serving others, using our gifts, or spreading the Good News, our readiness involves diligently carrying out our God-appointed tasks. The master will return, and he expects to find us faithfully engaged in the work He has entrusted to us.
Understand the original words
oikodespotēs · Greek Noun
One who has authority over a household, often used in parables as a metaphor for Christ’s authority over the Church and the world, to whom all are ultimately accountable.
Jesus uses the imagery of night watches—even, midnight, cockcrow, and morning—to emphasize the unpredictability of his return. This would have resonated deeply with his followers living under Roman occupation, a time of political uncertainty and eschatological expectation, particularly as the destruction of Jerusalem loomed.
c. 140 BC - AD 70
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Empire exerted significant political and military control over Judea during the time of Jesus and the early Church. This presence influenced daily life, taxation, and the political landscape.
c. AD 25-35
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
This period marks the public ministry of Jesus, including his teachings, parables, and eventual crucifixion. His followers believed he was the Messiah, and his teachings had a profound impact.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Growth and Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Christian movement grew rapidly, but also faced significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
c. AD 60-70— this verse
Theological Development and Writings
This era saw the composition of many New Testament letters and Gospels. Apostles and disciples, like Mark, wrote to encourage believers, clarify doctrine, and address practical challenges.
This passage uses a very similar 'thief in the night' analogy to emphasize the unexpectedness of Christ's return and the need for readiness, directly paralleling the sentiment of Mark 13:35.
Luke 12:38Here, Jesus speaks of the master returning from a wedding feast, and the servants being blessed if found watching, mirroring the theme of diligent waiting for an unpredictable arrival.
1 Thessalonians 5:2Paul echoes this urgency, stating that the 'day of the Lord' will come like a thief in the night, reinforcing the call for believers to stay alert and not be caught unaware.
Revelation 16:15This verse offers a direct blessing to those who 'watch and keep their garments,' linking the act of watching to spiritual purity and readiness for Christ's coming, much like the disciples in Mark 13.
Matthew 25:13The parable of the ten virgins culminates in the command to 'watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour,' underscoring the critical importance of consistent vigilance taught in Mark 13:35.
barnesMark 13:35: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:"
Watch ye - Be diligent, faithful, and waiting for the return of your Lord, who will come at an unexpected hour. Master of the house - Denoting here the Lord Jesus. At even, or at midnight, or ... - This refers to the four divisions into which the Jews divided the night.
calvinMark 13:34-37: "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."
- But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief would come, he would certainly have watched, and would not have permitted his house to be broken into. 44. Therefore, be you also ready; because the Son of man will come at an hour when you are not aware. 45. Who is the faithful and wi…
The verse lists four specific times—evening, midnight, cockcrow, and morning—not just to show the unpredictability of the master’s return, but to cover the entire span of the night, implying we should be ready at any moment, without exception. This emphasizes that vigilance isn't just for the dark hours, but a continuous state of readiness throughout all of life’s seasons.
Jesus has just spoken about his return and the judgment that will follow, using the analogy of a master leaving his servants with tasks. He's emphasizing that since his return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night, they must be ready at all times. This verse specifically urges constant vigilance because the "master"—Jesus himself—could return at any point during the night, which was divided into four watches.
Jesus has just spoken about his return and the judgment that will follow, using the analogy of a master leaving his servants with tasks. He's emphasizing that since his return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night, they must be ready at all times. This verse specifically urges constant vigilance because the "master"—Jesus himself—could return at any point during the night, which was divided into four watches.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 13:35 is available in the Sola app.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman legions destroyed Jerusalem and its Second Temple. This catastrophic event deeply impacted Jewish society and was understood by many Christians as a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of the end times.
"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—" — The verse lists four specific times—evening, midnight, cockcrow, and morning—not just to show the unpredictability of the master’s return, but to cover the entire span of the night, implying we sho…
