And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

MARK 13:10KJV
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Mark 13:10 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:10 mean?

Mark 13:10 says that before anything else happens, the good news about Jesus must be made known to every nation. This verse highlights the importance of spreading the message of the gospel to all people groups before the events Jesus is describing take place.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to four of his disciples—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—on the Mount of Olives. They have asked him about the future and the signs of the end times. Jesus explains that sharing the gospel with all nations is a necessary step in God's plan, and it comes before the other events he is describing in this chapter.

The Greek behind Mark 13:10

  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news," specifically the message about Jesus and God's kingdom. The focus here is not just on any message, but on the central Christian proclamation.
  • κηρυχθῆναι (kērychthēnai, "published"): This Greek word is often understood as "to proclaim" or "to announce publicly." It suggests more than just printing or writing; it means to actively declare or preach the message so that people hear and understand it.
  • ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin, "nations"): This word refers to all ethnic groups or peoples, not just political countries. It emphasizes that the gospel is for everyone, not just for one group or nation.

Why Mark 13:10 matters

  • Mark 13:10 clarifies that the spread of the gospel is not optional or secondary; it is a central part of God's plan before the end comes.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that Jesus was only concerned with Israel or a small group; instead, his message is meant for all nations and peoples.
  • In the context of Mark 13, this statement sets a global perspective for the disciples, showing that God's purposes reach far beyond their immediate surroundings and time.

Where else these words appear

“published” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

“must” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.