And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

MARK 13:16KJV
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Mark 13:16 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:16 mean?

Mark 13:16 warns that anyone working in the field should not go back to retrieve their outer garment if danger arises. The verse urges immediate action and not delaying for personal belongings when sudden trouble comes.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples about a coming time of great distress, sometimes called the "abomination of desolation." He describes a situation where people must flee quickly for safety. The instruction about not turning back for a garment highlights the urgency and seriousness of the danger, showing that nothing should be valued above escaping harm.

The Greek behind Mark 13:16

  • The word for "field" is ἀγρός (agros), which refers to open country or farmland. This detail shows the setting is rural, where someone might leave their cloak at the edge of the field while working.
  • The word for "garment" is ἱμάτιον (himation), meaning an outer cloak or coat. In ancient times, this was a valuable and necessary item, so leaving it behind would be a significant sacrifice.
  • The Greek phrase for "not turn back" uses μή (mē, "not") with ἐπιστρέψαι (epistrepsai, "to turn back"), emphasizing a strong warning against hesitation or second thoughts.

Why Mark 13:16 matters

  • Mark 13:16 clarifies that in moments of crisis, even important possessions should not distract from immediate action to preserve life.
  • The verse emphasizes the suddenness and seriousness of the coming trouble Jesus describes, helping readers understand the level of urgency He intends.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage, where Jesus repeatedly urges watchfulness and readiness, showing that spiritual and physical alertness are both important in times of trial.

Where else these words appear

“field” Greek G68 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

“back” Greek G3694 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

“let” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“garment” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.