And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

MARK 13:2KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 13:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:2 mean?

Mark 13:2 records Jesus telling his disciples that the impressive buildings they see—referring to the Temple in Jerusalem—will be completely destroyed, with not a single stone left on top of another. Jesus is predicting a total and shocking destruction of a place that seemed permanent and unshakable.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a disciple who admired the grandeur of the Temple complex. Jesus’ words would have been startling, since the Temple was the center of Jewish worship and national identity. This statement sets the stage for the rest of Mark 13, where Jesus talks about future events and warnings about what is to come.

The Greek behind Mark 13:2

  • "οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον" (ou mē aphethē lithos epi lithon): This phrase, translated as "there shall not be left one stone upon another," uses a strong double negative in Greek, emphasizing that the destruction will be absolute—no exceptions.
  • "καταλυθήσεται" (kataluthēsetai): Translated as "thrown down," this word means to demolish or destroy completely. It highlights that the buildings will not just be damaged, but totally dismantled.

Why Mark 13:2 matters

  • Mark 13:2 clarifies that Jesus is not just predicting hardship, but the complete destruction of the Temple, which would have seemed unthinkable to his listeners.
  • This verse introduces a major theme of Mark 13: the impermanence of even the most impressive human achievements and the need to look beyond outward appearances.
  • Understanding this prediction helps make sense of the disciples’ questions that follow, and it connects to the historical event of the Temple’s destruction in AD 70, which was a turning point for Jewish and early Christian communities.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“buildings” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

“these” Greek G5025 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
  • Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

“stone” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.