And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

MARK 13:26KJV
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Mark 13:26 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:26 mean?

Mark 13:26 describes a future moment when people will see "the Son of man" coming in the clouds, displaying great power and glory. This verse points to a dramatic, unmistakable event involving Jesus returning in a way that is visible and awe-inspiring.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, often called the "Olivet Discourse." He is answering their questions about signs of the end times and what to expect. The phrase "Son of man" is a title Jesus often uses for Himself, and the imagery of coming in the clouds draws from Old Testament visions of God's presence and authority.

The Greek behind Mark 13:26

  • "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase is how Jesus refers to Himself, echoing Daniel 7:13, where a figure comes with the clouds of heaven, symbolizing divine authority.
  • "Clouds" (νεφέλαις, nephelais): In the ancient world, clouds often signified God's presence or glory. Here, it emphasizes that this coming is not hidden or ordinary, but marked by God's majesty.
  • "Power" (δύναμις, dynamis) and "glory" (δόξα, doxa): These words highlight that Jesus' return will be with overwhelming strength and honor, not in weakness or secrecy.

Why Mark 13:26 matters

  • Mark 13:26 clarifies that Jesus’ return will be public and unmistakable, not a secret or hidden event.
  • The verse connects Jesus directly to Old Testament expectations of a divine figure coming with authority, helping readers see how Jesus fulfills these ancient hopes.
  • This statement reassures Jesus' followers that, despite coming troubles, His ultimate return will be with undeniable power and honor, offering hope and perspective in the broader context of Mark 13’s warnings.

Where else these words appear

“clouds” Greek G3507 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
  • Luke 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“see” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?