So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

MARK 13:29KJV
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Mark 13:29 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:29 mean?

Mark 13:29 means that when the listeners see the specific signs Jesus described happening, they can be sure that the predicted event is very close—right at the door. Jesus is telling his followers to watch for these signs as clear indicators that something significant is about to happen.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples privately on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about the future and the end times. He has just listed several events and warnings, and now he reassures them that when these things occur, the fulfillment of his words is near. The language is meant to help the disciples recognize the timing of what Jesus has been describing.

The Greek behind Mark 13:29

  • ἐγγύς (engys, "nigh"): This word means "near" or "close at hand." The Greek here emphasizes not just general nearness but something imminent, suggesting that the event is about to happen very soon.
  • ἐπὶ τὰς θύρας (epi tas thyras, "at the doors"): This phrase paints a vivid picture of something or someone standing right outside, ready to enter. It adds urgency and immediacy to Jesus’ warning, making it clear that the event is not just approaching but is on the verge of arriving.

Why Mark 13:29 matters

  • Mark 13:29 clarifies that Jesus expects his followers to be observant and discerning, not guessing blindly about the future but watching for specific signs.
  • The verse connects closely to the earlier verses in Mark 13, tying the signs Jesus described to a definite moment rather than leaving the timing vague.
  • The imagery of being "at the doors" helps readers understand the seriousness and closeness of the coming event, underlining the need for readiness.

Where else these words appear

“nigh” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“doors” Greek G2374 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
  • John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.