For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

MARK 13:34KJV
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Mark 13:34 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:34 mean?

Mark 13:34 uses the picture of a man traveling far from home who leaves his house in the care of his servants, giving each one a specific responsibility and instructing the doorkeeper to stay alert. This is a way of describing how Jesus, the "Son of man," entrusts his followers with duties and calls them to be watchful while he is away.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during a conversation about future events and his eventual return. The story highlights the idea that each person has a role to play and that no one knows exactly when the master will return, so everyone must stay attentive and faithful in their tasks.

The Greek behind Mark 13:34

  • The word for "authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia) means the right or power to act. Here, it shows that the servants are not just caretakers but have real responsibility while the master is gone.
  • The word for "porter" (θυρωρός, thurōros) refers to the doorkeeper or gatekeeper, someone specifically tasked with watching for the master's return. This emphasizes the need for alertness and readiness.
  • The word for "watch" (γρηγορέω, grēgoreō) means to stay awake or be vigilant. This is not just about physical wakefulness but about being spiritually and mentally prepared.

Why Mark 13:34 matters

  • Mark 13:34 clarifies that Jesus expects his followers to be active and responsible, not passive, during his absence.
  • The verse helps explain the broader teaching in Mark 13 about being ready for Jesus’s return, as no one knows the timing.
  • This verse connects the idea of personal responsibility with communal alertness, showing that every follower has a unique role but all are called to be watchful together.

Where else these words appear

“porter” Greek G2377 · used in 4 verses

  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

“commanded” Greek G1781 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
  • John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

“watch” Greek G1127 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
  • Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.