Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

MARK 13:35KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 13:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:35 mean?

Mark 13:35 urges readers to stay alert and watchful, because no one knows when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, at the time of the rooster’s crow, or in the morning. The verse emphasizes the uncertainty of the timing and the need for constant readiness.

In Mark 13:35, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during a conversation about the end times and His eventual return. He uses the image of a household with a master who may come back at any hour of the night, highlighting that His return will be unexpected. The verse is part of a larger warning to remain vigilant and not become complacent.

The Greek behind Mark 13:35

  • “Watch” (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite; G1127) is a command meaning to stay awake or be alert, stressing active attentiveness rather than passive waiting.
  • “Master” (κύριος, kyrios; G2962) refers to the head or owner of the house, a common image for Jesus Himself in this context, underscoring authority and responsibility.
  • “House” (οἰκία, oikia; G3614) sets the scene as a household, making the illustration relatable to everyday life in the ancient world.
  • The four time markers—“even” (ὀψὲ, opse; G3796), “midnight” (μεσονύκτιον, mesonyktion; G3317), “cockcrowing” (ἀλεκτοροφωνία, alektorophōnia; G219), and “morning” (πρωΐ, prōi; G4404)—cover the entire night, showing that the return could happen at any time, not just when expected.

Why Mark 13:35 matters

  • Mark 13:35 clears up the idea that anyone can predict the exact timing of Jesus’ return; the language makes it clear that it is unknowable and could happen at any moment.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Mark 13, where Jesus repeatedly warns His followers to stay alert and not be caught off guard.
  • By using the familiar image of a household and its master, Jesus makes the teaching practical and relatable, emphasizing personal responsibility for watchfulness in daily life.

Where else these words appear

“even” Greek G3796 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
  • Mark 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.

“midnight” Greek G3317 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“morning” Greek G4404 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
  • Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

“when” Greek G4219 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.