Mark 13:29
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
in like manner
G2532
καὶ
in like manner
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 13
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἴδητε
ye shall see
G1492
ἴδητε
ye shall see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γινόμενα
come to pass
G1096
γινόμενα
come to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
γινώσκετε
know
G1097
γινώσκετε
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 13
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
By AD 65-70, Jewish revolt against Rome was escalating. False messiahs like Theudas (Acts 5:36) and Simon bar Giora had appeared. Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (AD 49); Nero's persecution began (AD 64). Earthquakes struck Laodicea (AD 60) and Pompeii (AD 62). Mark's readers could 'see these things' unfolding, signaling judgment's nearness—the temple's destruction would come within a generation (v. 30).
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians balance confidence in recognizing prophetic fulfillment with humility about interpretive certainty?
- What does Jesus's emphasis on 'when you see' teach about responding to current events through biblical lenses?
- In what ways does knowing Christ stands 'at the doors' affect your daily priorities and spiritual alertness?
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Analysis & Commentary
When ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors—The Greek ginōskete (γινώσκετε, know/recognize) shifts from passive observation to certain knowledge. Tauta (ταῦτα, 'these things') refers back to the specific signs enumerated in verses 5-23: false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and great tribulation. The phrase eggys estin epi thyrais (ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἐπὶ θύραις, 'near is at doors') uses spatial metaphor for temporal imminence.
The subject of 'it is nigh' is ambiguous in Greek—could be masculine ('he,' the Son of Man) or neuter ('it,' the kingdom/end). This ambiguity may be intentional: Christ's coming and the kingdom's consummation are inseparable. The image of standing at the doors echoes James 5:9, where the Judge stands before the doors. For Mark's audience, these signs were materializing in the Roman-Jewish war (AD 66-70), yet Jesus's words extend beyond that immediate crisis to final fulfillment.