Mark 13:34
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
For the Son of man is as
G5613
ὡς
For the Son of man is as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀπόδημος
taking a far journey
G590
ἀπόδημος
taking a far journey
Strong's:
G590
Word #:
3 of 25
absent from one's own people, i.e., a foreign traveller
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
house
G3614
οἰκίαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοὺς
gave
G1325
δοὺς
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλοις
servants
G1401
δούλοις
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
11 of 25
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
14 of 25
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
18 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
First-century masters often traveled abroad for extended periods (trade, military service, administration), leaving trusted stewards to manage estates. Mismanagement meant severe punishment; faithful service brought reward. Jesus uses this social reality to teach about his ascension and return. Early Christians lived with imminent expectation (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 'we who are alive') balanced with patient perseverance when Christ 'delayed' (2 Peter 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'work' has Christ assigned you during his absence, and are you faithful in it?
- How does knowing you'll give account to the returning Master affect your use of time, gifts, and resources?
- In what ways might you be tempted to act as if the Master isn't returning, and how can you guard against that?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants—Jesus shifts to parabolic warning. The Greek anthrōpos apodēmos (ἄνθρωπος ἀπόδημος, 'a man abroad/away') represents Christ in his ascension (Acts 1:9-11). The phrase dous tois doulois autou tēn exousian (δοὺς τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐξουσίαν, 'giving to his servants the authority') indicates delegated responsibility during the master's absence—paralleling the Great Commission's authority (Matthew 28:18-20).
To every man his work (hekastō to ergon autou, ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ) emphasizes individual accountability. The thyrōros (θυρωρός, doorkeeper/porter) has special responsibility to watch (grēgorē, γρηγορῇ). This parable assumes Christ's return is delayed (cf. Luke 12:45, 'My lord delays his coming') but certain, requiring faithful stewardship meanwhile. The household imagery recalls Ephesians 2:19, believers as God's household, each with assigned kingdom tasks.