Mark 13:32
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 13:32
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Chapter Context
Mark 13 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, prayer. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 13:32
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Analysis
Jesus taught: 'But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father' (Περὶ δὲ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης ἢ τῆς ὥρας οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, οὐδὲ οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐν οὐρανῷ οὐδὲ ὁ υἱός, εἰ μὴ ὁ πατήρ). This concerns Christ's return ('that day'). Jesus affirmed His ignorance of the timing—even 'the Son' doesn't know, 'but the Father' alone. This raises Christological questions: how can omniscient deity not know? Reformed theology explains through doctrine of two natures—in His divine nature, Christ knows all; in His human nature during incarnation, He voluntarily limited certain knowledge (Philippians 2:7). This self-limitation was part of genuine human experience. The practical point: since Christ didn't know timing, neither can we. Claims to calculate Christ's return violate this teaching. Christians must watchfully await without presuming to know what Christ Himself didn't know.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation speculated about Messiah's coming and end-times signs (Daniel's prophecies, intertestamental literature). Early Christians eagerly anticipated Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:3-13). Some calculated dates, prompting Paul's correction (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Jesus' statement that even He didn't know the day should end speculation. Church history records repeated failed predictions—Montanists (2nd century), various medieval movements, William Miller (1844), Harold Camping (2011), and countless others. Each violated Jesus' teaching. The phrase 'not the angels... neither the Son, but the Father' indicates hierarchical knowledge within Trinity—the Father alone determines eschatological timing. This doesn't compromise Christ's deity but reflects economic Trinity (roles/functions) and incarnational limitation.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' acknowledgment of not knowing the day or hour challenge attempts to calculate or predict Christ's return?
- What does Jesus' self-limitation in knowledge during incarnation teach about the genuineness of His human experience?
Word Studies
- Heaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos) G3772 - Heaven, sky
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 25:6, 25:13, 25:19, Acts 1:7, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 1:1