Keraia
Mark 13

Mark 13:11

Witnessing to All Nations · Mark 13:9–13
Read Mark 13

Translations

Modern
But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Traditional
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Literal
But when they might lead you away, delivering you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you shall speak; but whatever might be given to you in that hour, speak that. For you are not the ones speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Latin
Et cum duxerint vos tradentes, nolite præcogitare quid loquamini: sed quod datum vobis fuerit in illa hora, id loquimini: non enim vos estis loquentes, sed Spiritus Sanctus.

Interlinear

Greek
English
But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Notes

Mark 13:11

A word of encouragement follows the warning of 13:9. The followers of Jesus need not fear what they should say in these circumstances. The early followers of Jesus were generally uneducated and without political influence (see Acts 4:10–17; 1 Corinthians 1:26). So, this assurance would have comforted them. Believers are not prohibited from thinking about what they will say, but they need not worry about it.

Mark 13:5–23

  • Scholars often divide this section into two parts, 13:5–13 and 13:14–23. The first part is often interpreted as describing the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in AD 70, while the second part is taken to describe the coming of the Son of Man in the future. It is best, however, to interpret all of 13:5–23 as describing events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 because:

    1. 13:5–23 is the answer from Jesus to the two questions (13:4) that deal with the destruction of Jerusalem (13:2);

    2. The commands to flee Judea (13:14–16), the woe announced upon pregnant and nursing women (13:17), and the prayer that it not take place in winter (13:18) make sense if they refer to the events of AD 70 but not if they refer to the future return of Christ;

    3. Three warnings connect this passage (13:5, 9, 23) connect this passage together and show that 13:5–23 should be understood as a unit.

  • The section is arranged as a chiasm (a literary pattern shaped like an X). The themes appear in this order:

    • A: Deceivers claim to be the Messiah (13:5–6).

      • B: There are reports of fighting and natural disasters (13:7–8).

        • C: There is persecution of believers (13:9–13).

      • B': The fighting in Judea and resulting suffering begin (13:14–20).

    • A': Deceivers claim to be the Messiah (13:21–23).

Mark 13:1–37

This passage brings to a conclusion the section begun at 11:1. Israel did not produce spiritual fruit (11:12–26; 12:38–40). Its leaders were opposed to God's chosen one, the Christ (11:1–11, 27–33; 12:13–17, 18–27). This would result in judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

Events

Parallels

Matthew 24:9–14 Luke 21:10–19

Glossary

Abomination of Desolation Antichrist Apocalyptic Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Mark, Gospel of Mount of Olives New Jerusalem Prophecy Second Letter to the Thessalonians Sign Tribulation

Topics

Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments the Teacher, Holy Spirit: The: As Such He: Teaches Saints to Answer Persecutors The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Inspiring the Prophets Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning