Keraia
Mark 13

Mark 13:26

The Return of the Son of Man · Mark 13:24–27
Read Mark 13

Translations

Modern
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Traditional
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Literal
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Latin
Et tunc videbunt Filium hominis venientem in nubibus cum virtute multa et gloria.

Original

Greek
English
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Notes

Mark 13:24–27

But in those days, after that tribulation: Many scholars think this passage uses symbolic or figurative language. They believe the signs in the sky 13:24–25), the coming of the Son of Man (13:26), and the gathering of God’s chosen people (13:27) all point to Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. They also believe this event showed that the Son of Man had been proved right.

However, the traditional interpretation is different. It says that the earlier verses refer to the destruction of Jerusalem, but this passage refers to the coming of the Son of Man. This coming, called the parousia (the return of Christ), will happen at the end of history.

This interpretation fits better for several reasons:

  1. After the anguish of those days means after the destruction of Jerusalem, not during it, and at that time (literally in those days) could occur at any time after the events of 13:5–23.

  2. Several words used in 13:26 are used elsewhere to describe the coming of the Son of Man: glory (8:38), power and clouds (14:62).

  3. Because of the early church’s longing and praying for the return of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22; Rev 22:20), Mark’s audience would have interpreted Mark 13:26 as the second coming of Jesus, which will bring history as we know it to a close.

The prophets, Jesus, and the Gospel writers described these events as if they were seen together from far away. Because of this, the time between the events is not always clear. No one knows when these things will happen except God himself (13:32). The events of 13:5–23 and 13:24–27 are part of one great act of God. This act includes the coming of the Son of Man, his ministry, death, and resurrection, the judgment of Jerusalem in AD 70, and the Son of Man’s final coming in glory.

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 24:26–31 Luke 21:25–28

Glossary

Abomination of Desolation Antichrist Apocalyptic Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Day of the Lord Elect, Election Glory Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Mark, Gospel of Mount of Olives New Jerusalem Pillar of Fire and Cloud Prophecy Second Coming of Christ Second Letter to the Thessalonians Son of Man Tribulation

Topics

Earth: Destruction of Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of Power of Christ: Will be Specially Manifested at his Second Coming The Power of Christ: Shall be Specially Manifested at his Second Coming