So be on your guard;This phrase is a call to vigilance and preparedness. In the context of
Mark 13, Jesus is speaking about the end times and the signs that will precede His return. The exhortation to "be on your guard" is a warning to remain spiritually alert and discerning. This echoes the teachings found in other parts of the New Testament, such as
1 Peter 5:8, where believers are urged to be sober-minded and watchful because of the adversary, the devil. The cultural context of the time included a heightened expectation of the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecies, making vigilance crucial for discerning true signs from false ones.
I have told you everything in advance.
Here, Jesus emphasizes His role as a prophet and the divine foreknowledge He possesses. By stating that He has told them everything in advance, Jesus assures His disciples that nothing will occur outside of God's sovereign plan. This is consistent with the biblical theme of prophecy, where God reveals His plans to His people through His prophets, as seen inAmos 3:7. The phrase also underscores the reliability and sufficiency of Jesus' teachings, encouraging believers to trust in His words and promises. This assurance is meant to provide comfort and confidence to the disciples, knowing that they are equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate future challenges.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, warning them about future events and encouraging them to remain vigilant.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teachings in this chapter, representing all believers who are called to heed His warnings and teachings.
3.
Mount of OlivesThe location where Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, which includes this passage. It is a significant place for Jesus' teachings on the end times.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in FaithJesus' command to "be on your guard" emphasizes the importance of spiritual alertness. Believers are called to remain watchful and discerning in their faith journey.
Preparedness for Future EventsJesus has provided His followers with knowledge of future events. This forewarning is meant to prepare believers, not to instill fear, but to encourage readiness and trust in God's sovereignty.
Discernment Against DeceptionThe context of
Mark 13 includes warnings against false prophets and deceptive signs. Believers must cultivate discernment through Scripture and prayer to recognize and resist deception.
Trust in Jesus' WordsJesus assures His followers that He has told them "everything in advance." This underscores the reliability and sufficiency of His teachings for navigating the challenges of life and faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 13:23?
2.How can we "be on our guard" against false teachings today?
3.What does Mark 13:23 teach about Jesus' foreknowledge and warnings?
4.How does Mark 13:23 connect with 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about end times?
5.In what ways can we apply Jesus' warnings to our daily lives?
6.How can we discern truth from deception in light of Mark 13:23?
7.What does Mark 13:23 mean by "I have told you everything in advance"?
8.How does Mark 13:23 relate to the concept of prophecy in Christianity?
9.Why is forewarning significant in the context of Mark 13:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 13?
11.Is wealth and fame appropriate for Christians?
12.What are the key events in Abraham's life?
13.In Leviticus 23:3, how could an entire population realistically stop all work every seventh day without compromising essential services or survival needs?
14.What does 'Leaven of the Pharisees' mean?What Does Mark 13:23 Mean
So be on your guardMark 13:23a: “So be on your guard”
• Jesus issues a present-tense command; vigilance is not optional but continual (cf.Mark 13:5, 9, 33).
• The warning flows from His earlier description of false Christs and prophets who will perform “signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Mark 13:22).
• Guarding involves:
– Testing every claim against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
– Staying awake spiritually (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
– Holding fast to sound doctrine so we are “not carried away by the error of the lawless” (2 Peter 3:17).
• The posture is active, not fearful. We watch with confidence, knowing our Lord reigns (Psalm 121:4–5).
I have told you everything in advanceMark 13:23b: “I have told you everything in advance.”
• Jesus’ foretelling is comprehensive—He withholds nothing essential for our readiness (John 15:15).
• Prophecy is meant to prepare, not merely inform. Knowing ahead of time anchors faith when turmoil arrives (John 14:29).
• His words verify God’s sovereignty: “I declare the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).
• Because His predictions are unfailingly true (Revelation 22:6), we can trust all His promises, including His return (Acts 1:11).
• Practical takeaways:
– Let prophecy fuel obedience rather than speculation (2 Peter 3:11–13).
– Encourage one another with the certainty of God’s plan (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
– Rest in the sufficiency of Scripture; we do not need additional revelations to stay faithful (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
summaryJesus lovingly warns, “So be on your guard,” calling every believer to continual alertness against deception and compromise. He then reassures, “I have told you everything in advance,” reminding us that His prophetic word fully equips us for whatever lies ahead. Because the Lord has spoken, we watch with discernment, walk in obedience, and wait with unshakable hope.
(23)
Take ye heed.--The repetition of the warning word, as in
Mark 13:9, is peculiar to St. Mark.
Verse 23. -
But take ye heed (
ὑμεῖς δὲ βλέπετε). The "ye" is here emphatic. The disciples were around him, hanging upon his lips. But his admonition is meant for Christians everywhere, even to the end of the world.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[So]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.be on your guard;βλέπετε(blepete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.I have toldπροείρηκα(proeirēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4302:To tell (say) beforehand, forewarn, declare, tell plainly. From pro and lego; to say beforehand, i.e. Predict, forewarn.youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.everything {in advance}.πάντα(panta)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
Links
Mark 13:23 NIVMark 13:23 NLTMark 13:23 ESVMark 13:23 NASBMark 13:23 KJV
Mark 13:23 BibleApps.comMark 13:23 Biblia ParalelaMark 13:23 Chinese BibleMark 13:23 French BibleMark 13:23 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Mark 13:23 But you watch (Mar Mk Mr) 
