New Testament · Gospel

Mark 13:34

Watch and Wait

It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. Mark 13:34 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 13:34, in plain English

Jesus told a short story: a man leaving on a trip put each servant in charge of a specific job and told the doorkeeper to stay alert.

Why it's here

The message is clear: while Jesus is away, everyone has a role. You're not just waiting around — you have work to do.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches through a brief parable.

Where it sits in the story

You've been given a job by the Master. The question isn't when He's coming back — it's whether you'll be found doing your work when He does.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus introduces a brief parable of an absent master who assigns tasks (Greek: ergon, 'work') to each servant and specifically charges the doorkeeper (thuroros) with vigilance.

Language and setting

The parable of the departing master is unique to Mark's version of the Olivet Discourse and emphasizes faithful service and watchfulness during the master's absence.

Voice

Jesus teaches through a parable about a master leaving on a journey.

Significance

The parable encapsulates the ethical imperative of the entire discourse: while the master is away, each servant must faithfully execute their assigned duty.

In context

Mark 13:32–36

32No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.

34It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.

35Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning.

36Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping.

Read all of Mark 13 — Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives and describes the end of the age. His final command is simple and relentless: stay alert.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad