Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 13ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ ΙΓ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Καὶ ἐκπορευομένου αὐτοῦ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ λέγει αὐτῷ εἷς τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ· Διδάσκαλε, ἴδε ποταποὶ λίθοι καὶ ποταπαὶ οἰκοδομαί.

And as he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples says to him, "Teacher, look, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!"

Scene-setting / narrativeΚαὶThe discourse opens as Jesus leaves the temple; a disciple's awe at the masonry sets up the oracle of its fall.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative καί)
ἐκπορευομένουgoing outPres Mid Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἐκπορεύομαιgenitive absolute (temporal)→ present (progressive, concurrent)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out, proceed' (ἐκ + πορεύομαι); Jesus' final departure from the temple precincts.
αὐτοῦheGenitivesubject of genitive absolute
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἱεροῦtempleGenitiveobject of ἐκἱερόν: the temple complex (whole precinct), distinct from ναός (sanctuary).
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ historic present (vivid)λέγω: 'say'; Mark's frequent historic present dramatizes the dialogue.
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
εἷςoneNominativesubjectεἷς: 'one'; an unnamed individual disciple.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
μαθητῶνdisciplesGenitivepartitive genitiveμαθητής: 'learner, disciple'; from μανθάνω, 'learn.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
ΔιδάσκαλεTeacherVocativevocative of addressδιδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; the disciples' habitual address to Jesus (= Rabbi).
ἴδεlookAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράω (εἶδον)interjectional imperative→ aorist imperative (attention-getter)ἴδε: 'see! behold!'; frozen as a pointing particle.
ποταποὶwhat kind ofNominativeexclamatory adjective (predicate)ποταπός: 'of what sort'; here exclamatory — 'how magnificent!'
λίθοιstonesNominativesubject of exclamationλίθος: 'stone'; Herod's temple stones were famously massive.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ποταπαὶwhat kind ofNominativeexclamatory adjective (predicate)ποταπός: exclamatory, agreeing with οἰκοδομαί.
οἰκοδομαίbuildingsNominativesubject of exclamationοἰκοδομή: 'building, structure'; the temple edifices.
2

καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Βλέπεις ταύτας τὰς μεγάλας οἰκοδομάς; οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον ὃς οὐ μὴ καταλυθῇ.

And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

Oracle of judgmentκαὶJesus answers the awe with a stark prophecy of total demolition — a doubled emphatic negation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubjectἸησοῦς: 'Jesus' (= Joshua, 'YHWH saves').
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω (εἶπον)main verb→ constative aorist
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
Βλέπειςdo you seePres Act Indic 2 Sg · βλέπωmain verb (rhetorical question)→ presentβλέπω: 'see, look at'; sets up the contrast between seeing now and the coming ruin.
ταύταςtheseAccusativedemonstrative (attributive)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
μεγάλαςgreatAccusativeattributive adjectiveμέγας: 'great, large'; their grandeur sharpens the prophecy's force.
οἰκοδομάςbuildingsAccusativedirect object of Βλέπειςοἰκοδομή: 'building.'
οὐnotnegative (with μή, emphatic)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή = emphatic denial)οὐ μή + aorist subjunctive: the strongest Greek negation of the future.
ἀφεθῇwill be leftAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · ἀφίημιsubjunctive of emphatic negation→ emphatic future denialἀφίημι: 'leave, let go'; here 'be left remaining.'
ὧδεhereadverb of place
λίθοςstoneNominativesubject of ἀφεθῇλίθος: 'stone.'
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (position)
λίθονstoneAccusativeobject of ἐπί
ὃςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of καταλυθῇ)
οὐnotnegative (with μή)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή, emphatic)
καταλυθῇwill be thrown downAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · καταλύωsubjunctive of emphatic negation→ emphatic future denialκαταλύω: 'destroy, demolish' (κατά + λύω, 'loosen down'); of dismantling masonry — fulfilled in A.D. 70.
3

Καὶ καθημένου αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν κατέναντι τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν κατ' ἰδίαν Πέτρος καὶ Ἰάκωβος καὶ Ἰωάννης καὶ Ἀνδρέας·

And as he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were asking him privately,

Setting of the discourseΚαὶA new scene: the inner four, on the Mount opposite the doomed temple, seek private explanation.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction
καθημένουsittingPres Mid Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · κάθημαιgenitive absolute (temporal)→ present (durative, concurrent)κάθημαι: 'sit'; the rabbinic posture of teaching.
αὐτοῦheGenitivesubject of genitive absolute
εἰςonpreposition + accusative (place, = ἐν)εἰς: here with stative force ('on/at'), a Markan idiom.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὌροςMountAccusativeobject of εἰς (place)ὄρος: 'mountain, hill.'
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἘλαιῶνOlivesGenitiveattributive genitiveἐλαία: 'olive (tree)'; the Mount of Olives, facing the temple from the east (cf. Zech 14:4).
κατέναντιoppositeimproper preposition + genitiveκατέναντι: 'over against, facing'; the vantage looks straight at the temple.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἱεροῦtempleGenitiveobject of κατέναντιἱερόν: the temple precinct.
ἐπηρώταwas askingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπερωτάωmain verb→ inceptive/iterative imperfectἐπερωτάω: 'question, ask' (ἐπί-intensive); singular verb with compound subject.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
κατ'according topreposition + accusative (in idiom)
ἰδίαν(one's) ownAccusativeobject of κατά (idiom κατ' ἰδίαν)ἴδιος: 'one's own'; κατ' ἰδίαν = 'privately, apart.'
ΠέτροςPeterNominativesubjectΠέτρος: 'Rock'; first of the inner circle.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἸάκωβοςJamesNominativesubject (coordinate)Ἰάκωβος: James (= Jacob), son of Zebedee.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἸωάννηςJohnNominativesubject (coordinate)Ἰωάννης: John, James' brother.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈνδρέαςAndrewNominativesubject (coordinate)Ἀνδρέας: Andrew, Peter's brother.
4

Εἰπὸν ἡμῖν πότε ταῦτα ἔσται, καὶ τί τὸ σημεῖον ὅταν μέλλῃ ταῦτα συντελεῖσθαι πάντα.

"Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?"

The disciples' twofold questionasyndetonTheir question — 'when?' and 'what sign?' — drives the whole discourse and is deliberately open as to its object.
ΕἰπὸνtellAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λέγω (εἶπον)imperative (request)→ aorist imperative (urgency)εἰπόν: 'tell!'; the second-aorist imperative of λέγω.
ἡμῖνusDativeindirect object
πότεwheninterrogative adverb (time)πότε: 'when?'; the first half of the question.
ταῦταthese thingsNominativesubject of ἔσται
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (indirect question)→ predictive futureεἰμί: future 'will be.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τίwhatNominativeinterrogative pronoun (predicate)τίς: 'what?'; the second half — the 'sign.'
τὸtheNominativearticle
σημεῖονsignNominativesubject (of implied ἔσται)σημεῖον: 'sign'; an indicative token marking the time.
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever, when' (ὅτε + ἄν).
μέλλῃis aboutPres Act Subj 3 Sg · μέλλωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ present (imminence)μέλλω: 'be about to, be on the point of'; expresses imminence.
ταῦταthese thingsNominativesubject of συντελεῖσθαι
συντελεῖσθαιto be accomplishedPres Pass Inf · συντελέωcomplementary infinitive (of μέλλῃ)→ present infinitive (process)συντελέω: 'bring to completion, consummate' (σύν + τελέω); eschatological 'consummation' overtones.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective (with ταῦτα)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole sweep of 'these things.'
5

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἤρξατο λέγειν αὐτοῖς· Βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ.

And Jesus began to say to them, "See that no one leads you astray."

Opening chargeδὲThe discourse proper opens with the keynote imperative: do not be deceived.
theNominativearticle
δὲand/buttransitional conjunction
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubjectἸησοῦς: Jesus.
ἤρξατοbeganAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἄρχομαιmain verb→ ingressive aoristἄρχομαι: 'begin'; Markan periphrasis for inception.
λέγεινto sayPres Act Inf · λέγωcomplementary infinitive→ present infinitiveλέγω: 'say.'
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
Βλέπετεwatch outPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωimperative (charge)→ present imperative (ongoing vigilance)βλέπω: 'look (out), beware'; the discourse's refrain (vv.5,9,23,33).
μήlestnegative conjunction (caution)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject of πλανήσῃ
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
πλανήσῃleads astrayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · πλανάωsubjunctive (after μή)→ aorist subjunctive (apprehension)πλανάω: 'lead astray, deceive'; cf. 'planet,' a wanderer — the danger of being made to wander.
6

πολλοὶ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου λέγοντες ὅτι Ἐγώ εἰμι, καὶ πολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν.

Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.

Ground (the deceivers)asyndetonThe reason for vigilance: impostors will arrogate Jesus' name and the divine self-designation.
πολλοὶmanyNominativesubjectπολύς: 'many.'
ἐλεύσονταιwill comeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἔρχομαι: 'come.'
ἐπὶin/onpreposition + dative (basis)
τῷtheDativearticle
ὀνόματίnameDativeobject of ἐπί (basis/authority)ὄνομα: 'name'; claiming Jesus' authority or identity.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (concurrent)λέγω: 'say.'
ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing direct speech)
ἘγώINominativesubject (emphatic)ἐγώ: emphatic 'I'; Ἐγώ εἰμι echoes the divine self-naming (Exod 3:14; Isa).
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (predicate suppressed)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'I am (he)'; a messianic/divine claim.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πολλοὺςmanyAccusativedirect objectπολύς: 'many'; many deceivers, many deceived.
πλανήσουσινwill lead astrayFut Act Indic 3 Pl · πλανάωmain verb→ predictive futureπλανάω: 'deceive, lead astray.'
7

ὅταν δὲ ἀκούσητε πολέμους καὶ ἀκοὰς πολέμων, μὴ θροεῖσθε· δεῖ γενέσθαι, ἀλλ' οὔπω τὸ τέλος.

And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet.

Warning against premature alarmδὲWars are necessary preliminaries, not the end-signal; calm is commanded.
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever.'
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ἀκούσητεyou hearAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἀκούωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveἀκούω: 'hear (of).'
πολέμουςwarsAccusativedirect objectπόλεμος: 'war, battle.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀκοὰςrumorsAccusativedirect objectἀκοή: 'report, rumor'; ἀκοὰς πολέμων = 'reports of wars.'
πολέμωνof warsGenitiveobjective/descriptive genitive
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
θροεῖσθεbe alarmedPres Pass Impv 2 Pl · θροέωimperative (prohibition)→ present imperative (do not be in a state of alarm)θροέω: 'disturb, terrify'; passive 'be alarmed, frightened.'
δεῖit mustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb→ present (divine necessity)δεῖ: 'it is necessary'; the must of God's plan.
γενέσθαιto happenAor Mid Inf · γίνομαιcomplementary infinitive→ aorist infinitiveγίνομαι: 'happen, come to pass.'
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
οὔπωnot yetadverb of timeοὔπω: 'not yet'; the crucial qualifier delaying the end.
τὸtheNominativearticle
τέλοςendNominativepredicate nominative (of implied ἐστίν)τέλος: 'end, consummation'; the eschatological goal, not yet arrived.
8

ἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπ' ἔθνος καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν, ἔσονται σεισμοὶ κατὰ τόπους, ἔσονται λιμοί· ἀρχὴ ὠδίνων ταῦτα.

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are the beginning of the birth pains.

Ground / the birth-pangsγὰρCosmic and political upheavals are labelled 'the beginning of birth pains' — onset, not climax.
ἐγερθήσεταιwill riseFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐγείρωmain verb→ predictive futureἐγείρω: 'raise'; passive 'rise up (in arms).'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἔθνοςnationNominativesubjectἔθνος: 'nation, people'; echoes Isa 19:2; 2 Chr 15:6.
ἐπ'againstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
ἔθνοςnationAccusativeobject of ἐπί
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
βασιλείαkingdomNominativesubjectβασιλεία: 'kingdom, realm.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativeobject of ἐπί
ἔσονταιthere will beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive futureεἰμί: future 'will be.'
σεισμοὶearthquakesNominativesubjectσεισμός: 'shaking, earthquake' (cf. 'seismic').
κατὰin (various)preposition + accusative (distributive)
τόπουςplacesAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive: 'place by place')τόπος: 'place'; κατὰ τόπους = 'in place after place.'
ἔσονταιthere will beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'will be.'
λιμοίfaminesNominativesubjectλιμός: 'famine, hunger.'
ἀρχὴbeginningNominativepredicate nominativeἀρχή: 'beginning'; only the first contractions.
ὠδίνωνof birth painsGenitiveattributive genitiveὠδίν: 'birth-pang'; a fixed Jewish image (the 'birth-pangs of the Messiah') for the woes preceding the new age.
ταῦταthese thingsNominativesubject (of implied ἐστίν)
9

βλέπετε δὲ ὑμεῖς ἑαυτούς· παραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς συνέδρια καὶ εἰς συναγωγὰς δαρήσεσθε καὶ ἐπὶ ἡγεμόνων καὶ βασιλέων σταθήσεσθε ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς.

But be on your guard. They will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them.

Turn to the disciples' own trialδὲFrom world events to the disciples themselves: persecution becomes the arena of witness.
βλέπετεwatchPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωimperative (charge)→ present imperative (ongoing)βλέπω: 'look to, beware'; refrain repeated.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
ἑαυτούςyourselvesAccusativereflexive direct objectἑαυτοῦ: 'yourselves'; 'look to yourselves.'
παραδώσουσινthey will deliverFut Act Indic 3 Pl · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ predictive futureπαραδίδωμι: 'hand over, betray' (cf. Jesus' own παράδοσις).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)
συνέδριαcouncilsAccusativeobject of εἰςσυνέδριον: 'council, Sanhedrin'; local Jewish courts.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςinpreposition + accusative (place)
συναγωγὰςsynagoguesAccusativeobject of εἰς (place of beating)συναγωγή: 'synagogue, assembly'; site of disciplinary flogging.
δαρήσεσθεyou will be beatenFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · δέρωmain verb→ predictive futureδέρω: 'flay, beat'; synagogue scourging (cf. 2 Cor 11:24).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπὶbeforepreposition + genitive (in the presence of)
ἡγεμόνωνgovernorsGenitiveobject of ἐπίἡγεμών: 'governor, ruler'; Roman procurators/legates.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
βασιλέωνkingsGenitiveobject of ἐπίβασιλεύς: 'king'; client-kings (e.g. Herod, Agrippa).
σταθήσεσθεyou will standFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · ἵστημιmain verb→ predictive futureἵστημι: passive 'be made to stand,' i.e. be arraigned.
ἕνεκενfor the sake ofimproper preposition + genitive (cause)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ἕνεκενἐγώ: 'me'; the cause of their suffering is Christ.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
μαρτύριονa testimonyAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)μαρτύριον: 'testimony, witness'; the trial becomes proclamation.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of reference/disadvantage
10

καὶ εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη πρῶτον δεῖ κηρυχθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον.

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

Parenthetical necessityκαὶBefore the end, the gospel's universal proclamation is a divine must.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔθνηnationsAccusativeobject of εἰςἔθνος: 'nation'; plural = the Gentile nations, the whole world.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (sequence)πρῶτον: 'first'; before the end may come.
δεῖit mustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb→ present (divine necessity)δεῖ: 'it is necessary.'
κηρυχθῆναιbe proclaimedAor Pass Inf · κηρύσσωcomplementary infinitive→ aorist infinitiveκηρύσσω: 'herald, proclaim'; the public announcement of the gospel.
τὸtheNominativearticle
εὐαγγέλιονgospelNominativesubject of κηρυχθῆναι (acc.→nom. in pass.)εὐαγγέλιον: 'good news, gospel.'
11

καὶ ὅταν ἄγωσιν ὑμᾶς παραδιδόντες, μὴ προμεριμνᾶτε τί λαλήσητε, ἀλλ' ὃ ἐὰν δοθῇ ὑμῖν ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦτο λαλεῖτε· οὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑμεῖς οἱ λαλοῦντες ἀλλὰ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον.

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Promise under trialκαὶIn the dock the disciples need not rehearse: the Spirit will supply the word.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)
ἄγωσινthey bring/leadPres Act Subj 3 Pl · ἄγωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ present subjunctiveἄγω: 'lead, bring'; of leading to trial.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
παραδιδόντεςdelivering you upPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · παραδίδωμιadverbial participle (attendant)→ present (concurrent)παραδίδωμι: 'hand over.'
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
προμεριμνᾶτεbe anxious beforehandPres Act Impv 2 Pl · προμεριμνάωimperative (prohibition)→ present imperative (do not keep worrying ahead)προμεριμνάω: 'be anxious in advance' (προ + μεριμνάω); a Markan hapax.
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of λαλήσητε)
λαλήσητεyou should sayAor Act Subj 2 Pl · λαλέωdeliberative subjunctive→ aorist subjunctiveλαλέω: 'speak.'
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
whateverAccusativerelative pronoun (object of λαλεῖτε)
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizing, with relative)
δοθῇis givenAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · δίδωμιsubjunctive (indefinite relative)→ aorist subjunctiveδίδωμι: 'give'; the word is a divine gift.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative (attributive)
τῇtheDativearticle
ὥρᾳhourDativedative of timeὥρα: 'hour, moment'; the very moment of testimony.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (resumptive)
λαλεῖτεsayPres Act Impv 2 Pl · λαλέωimperative (command)→ present imperativeλαλέω: 'speak.'
οὐnotnegative
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐστεarePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ stative presentεἰμί: 'are.'
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
λαλοῦντεςspeakingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λαλέωsubstantival participle (predicate)→ present (durative)λαλέω: 'speak.'
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubject (real speaker)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit as the true speaker.
τὸtheNominativearticle (second attributive)
ἅγιονHolyNominativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy.'
12

καὶ παραδώσει ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον καὶ πατὴρ τέκνον, καὶ ἐπαναστήσονται τέκνα ἐπὶ γονεῖς καὶ θανατώσουσιν αὐτούς·

And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

Family betrayalκαὶPersecution invades the family itself — kin betraying kin to death (Micah 7:6).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παραδώσειwill deliverFut Act Indic 3 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ predictive futureπαραδίδωμι: 'hand over, betray.'
ἀδελφὸςbrotherNominativesubjectἀδελφός: 'brother.'
ἀδελφὸνbrotherAccusativedirect object
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal/result)
θάνατονdeathAccusativeobject of εἰςθάνατος: 'death.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πατὴρfatherNominativesubject (verb gapped)πατήρ: 'father.'
τέκνονchildAccusativedirect objectτέκνον: 'child' (from τίκτω, 'bear').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπαναστήσονταιwill rise up againstFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐπανίστημιmain verb→ predictive futureἐπανίστημι: 'rise up against' (ἐπί + ἀνά + ἵστημι); rebellion against parents.
τέκναchildrenNominativesubject
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
γονεῖςparentsAccusativeobject of ἐπίγονεύς: 'parent' (from γίνομαι/γεννάω).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
θανατώσουσινwill put to deathFut Act Indic 3 Pl · θανατόωmain verb→ predictive futureθανατόω: 'put to death' (denominative of θάνατος).
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object
13

καὶ ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου. ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται.

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Hatred and the promise of enduranceκαὶUniversal hatred 'for the name'; the section closes with the promise to the one who endures.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔσεσθεyou will beFut Mid Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίperiphrastic auxiliary→ predictive futureεἰμί: future, forming a periphrastic with μισούμενοι.
μισούμενοιhatedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · μισέωperiphrastic participle (with ἔσεσθε)→ present (durative state)μισέω: 'hate'; continual hatred.
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agent)
πάντωνallGenitivegenitive of agentπᾶς: 'all'; universal hostility.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὄνομάnameAccusativeobject of διά (cause)ὄνομα: 'name'; loyalty to Jesus' name is the offense.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ὑπομείναςwho enduresAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ὑπομένωsubstantival participle (subject)→ constative aorist (the whole course)ὑπομένω: 'remain under, endure' (ὑπό + μένω); steadfastness through trial.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (extent)
τέλοςthe endAccusativeobject of εἰς (terminus)τέλος: 'end'; whether life's end or the eschaton.
οὗτοςthis oneNominativeresumptive subject (emphatic)
σωθήσεταιwill be savedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · σῴζωmain verb→ predictive futureσῴζω: 'save, rescue'; eschatological deliverance.
14

Ὅταν δὲ ἴδητε τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως ἑστηκότα ὅπου οὐ δεῖ, ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω, τότε οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ φευγέτωσαν εἰς τὰ ὄρη,

But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

The desolating sacrilege — flee!δὲThe Danielic 'abomination of desolation' (Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) triggers the flight; the masculine participle and the aside 'let the reader understand' point to a personal, cryptic referent.
Ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)
δὲbuttransitional conjunction
ἴδητεyou seeAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ὁράωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveὁράω: 'see.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
βδέλυγμαabominationAccusativedirect objectβδέλυγμα: 'detestable thing, abomination'; LXX term for idolatrous defilement (Dan).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἐρημώσεωςdesolationGenitiveattributive genitiveἐρήμωσις: 'desolation, laying waste'; the sacrilege that makes desolate.
ἑστηκόταstandingPerf Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἵστημιparticiple (constructio ad sensum, masc.)→ intensive perfect (standing state)ἵστημι: perfect 'stand'; the masculine, against neuter βδέλυγμα, hints at a person.
ὅπουwhererelative adverb of place
οὐnotnegative
δεῖit oughtPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb→ present (propriety)δεῖ: 'it ought'; 'where it ought not' — the holy place.
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀναγινώσκωνreaderPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀναγινώσκωsubstantival participle (subject of νοείτω)→ present (durative)ἀναγινώσκω: 'read'; the Evangelist's parenthetical address to the reader.
νοείτωlet him understandPres Act Impv 3 Sg · νοέωimperative (3rd person)→ present imperativeνοέω: 'perceive, understand'; a coded summons to discernment.
τότεthenadverb of time (apodosis marker)
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἸουδαίᾳJudeaDativedative of place (object of ἐν)Ἰουδαία: Judea; the region whose inhabitants must flee.
φευγέτωσανlet them fleePres Act Impv 3 Pl · φεύγωimperative (3rd person)→ present imperative (urgent flight)φεύγω: 'flee.'
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὄρηmountainsAccusativeobject of εἰςὄρος: 'mountain'; refuge from the catastrophe.
15

ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος μὴ καταβάτω μηδὲ εἰσελθάτω ἆραί τι ἐκ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ,

Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out of it,

Urgency of flight (1)δὲFlight must be instant: no time even to fetch belongings from the house.
the (one)Nominativesubstantival article (subject)
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (place)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
δώματοςhousetopGenitiveobject of ἐπίδῶμα: 'roof, housetop'; flat roofs were living-space, reached by an outside stair.
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
καταβάτωlet him go downAor Act Impv 3 Sg · καταβαίνωimperative (3rd person, prohibition)→ aorist imperativeκαταβαίνω: 'go down, descend.'
μηδὲnornegative conjunction
εἰσελθάτωlet him enterAor Act Impv 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιimperative (3rd person, prohibition)→ aorist imperativeεἰσέρχομαι: 'go in, enter.'
ἆραίto takeAor Act Inf · αἴρωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose)αἴρω: 'take up, carry away.'
τιanythingAccusativedirect object of ἆραι
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (separation)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
οἰκίαςhouseGenitiveobject of ἐκοἰκία: 'house, home.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
16

καὶ ὁ εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω ἆραι τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ.

and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.

Urgency of flight (2)καὶThe field-worker must not even retrace his steps for an outer garment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
the (one)Nominativesubstantival article (subject)
εἰςinpreposition + accusative (place, = ἐν)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγρὸνfieldAccusativeobject of εἰς (place)ἀγρός: 'field, countryside.'
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
ἐπιστρεψάτωlet him returnAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ἐπιστρέφωimperative (3rd person, prohibition)→ aorist imperativeἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back, return.'
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (idiom)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὀπίσωthings behindadverb (idiom εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω = 'back')ὀπίσω: 'behind, back'; cf. Lot's wife — no looking back.
ἆραιto takeAor Act Inf · αἴρωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose)αἴρω: 'take up.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἱμάτιονcloakAccusativedirect objectἱμάτιον: 'outer garment, cloak'; laid aside for field-work.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
17

οὐαὶ δὲ ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις καὶ ταῖς θηλαζούσαις ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις.

And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Woe over the helplessδὲThe slow and burdened — expectant and nursing mothers — will suffer most in the flight.
οὐαὶwoeinterjection of lamentοὐαί: 'woe! alas!'; a cry of compassionate dismay here, not curse.
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ταῖςto thoseDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (idiom)
γαστρὶwombDativeobject of ἐν (idiom ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχειν)γαστήρ: 'belly, womb'; ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχειν = 'be pregnant.'
ἐχούσαιςhavingPres Act Ptc · Dat Pl Fem · ἔχωsubstantival participle (idiom: pregnant)→ present (state)ἔχω: 'have'; with ἐν γαστρί, 'be with child.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ταῖςto thoseDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
θηλαζούσαιςnursingPres Act Ptc · Dat Pl Fem · θηλάζωsubstantival participle→ present (durative)θηλάζω: 'suckle, nurse' (from θηλή, 'breast').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
ἐκείναιςthoseDativedemonstrative (attributive)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ἡμέραιςdaysDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day'; 'in those days' — the crisis period.
18

προσεύχεσθε δὲ ἵνα μὴ γένηται χειμῶνος·

Pray that it may not happen in winter.

PetitionδὲA prayer that the flight not fall in the rainy season, which would impede escape.
προσεύχεσθεprayPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · προσεύχομαιimperative (command)→ present imperative (continual prayer)προσεύχομαι: 'pray.'
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ἵναthatconjunction (content of prayer)
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)
γένηταιit happenAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ aorist subjunctiveγίνομαι: 'happen, come to be.'
χειμῶνοςin winterGenitivegenitive of time (within which)χειμών: 'winter, stormy season'; swollen wadis and cold would hinder flight.
19

ἔσονται γὰρ αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι θλῖψις οἵα οὐ γέγονεν τοιαύτη ἀπ' ἀρχῆς κτίσεως ἣν ἔκτισεν ὁ θεὸς ἕως τοῦ νῦν καὶ οὐ μὴ γένηται.

For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.

Ground (unequaled tribulation)γὰρThe reason for flight and prayer: an unprecedented, unrepeatable affliction (Dan 12:1).
ἔσονταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'will be.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
αἱtheNominativearticle
ἡμέραιdaysNominativesubject
ἐκεῖναιthoseNominativedemonstrative (attributive)
θλῖψιςtribulationNominativepredicate nominativeθλῖψις: 'pressure, affliction, tribulation' (from θλίβω, 'press').
οἵαsuch asNominativerelative pronoun (correlative)οἷος: 'of what kind'; οἵα … τοιαύτη correlate the unequaled distress.
οὐnotnegative
γέγονενhas beenPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ consummative perfectγίνομαι: perfect 'has come to be.'
τοιαύτηsuchNominativecorrelative demonstrativeτοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind.'
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (temporal source)
ἀρχῆςbeginningGenitiveobject of ἀπόἀρχή: 'beginning.'
κτίσεωςof creationGenitiveobjective/descriptive genitiveκτίσις: 'creation' (from κτίζω, 'create').
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔκτισεν)
ἔκτισενcreatedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κτίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristκτίζω: 'create, found.'
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the Creator, whose creation sets the scale.
ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal limit)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
νῦνnowadverb (substantized by article)νῦν: 'now'; τοῦ νῦν = 'the present.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐnotnegative (with μή)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή, emphatic)
γένηταιwill beAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive of emphatic negation→ emphatic future denialγίνομαι: 'come to be'; never again — the affliction is singular.
20

καὶ εἰ μὴ ἐκολόβωσεν κύριος τὰς ἡμέρας, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ· ἀλλὰ διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς οὓς ἐξελέξατο ἐκολόβωσεν τὰς ἡμέρας.

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

Mercy for the electκαὶA contrary-to-fact mercy: God shortens the days for the elect's sake, else none would survive.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰifconjunction (contrary-to-fact protasis)
μὴnotnegative
ἐκολόβωσενhad cut shortAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κολοβόωmain verb (protasis)→ constative aorist (contrary-to-fact)κολοβόω: 'cut short, curtail' (from κολοβός, 'docked, maimed').
κύριοςthe LordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; God as sovereign over the days.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativedirect objectἡμέρα: 'day'; the period of tribulation.
οὐκnotnegative
ἂνwouldparticle (apodosis of contrary-to-fact)
ἐσώθηwould be savedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · σῴζωmain verb (apodosis)→ contrary-to-fact aoristσῴζω: 'save'; here 'survive.'
πᾶσαallNominativeattributive adjective
σάρξfleshNominativesubjectσάρξ: 'flesh'; πᾶσα σάρξ = 'every human being' (Semitism).
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/benefit)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἐκλεκτοὺςelectAccusativeobject of διάἐκλεκτός: 'chosen, elect' (from ἐκλέγομαι); the focus of God's saving purpose.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐξελέξατο)
ἐξελέξατοhe choseAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἐκλέγομαι: 'choose out, select'; the divine election.
ἐκολόβωσενhe shortenedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κολοβόωmain verb→ constative aoristκολοβόω: 'cut short'; repeated for emphasis.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativedirect object
21

Καὶ τότε ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ· Ἴδε ὧδε ὁ χριστός, Ἴδε ἐκεῖ, μὴ πιστεύετε·

And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.

Renewed warning against deceiversΚαὶIn the tribulation, claims to locate the Christ are to be disbelieved outright.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τότεthenadverb of time
ἐάνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject of εἴπῃ
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
εἴπῃsaysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive (protasis)→ aorist subjunctiveλέγω: 'say.'
ἼδεlookAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράωinterjectional imperative→ aorist (pointing)ἴδε: 'see! behold!'
ὧδεhereadverb of place
theNominativearticle
χριστόςChristNominativepredicate/subject nominativeχριστός: 'Anointed, Christ, Messiah.'
ἼδεlookAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράωinterjectional imperative→ aorist (pointing)ἴδε: 'behold!'
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
πιστεύετεbelievePres Act Impv 2 Pl · πιστεύωimperative (prohibition)→ present imperative (do not keep believing)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust.'
22

ἐγερθήσονται γὰρ ψευδόχριστοι καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται καὶ δώσουσιν σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα πρὸς τὸ ἀποπλανᾶν εἰ δυνατὸν τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς.

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Ground (false christs and prophets)γὰρThe reason for disbelief: deceivers will work wonders aimed even at the elect — though they cannot finally prevail.
ἐγερθήσονταιwill ariseFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐγείρωmain verb→ predictive futureἐγείρω: passive 'rise up, appear.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ψευδόχριστοιfalse christsNominativesubjectψευδόχριστος: 'false christ' (ψευδής + χριστός); messianic pretenders.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ψευδοπροφῆταιfalse prophetsNominativesubjectψευδοπροφήτης: 'false prophet.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δώσουσινwill give/performFut Act Indic 3 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb→ predictive futureδίδωμι: 'give'; here 'produce, perform' signs.
σημεῖαsignsAccusativedirect objectσημεῖον: 'sign'; counterfeit attestation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τέραταwondersAccusativedirect objectτέρας: 'portent, wonder'; the pair 'signs and wonders' (LXX).
πρὸςin order topreposition + articular infinitive (purpose)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive)
ἀποπλανᾶνlead astrayPres Act Inf · ἀποπλανάωarticular infinitive (purpose)→ present infinitive (purpose)ἀποπλανάω: 'lead wholly astray' (ἀπό-intensive of πλανάω).
εἰifconjunction (concessive: 'if possible')
δυνατὸνpossibleNominativepredicate adjective (impersonal)δυνατός: 'able, possible'; εἰ δυνατόν implies it is not finally possible.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἐκλεκτούςelectAccusativedirect object of ἀποπλανᾶνἐκλεκτός: 'elect'; even they are targeted, yet kept.
23

ὑμεῖς δὲ βλέπετε· προείρηκα ὑμῖν πάντα.

But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

Closing charge of the tribulation sectionδὲThe refrain 'watch' recurs; forewarned is forearmed — Jesus has disclosed it all in advance.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
βλέπετεwatchPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωimperative (charge)→ present imperative (ongoing)βλέπω: 'beware, watch'; refrain (cf. vv.5,9,33).
προείρηκαI have foretoldPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · προλέγωmain verb→ consummative perfect (abiding result)προλέγω: 'tell beforehand' (προ + λέγω); the warning stands on record.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
πάνταall thingsAccusativedirect objectπᾶς: 'all'; the whole forewarning.
24

Ἀλλὰ ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις μετὰ τὴν θλῖψιν ἐκείνην ὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται, καὶ ἡ σελήνη οὐ δώσει τὸ φέγγος αὐτῆς,

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,

Cosmic upheavalἈλλὰAfter the tribulation, the heavens are convulsed — prophetic theophany imagery (Isa 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2).
Ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (strong transition)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
ἐκείναιςthoseDativedemonstrative (attributive)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ἡμέραιςdaysDativedative of timeἡμέρα: 'day.'
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (time)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
θλῖψινtribulationAccusativeobject of μετάθλῖψις: 'tribulation.'
ἐκείνηνthatAccusativedemonstrative (attributive)
theNominativearticle
ἥλιοςsunNominativesubjectἥλιος: 'sun.'
σκοτισθήσεταιwill be darkenedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · σκοτίζωmain verb→ predictive futureσκοτίζω: 'darken' (from σκότος, 'darkness'); Isa 13:10.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
σελήνηmoonNominativesubjectσελήνη: 'moon.'
οὐnotnegative
δώσειwill giveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb→ predictive futureδίδωμι: 'give.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
φέγγοςlightAccusativedirect objectφέγγος: 'radiance, light'; the moon's borrowed brightness.
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession
25

καὶ οἱ ἀστέρες ἔσονται ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πίπτοντες, καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς σαλευθήσονται.

and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Cosmic upheaval (continued)καὶStars fall and the heavenly powers are shaken (Isa 34:4) — the old order dissolving before the Son of Man.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἀστέρεςstarsNominativesubjectἀστήρ: 'star.'
ἔσονταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίperiphrastic auxiliary→ predictive futureεἰμί: future, with πίπτοντες forms a periphrastic.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitiveobject of ἐκοὐρανός: 'heaven, sky.'
πίπτοντεςfallingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πίπτωperiphrastic participle (with ἔσονται)→ present (durative process)πίπτω: 'fall'; ongoing collapse.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
αἱtheNominativearticle
δυνάμειςpowersNominativesubjectδύναμις: 'power'; here the heavenly host/forces (or celestial bodies).
αἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (attributive, with prep. phrase)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
οὐρανοῖςheavensDativeobject of ἐνοὐρανός: 'heaven.'
σαλευθήσονταιwill be shakenFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · σαλεύωmain verb→ predictive futureσαλεύω: 'shake, agitate'; the cosmos quakes.
26

καὶ τότε ὄψονται τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν νεφέλαις μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς καὶ δόξης.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

The coming of the Son of ManκαὶThe climax: the Danielic Son of Man (Dan 7:13–14) comes visibly in clouds, in power and glory.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τότεthenadverb of time
ὄψονταιthey will seeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ predictive futureὁράω: 'see'; the universal, visible witnessing.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
υἱὸνSonAccusativedirect objectυἱός: 'Son'; ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, the Danielic title.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπουManGenitiveattributive/possessive genitiveἄνθρωπος: 'man, human'; 'Son of Man' (Dan 7:13).
ἐρχόμενονcomingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιparticiple (complement of ὄψονται)→ present (in-progress arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the advent in process.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/accompaniment)
νεφέλαιςcloudsDativeobject of ἐννεφέλη: 'cloud'; the vehicle of theophany (Dan 7; Exod).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
δυνάμεωςpowerGenitiveobject of μετάδύναμις: 'power, might.'
πολλῆςgreatGenitiveattributive adjective
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δόξηςgloryGenitiveobject of μετά (coordinate)δόξα: 'glory, splendor'; the divine radiance of the King.
27

καὶ τότε ἀποστελεῖ τοὺς ἀγγέλους καὶ ἐπισυνάξει τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων ἀπ' ἄκρου γῆς ἕως ἄκρου οὐρανοῦ.

And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Gathering of the electκαὶThe advent's saving purpose: a cosmic ingathering of the elect from the whole creation (Deut 30:4; Zech 2:6).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τότεthenadverb of time
ἀποστελεῖhe will sendFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ predictive futureἀποστέλλω: 'send out (with commission)'; the Son commands the angels.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἀγγέλουςangelsAccusativedirect objectἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; the harvesters of the elect.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπισυνάξειwill gatherFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπισυνάγωmain verb→ predictive futureἐπισυνάγω: 'gather together' (ἐπί + σύν + ἄγω); the eschatological in-gathering.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἐκλεκτοὺςelectAccusativedirect objectἐκλεκτός: 'elect, chosen.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
τεσσάρωνfourGenitiveattributive numeral
ἀνέμωνwindsGenitiveobject of ἐκἄνεμος: 'wind'; 'the four winds' = the four quarters, every direction.
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (extent, start)
ἄκρουendGenitiveobject of ἀπόἄκρον: 'extremity, end.'
γῆςof earthGenitiveattributive/partitive genitiveγῆ: 'earth, land.'
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (extent, limit)
ἄκρουendGenitiveobject of ἕως
οὐρανοῦof heavenGenitiveattributive/partitive genitiveοὐρανός: 'heaven'; 'earth's end to heaven's end' = the whole created span.
28

Ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς συκῆς μάθετε τὴν παραβολήν· ὅταν ἤδη ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς ἁπαλὸς γένηται καὶ ἐκφύῃ τὰ φύλλα, γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος ἐστίν·

From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.

Parable of the fig treeδὲA nature-parable: budding signals nearness; so the foregoing signs signal the Son of Man's approach.
Ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
δὲandtransitional conjunction
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
συκῆςfig treeGenitiveobject of ἀπόσυκῆ: 'fig tree'; its late leafing made it a natural calendar.
μάθετεlearnAor Act Impv 2 Pl · μανθάνωimperative (command)→ aorist imperativeμανθάνω: 'learn'; cf. μαθητής, 'disciple.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παραβολήνparableAccusativedirect objectπαραβολή: 'comparison, parable' (παρά + βάλλω, 'cast alongside').
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)
ἤδηalreadyadverb of time
theNominativearticle
κλάδοςbranchNominativesubjectκλάδος: 'branch, twig' (from κλάω, 'break off').
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession
ἁπαλὸςtenderNominativepredicate adjectiveἁπαλός: 'tender, soft'; of new growth swelling with sap.
γένηταιbecomesAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveγίνομαι: 'become.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκφύῃputs outPres Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκφύωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ present subjunctiveἐκφύω: 'sprout, put forth' (ἐκ + φύω, 'grow').
τὰtheAccusativearticle
φύλλαleavesAccusativedirect objectφύλλον: 'leaf.'
γινώσκετεyou knowPres Act Indic 2 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (or imperative)→ present (gnomic)γινώσκω: 'know, recognize.'
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of knowing)
ἐγγὺςnearadverb (predicate)ἐγγύς: 'near, at hand.'
τὸtheNominativearticle
θέροςsummerNominativesubjectθέρος: 'summer, harvest-time' (from θέρω, 'be warm').
ἐστίνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative presentεἰμί: 'is.'
29

οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὅταν ἴδητε ταῦτα γινόμενα, γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἐπὶ θύραις.

So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

Application of the parableasyndetonThe parable applied: the signs mean the Son of Man (or the end) is imminent — 'at the doors.'
οὕτωςsoadverb (comparison)οὕτως: 'thus, in this way.'
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)
ἴδητεyou seeAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ὁράωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveὁράω: 'see.'
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object
γινόμεναhappeningPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · γίνομαιparticiple (complement of ἴδητε)→ present (in-progress)γίνομαι: 'happen, take place.'
γινώσκετεyou knowPres Act Indic 2 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (or imperative)→ present (gnomic)γινώσκω: 'know, recognize.'
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of knowing)
ἐγγύςnearadverb (predicate)ἐγγύς: 'near'; subject 'he/it' is left implied — the Son of Man, or the end.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative presentεἰμί: 'is.'
ἐπὶatpreposition + dative (location)
θύραιςthe gates/doorsDativeobject of ἐπίθύρα: 'door, gate'; 'at the doors' = on the very threshold.
30

ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη μέχρις οὗ ταῦτα πάντα γένηται.

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Solemn assurance of nearnessasyndetonAn ἀμήν-saying guaranteeing the timing: 'this generation' (ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη) will not pass before 'all these things' occur — a notorious crux of reference.
ἀμὴνtrulyparticle of solemn affirmationἀμήν: Hebrew 'truly, verily'; Jesus' authoritative asseveration.
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ present (performative)λέγω: 'say.'
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
οὐnotnegative (with μή)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή, emphatic)
παρέλθῃwill pass awayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · παρέρχομαιsubjunctive of emphatic negation→ emphatic future denialπαρέρχομαι: 'pass by, pass away' (παρά + ἔρχομαι).
theNominativearticle
γενεὰgenerationNominativesubjectγενεά: 'generation' (also 'race, kind'); the disputed referent — contemporaries, the Jewish people, or the final generation.
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative (attributive)οὗτος: 'this'; ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη, 'this generation.'
μέχριςuntilconjunction (temporal limit)
οὗwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (μέχρις οὗ = 'until')
ταῦταtheseNominativeattributive (with πάντα)
πάνταallNominativesubject of γένηταιπᾶς: 'all'; 'all these things' — the foregoing signs.
γένηταιtake placeAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveγίνομαι: 'happen, come to pass.'
31

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσονται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Permanence of Jesus' wordasyndetonA climactic antithesis: the cosmos itself is transient, Jesus' words alone enduring — a divine claim.
theNominativearticle
οὐρανὸςheavenNominativesubjectοὐρανός: 'heaven, sky.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
γῆearthNominativesubjectγῆ: 'earth'; 'heaven and earth' = the whole created order.
παρελεύσονταιwill pass awayFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · παρέρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureπαρέρχομαι: 'pass away.'
οἱtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
λόγοιwordsNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, saying'; Jesus' teaching outlasts creation.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
οὐnotnegative (with μή)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή, emphatic)
παρελεύσονταιwill pass awayFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · παρέρχομαιmain verb (emphatic future negation)→ emphatic future denialπαρέρχομαι: 'pass away'; οὐ μή here with the future indicative for absolute denial.
32

Περὶ δὲ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης ἢ τῆς ὥρας οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, οὐδὲ οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐν οὐρανῷ οὐδὲ ὁ υἱός, εἰ μὴ ὁ πατήρ.

But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

The unknown day — a great cruxδὲThe chapter's sharpest saying: the timing is hidden from all — angels and even the Son — known to the Father alone (οὐδὲ ὁ υἱός), the harder reading kept by the critical text.
Περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
δὲbuttransitional conjunction
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἡμέραςdayGenitiveobject of περίἡμέρα: 'day'; 'that day' — the eschatological Day.
ἐκείνηςthatGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)
ordisjunctive conjunction
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ὥραςhourGenitiveobject of περί (coordinate)ὥρα: 'hour'; the precise moment.
οὐδεὶςno oneNominativesubjectοὐδείς: 'no one'; absolute exclusion.
οἶδενknowsPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect-with-present-force (knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present sense).
οὐδὲnot evennegative conjunction (ascensive)
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἄγγελοιangelsNominativesubject (in apposition to 'no one')ἄγγελος: 'angel'; not even heaven's highest creatures.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
οὐρανῷheavenDativeobject of ἐνοὐρανός: 'heaven.'
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction (ascensive)
theNominativearticle
υἱόςSonNominativesubject (in apposition)υἱός: 'Son'; οὐδὲ ὁ υἱός — the Son in his incarnate mission does not know the day (the celebrated crux).
εἰifconjunction (exceptive, εἰ μή)
μὴnotnegative (εἰ μή = 'except')
theNominativearticle
πατήρFatherNominativesubject (exception)πατήρ: 'Father'; the Father alone holds the day in his authority (cf. Acts 1:7).
33

βλέπετε ἀγρυπνεῖτε· οὐκ οἴδατε γὰρ πότε ὁ καιρός ἐστιν.

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

Charge to watch (1)asyndetonThe hortatory climax begins: paired imperatives 'watch, stay awake,' grounded in ignorance of the time.
βλέπετεwatch outPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωimperative (command)→ present imperative (ongoing)βλέπω: 'beware, take heed'; the refrain (vv.5,9,23).
ἀγρυπνεῖτεstay awakePres Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀγρυπνέωimperative (command)→ present imperative (continual vigilance)ἀγρυπνέω: 'be sleepless, keep watch' (ἀ- + ὕπνος, 'sleep').
οὐκnotnegative
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect-with-present-forceοἶδα: 'know.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πότεwheninterrogative adverb (indirect question)
theNominativearticle
καιρόςtimeNominativesubjectκαιρός: 'appointed time, opportune moment'; the decisive moment, hidden.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative presentεἰμί: 'is.'
34

ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἀπόδημος ἀφεὶς τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ καὶ δοὺς τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐξουσίαν, ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῷ θυρωρῷ ἐνετείλατο ἵνα γρηγορῇ.

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.

Parable of the absent masterasyndetonA brief parable: the departed master, work assigned, and the doorkeeper charged to watch — the church's posture in the interim.
ὡςlikecomparative conjunction
ἄνθρωποςa manNominativesubject (of an implied 'it is')ἄνθρωπος: 'man, person.'
ἀπόδημοςgoing abroadNominativeattributive adjectiveἀπόδημος: 'away from home, abroad' (ἀπό + δῆμος).
ἀφεὶςleavingAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀφίημιadverbial participle (temporal/attendant)→ aorist (antecedent)ἀφίημι: 'leave, let go.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
οἰκίανhouseAccusativedirect object of ἀφείςοἰκία: 'house, household.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δοὺςgivingAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · δίδωμιadverbial participle (attendant)→ aorist (antecedent)δίδωμι: 'give, grant.'
τοῖςto theDativearticle
δούλοιςservantsDativeindirect objectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐξουσίανauthorityAccusativedirect object of δούςἐξουσία: 'authority, right'; delegated charge of the household.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativeindirect object (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each one.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἔργονworkAccusativedirect object (gapped verb)ἔργον: 'work, task'; each servant's assignment.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῷtheDativearticle
θυρωρῷdoorkeeperDativeindirect objectθυρωρός: 'doorkeeper, porter' (θύρα + ὁράω); charged with vigilance.
ἐνετείλατοhe commandedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἐντέλλομαι: 'command, order, enjoin.'
ἵναthatconjunction (content of command)
γρηγορῇhe should watchPres Act Subj 3 Sg · γρηγορέωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ present subjunctive (continual watching)γρηγορέω: 'be awake, watch' (from ἐγείρω); the parable's key verb.
35

γρηγορεῖτε οὖν, οὐκ οἴδατε γὰρ πότε ὁ κύριος τῆς οἰκίας ἔρχεται, ἢ ὀψὲ ἢ μεσονύκτιον ἢ ἀλεκτοροφωνίας ἢ πρωΐ,

Therefore stay awake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning —

Application: watchοὖνThe parable applied: watch, since the master's hour is unknown, named by the four Roman night-watches.
γρηγορεῖτεstay awakePres Act Impv 2 Pl · γρηγορέωimperative (command)→ present imperative (continual)γρηγορέω: 'watch, be alert.'
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
οὐκnotnegative
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect-with-present-forceοἶδα: 'know.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πότεwheninterrogative adverb (indirect question)
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'lord, master'; the householder = Christ.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
οἰκίαςhouseGenitivegenitive of possession/relationshipοἰκία: 'house, household.'
ἔρχεταιcomesPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ futuristic presentἔρχομαι: 'come'; present for certain future arrival.
ordisjunctive conjunction
ὀψὲin the eveningadverb of timeὀψέ: 'late, evening'; the first watch.
ordisjunctive conjunction
μεσονύκτιονat midnightAccusativeaccusative of time (when)μεσονύκτιον: 'midnight' (μέσος + νύξ); the second watch.
ordisjunctive conjunction
ἀλεκτοροφωνίαςat cockcrowGenitivegenitive of time (within which)ἀλεκτοροφωνία: 'cock-crowing' (ἀλέκτωρ + φωνή); the third watch.
ordisjunctive conjunction
πρωΐin the morningadverb of timeπρωΐ: 'early, dawn'; the fourth watch.
36

μὴ ἐλθὼν ἐξαίφνης εὕρῃ ὑμᾶς καθεύδοντας.

lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

Negative purpose of watchingasyndetonThe danger to be avoided: a sudden return finding the servants asleep at their post.
μὴlestnegative conjunction (negative purpose/apprehension)
ἐλθὼνcomingAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιadverbial participle (temporal/attendant)→ aorist (antecedent)ἔρχομαι: 'come.'
ἐξαίφνηςsuddenlyadverb of mannerἐξαίφνης: 'suddenly, unexpectedly.'
εὕρῃhe findAor Act Subj 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωsubjunctive (negative purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveεὑρίσκω: 'find, discover.'
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
καθεύδονταςsleepingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · καθεύδωparticiple (complement of εὕρῃ)→ present (state)καθεύδω: 'sleep'; figurative for spiritual unreadiness.
37

ὃ δὲ ὑμῖν λέγω, πᾶσιν λέγω, γρηγορεῖτε.

And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!

Universal final chargeδὲThe discourse closes by widening its single imperative to everyone: 'Watch!'
whatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of λέγω)
δὲandtransitional conjunction
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (rel. clause)→ present (performative)λέγω: 'say.'
πᾶσινto allDativeindirect objectπᾶς: 'all'; the charge is universal, beyond the four disciples.
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ present (performative)λέγω: 'say.'
γρηγορεῖτεstay awakePres Act Impv 2 Pl · γρηγορέωimperative (final command)→ present imperative (the discourse's last word)γρηγορέω: 'watch, be alert'; the closing summons of the Olivet discourse.