Mark 13:36
Mark 13:36 in Multiple Translations
Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping.
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
For fear that, coming suddenly, he sees you sleeping.
You don't want to be caught sleeping if he returns unexpectedly.
Least if he come suddenly, he should finde you sleeping.
lest, having come suddenly, he may find you sleeping;
lest, coming suddenly, he might find you sleeping.
Lest coming suddenly, he should find you sleeping.
Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
May it not happen that when I come suddenly, I will find that you are not ready!
Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 13:36
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Mark 13:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Mark 13:36
Study Notes — Mark 13:36
- Context
- Cross References
- Mark 13:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Mark 13:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 13:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 13:36
- Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 13:36
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Mark 13:36
- Cambridge Bible on Mark 13:36
- Barnes' Notes on Mark 13:36
- Whedon's Commentary on Mark 13:36
- Sermons on Mark 13:36
Context — Readiness at Any Hour
36Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:6–7 | So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
| 2 | Romans 13:11–14 | And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. |
| 3 | Matthew 24:48–51 | But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| 4 | Mark 14:40 | And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy. And they did not know what to answer Him. |
| 5 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 6 | Matthew 25:5 | When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:33–34 | A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 8 | Mark 14:37 | Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? |
| 9 | Proverbs 6:9–11 | How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 10 | Isaiah 56:10 | Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. |
Mark 13:36 Summary
[Mark 13:36 is a reminder to stay spiritually alert and watchful, because we don't know when the Lord will return. This means being faithful in our service to Him and being prepared for His coming, as seen in (Luke 12:37-38). If we are not watchful, we might be caught off guard and found 'sleeping' when the Lord returns, which could have serious consequences. By staying vigilant and faithful, we can be sure that we are ready to meet the Lord whenever He comes, and we can live with hope and anticipation, as seen in (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'sleeping' in Mark 13:36?
In this context, 'sleeping' refers to being spiritually unprepared or unaware of the Lord's return, as seen in Matthew 25:5 where the virgins were sleeping while waiting for the bridegroom.
How can we avoid being caught sleeping when the Lord returns?
We can avoid being caught sleeping by being vigilant and watching for the Lord's return, as instructed in Mark 13:37, and by being faithful in our service to Him, as seen in Luke 12:37-38.
Is the concept of watching and being prepared for the Lord's return unique to Mark 13:36?
No, this concept is also seen in other passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:6 and Revelation 3:3, where believers are exhorted to be watchful and prepared for the Lord's return.
What are the consequences of being found sleeping when the Lord returns?
The consequences of being found sleeping are not explicitly stated in Mark 13:36, but in Matthew 25:1-13, the virgins who were sleeping and unprepared were shut out of the wedding feast, indicating the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can stay spiritually alert and watchful for the Lord's return in my daily life?
- How can I balance being prepared for the Lord's return with living in the present and fulfilling my responsibilities?
- What are some potential 'distractions' in my life that could cause me to become spiritually sleepy and unprepared for the Lord's return?
- How can I encourage and support my fellow believers in staying watchful and prepared for the Lord's return?
Gill's Exposition on Mark 13:36
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 13:36
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 13:36
Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 13:36
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Mark 13:36
Cambridge Bible on Mark 13:36
Barnes' Notes on Mark 13:36
Whedon's Commentary on Mark 13:36
Sermons on Mark 13:36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting |
|
That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson | This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin |
|
Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the |
|
Watchfulness and Readiness for Christ's Return by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need for constant watchfulness, remembrance of God's word, and recommi |
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The Last Days and the Lord's Coming : 7. Don't Get Drunk With Worldiness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that time is short and devoting oneself fully to the Lord. He explains that this does not mean avoiding marriag |
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Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 5 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about society's obsession with fame and the immoral influences it has on people. He prays for God to help individuals and families br |
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The Coming of Jesus by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to be prepared and expectant for His coming. It highlights the need for spiritual awakening, readiness, |




