Mark 13:34

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Olivet Discourse, immediately following a command to stay alert because the appointed time is unknown. He introduces a parable to explain how they should conduct themselves during his absence.

The words — ἀφεὶς (apheis) means "having left," and ἀπόδημος (apodēmos) means "going on a journey." These terms establish the master’s physical departure and the temporary nature of the servants’ stewardship.

The thread — The parable of the absent master and entrusted servants runs in Matthew 25:14 and Luke 12:36. The watchful doorkeeper motif also connects to John 10:3.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to execute their specific duties faithfully while awaiting an unpredictable return. It demands sustained vigilance rather than idle speculation about timing.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Cross-references

Matthew 25:14 For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.
John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Luke 12:36 Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.
Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?
Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
Ezekiel 33:2 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Luke 19:12 So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return.
Acts 20:29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.