Mark 13:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus answers that the magnificent temple will be utterly demolished — not one stone left standing upon another.
What Does Mark 13:2 Mean?
To the disciple's wonder Jesus replies with a prophecy that must have sounded impossible: the temple, the center of Israel's worship and the pride of Jerusalem, will be leveled. Within a generation it happened — in A.D. 70 Roman armies destroyed the city and burned the sanctuary, and the great stones came down.
Jesus does not despise the temple; he taught in its courts and called it his Father's house. But he will not let his disciples anchor their faith in masonry. What human hands build, however sacred its purpose, can fall; the worship of God outlives every building that houses it. The word stands as a quiet question for every age: if the structures we trust came down, would our faith still have a foundation?
Mark 13:2 in the Original Language
kataluo (καταλύω), 'thrown down' -- to demolish or dismantle, taking a structure apart stone from stone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 13:2
What does Mark 13:2 mean?
Jesus answers that the magnificent temple will be utterly demolished — not one stone left standing upon another.