UTN uW Translation Notes:

Mark 13 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

6. Jesus in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)
   • The disciples ask Jesus about the destruction of the temple (13:1–4)
   • Jesus teaches about the destruction of the temple (24:5–31)
     • Things that will happen in the time before the destruction of the temple (13:5–13)
     • Things that will happen immediately before the destruction of the temple (13:14–23)
     • The coming of the Son of Man (13:24–27)
     • When these things will happen (13:28–31)
   • Jesus teaches about his second coming (13:32–37)

When Jesus speaks about which topics

When the disciples speak to Jesus in 13:4, they ask about two things: first, they want to know when the temple will be destroyed, and second, they want to know what the sign will be that shows that the temple is about to be destroyed. Most Christians agree that Jesus answered these two questions but also included information about his second coming. However, Christians disagree about when Jesus is speaking about which topic. He could:

1. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple in 13:31 and then go on to speak about his second coming (the outline above follows this view)
2. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple (perhaps as a foreshadowing of the final tribulation) in 13:23 and then go on to speak about his second coming
3. speak about the destruction of the temple (perhaps as a foreshadowing of the final tribulation) in 13:5–23 and 13:28–31 and about his second coming in 13:24–27 and 13:32–37

Since Christians disagree over when Jesus is speaking about which topic, if possible format your translation so that several interpretations are possible.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The destruction of the temple

The temple in Jerusalem was a very impressive, large building. Despite that, Jesus predicted that it would be destroyed within the lifetime of those who heard him. In fact, about 40 years later, a Roman army conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.

The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

In 13:26, Jesus indicates that he, the Son of Man, will “come” in clouds. However, he does not indicate the location to which he will “come.” Christians debate whether Jesus is describing his return to earth or his enthronement in heaven. If possible, your translation should allow for both possibilities. See the notes on this verse for translation options.

“This generation” in 13:30

In 13:30, Jesus says that what he has described will happen before “this generation” passes away. Many interpretations have been proposed for the group of people to which “this generation” refers:

1. The people who were alive while Jesus was speaking these words
2. The people who would be alive when the signs of the end began
3. Christians throughout history
4. Jewish people in general throughout history
5. Humans in general

Since the word that Jesus uses primarily refers to people who are alive at the same time, if possible use a word or phrase that refers to such a group of people. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include some interpretations of the word in a footnote.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear when Jesus is teaching four of his disciples. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: figs-yousingular)

The historic present

To call attention to a development in the story, Mark uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verse 13. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. (See: translate-tense)