But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
Parallel translations
- WEB But you watch. “Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.
- KJV But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
- BSB So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.
- NASB But beware; I have told you everything in advance.
- NLT Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jesus tells them to be on guard, for he has forewarned them of everything. Forewarning is meant to produce watchfulness.
Overview
Jesus has graciously told his disciples in advance so they will not be caught off guard or led astray. His command 'you watch' restates the central charge of the discourse. The purpose of prophecy is not to satisfy curiosity but to equip believers for vigilance and steadfast faith, trusting the One who knows and rules the future.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 10
- 2 Pet 3:17You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
- Isa 44:7–8Who is like me? Who will call, and will declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? Let them declare the things that are coming, and that will happen.
- Mark 13:5Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
- John 14:29Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.
- Luke 21:8He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them.
- Luke 21:34“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
- Matt 7:15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
- Mark 13:9But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.
- Mark 13:33Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is.
- John 16:1–4“I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Mark drives urgently to the cross, showing Jesus the Son of God as the suffering Servant who 'came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'
How Mark 13:23 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.