Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Mark - Chapter 13 - Verse 2

13:2
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.

Meaning

When Jesus spoke these words in the Bible, he was referring to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. At the time, the temple was an impressive and magnificent structure, but Jesus prophesied that it would be completely destroyed. This prophetic statement came true in 70 AD when the Roman army destroyed the temple during the Jewish-Roman wars. This event was a significant moment in history, marking the end of the Jewish sacrificial system and the dispersal of the Jewish people. It also served as a warning to believers of the impermanence of earthly things and the importance of focusing on spiritual matters. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the transitory nature of physical structures and the need to prioritize spiritual growth and connection with God above all else.

Theological Overview

Jesus' response to a disciple's awe at the grandeur of the temple in Mark 13:2 is a prophetic warning about the destruction that would come upon this holy place. The phrase "not be left one stone upon another" emphasizes the complete devastation that would befall the temple in Jerusalem. This prediction was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army destroyed the temple, leaving no stone unturned. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Jesus' authority as a prophet and his knowledge of the future events. It also serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly structures and the importance of focusing on spiritual matters that transcend physical buildings. Word studies on specific terms used in this verse, such as "thrown down," can provide further insight into the magnitude of the destruction that was foretold. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate authority of Jesus as the Son of God.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.
Previous VerseNext Verse