New Testament
Mark 13:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus refers to a prophecy from the book of Daniel about a significant event known as the 'abomination of desolation.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
When you see the abomination of desolation — the thing Daniel the prophet spoke about — standing where it should never be (let the reader understand what this means), then everyone in Judea must flee to the mountains.
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to a prophecy from the book of Daniel about a significant event known as the 'abomination of desolation.' This term describes a desecration of the holy place, indicating a time of great distress and judgment. Jesus warns that when this event occurs, it will signal a critical moment for the people in Judea. He urges them to flee to the mountains for safety, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The phrase 'let the reader understand' suggests that this message is meant to be taken seriously and requires discernment. The abomination signifies a turning point, and the call to action emphasizes the need for preparedness and swift response in times of crisis. This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of being alert to spiritual and physical dangers, especially in relation to faith and worship.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 13:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to be vigilant and aware of the signs of the times. In our lives, we should remain spiritually alert and prepared to respond to challenges. Just as the people were urged to flee for safety, we too must seek refuge in our faith during difficult times, trusting in God's guidance and protection.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 13:14 mean?
Mark 13:14 refers to a prophecy about a significant event called the 'abomination of desolation,' which indicates a time of great distress. Jesus warns that when this event occurs, people in Judea should flee to the mountains for safety.
What is the abomination of desolation in Mark 13:14?
The 'abomination of desolation' is a term from the book of Daniel that signifies a desecration of a holy place. In Mark 13:14, it represents a critical moment of judgment and distress that requires immediate action from the people.
Why does Jesus say to flee to the mountains in Mark 13:14?
Jesus instructs people to flee to the mountains as a means of escape during a time of impending crisis. This emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for quick action to ensure safety.
What does 'let the reader understand' mean in Mark 13:14?
The phrase 'let the reader understand' in Mark 13:14 indicates that the message is significant and requires careful consideration. It serves as a reminder to be alert and discerning about the implications of the prophecy.

The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
Unlock the full Mark summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.