New Testament
Mark 13:2
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Jesus replied, "You see all these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
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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.
What Mark 13:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was a magnificent structure and a symbol of Jewish faith. His statement emphasizes that despite its grandeur, the Temple will be completely destroyed, with not a single stone remaining in place. This prophecy highlights the temporary nature of earthly structures and the inevitability of change and destruction. Jesus is warning His followers about the coming judgment and the need to focus on spiritual matters rather than being overly attached to physical buildings or institutions. This moment serves as a reminder that true faith and devotion should not be tied to physical places but rather to a relationship with God. The destruction of the Temple also foreshadows the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant through Christ, which emphasizes a personal connection with God rather than reliance on a physical temple.
How to apply Mark 13:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on what we value most in our lives. Are we too focused on material things or institutions? Instead, we should prioritize our relationship with God and the eternal truths of our faith, understanding that earthly things are temporary.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:1–37)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 13:2 mean?
Mark 13:2 records Jesus predicting the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. He emphasizes that despite its impressive architecture, every stone will be thrown down, highlighting the temporary nature of physical structures.
What is the significance of the Temple's destruction in Mark 13:2?
The destruction of the Temple signifies a shift from the old covenant to a new covenant through Christ. It serves as a warning about the impermanence of earthly institutions and encourages a focus on spiritual matters.
What does Jesus mean by 'not one stone will be left on another'?
This phrase indicates the complete destruction of the Temple, symbolizing that no part of the old religious system will remain intact. It underscores the finality of the judgment that Jesus is foretelling.
How does Mark 13:2 relate to spiritual focus?
Mark 13:2 reminds believers to prioritize their relationship with God over attachment to physical buildings. It encourages a deeper understanding of faith that transcends reliance on material structures.
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