What does Mark 13:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 13:14 refers to a prophecy that Jesus makes concerning a calamitous event called the "abomination of desolation." This term appears in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament and is used by Jesus to describe something sacrilegious that would be set up in a holy place, specifically the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, and would be a signal for an impending disaster.

The abomination could be interpreted literally as a desecration of the temple or metaphorically as the presence of something deeply offensive to God.

The phrase "let him that readeth understand" emphasizes the need for discernment in recognizing this ominous event. Jesus advises those in Judea to flee to the mountains, suggesting that this will be a time of great peril requiring immediate escape to places of safety.

Historical Context

Written during the first century CE, the Gospel of Mark reflects the beliefs and expectations of early Christians. At that time, the Jewish temple still stood as the center of Judaic worship.

However, in 70 CE, after Mark was likely penned, the Roman army destroyed the temple.

Early Christians may have viewed the siege of Jerusalem and the temple's destruction as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.

The reference to Daniel's prophecy would be familiar to Jewish listeners and readers who would understand the implications of such a sacrilegious act.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the abomination of desolation has been interpreted in various ways.

Preterists believe this event took place in the first century with the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem.

Futurists, on the other hand, view it as an event that will occur in the end times, perhaps involving a false Messiah or an antichrist figure defiling a future temple.

Historically, some theologians have considered the abomination of desolation to be an archetype of recurring acts of sacrilege against God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be a warning to be vigilant and discerning about the signs of moral and spiritual decay within society and religious institutions.

It may also encourage believers to maintain readiness to respond to crisis and to prioritize spiritual survival and integrity over mere physical safety.

The exhortation to "flee to the mountains" encourages seeking refuge in a higher power or set of principles when faced with overwhelming corruption or danger.

Cross-References

• Daniel 9:27: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
• Matthew 24:15-16: "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:"
• Luke 21:20-21: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto."

Language Study

Specific original Greek language words in this verse include:

• "Abomination" (βδέλυγμα, bdelygma): Something detestable or loathsome, especially concerning idolatry or an offering that is an affront to God.
• "Desolation" (ἔρημος, erēmos): Conveys a sense of solitude or desolation; often used to denote places that are made waste or uninhabitable.
• "Standing where it ought not" (ἑστηκότα ὅπου οὐ δεῖ, hestēkota hopou ou dei): This denotes the presence of something in a place where it should not be, inferring violation or inappropriate occupation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn to other ancient myths and religious texts that speak of the defilement of sacred spaces or the signs of impending doom.

Similar motifs arise in narratives where divine wrath is precipitated by human actions desecrating what is considered holy.

In various mythologies, the violation of sacred precincts often leads to consequences imposed by the gods, comparable to the punitive aspects of the abomination of desolation.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives may not directly comment on the prophetic or theological aspects of this verse, they could provide insight into the societal and environmental impacts of mass migrations that might ensue from such an event.

Additionally, the psychological effects of witnessing a “desecration” or catastrophic event and the human response to such trauma could be studied within the fields of psychology and sociology.

Commentaries

Commentators and biblical scholars offer diverse interpretations of Mark 13:14.

For instance:

• John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes emphasize that the "abomination of desolation" refers to the Roman standards (eagle ensigns) worshiped by the Roman armies, which were an abomination to the Jews.
• In Matthew Henry's Commentary, the passage points to the destruction of Jerusalem as a shadow of the final judgment to come, with the "abomination of desolation" being a symbol of corrupt and idolatrous practices.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that Mark is conveying an eschatological warning, urging readers to discern the signs of the end times.
• The Pillar New Testament Commentary might focus on the Jewish and Christian eschatological expectations reflected in the verse, contending that it serves as a historical forewarning and a theological exhortation for preparedness.