Mark 13:9
New International Version
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

New Living Translation
“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.

English Standard Version
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

Berean Standard Bible
So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

Berean Literal Bible
But you take heed to yourselves. They will betray you to courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of Me, for a testimony to them.

King James Bible
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

New King James Version
“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.

New American Standard Bible
“But be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

NASB 1995
“But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

NASB 1977
“But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

Legacy Standard Bible
“But see to yourselves; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be beaten in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a witness to them.

Amplified Bible
“But be on your guard; they will turn you over to courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand [as accused] before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

Christian Standard Bible
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them.

American Standard Version
But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

Contemporary English Version
Be on your guard! You will be taken to courts and beaten with whips in their synagogues. And because of me, you will have to stand before rulers and kings to tell about your faith.

English Revised Version
But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Be on your guard! People will hand you over to the Jewish courts and whip you in their synagogues. You will stand in front of governors and kings to testify to them because of me.

Good News Translation
"You yourselves must watch out. You will be arrested and taken to court. You will be beaten in the synagogues; you will stand before rulers and kings for my sake to tell them the Good News.

International Standard Version
"As for yourselves, be on your guard! People will hand you over to local councils, and you will be beaten in their synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings to testify to them because of me.

Majority Standard Bible
So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

NET Bible
"You must watch out for yourselves. You will be handed over to councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them.

New Heart English Bible
But 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, as a testimony to them.

Webster's Bible Translation
But take heed to yourselves: for they will deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye will be beaten: and ye will be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Weymouth New Testament
"You yourselves must be on your guard. They will deliver you up to Sanhedrins; you will be brought into synagogues and cruelly beaten; and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to be witnesses to them for me.

World English Bible
“But 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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And take heed to yourselves, for they will deliver you up to Sanhedrins, and to synagogues, you will be beaten, and before governors and kings you will be set for My sake, for a testimony to them;

Berean Literal Bible
But you take heed to yourselves. They will betray you to courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of Me, for a testimony to them.

Young's Literal Translation
'And take ye heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to sanhedrims, and to synagogues, ye shall be beaten, and before governors and kings ye shall be set for my sake, for a testimony to them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And see ye to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues shall ye be stripped: and shall be set before rulers and kings for my sake, for testimony to them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But look to yourselves. For they shall deliver you up to councils, and in the synagogues you shall be beaten, and you shall stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But see to yourselves. For they will hand you over to councils, and in the synagogues you will be beaten, and you shall stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony for them.

New American Bible
“Watch out for yourselves. They will hand you over to the courts. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will be arraigned before governors and kings because of me, as a witness before them.

New Revised Standard Version
“As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Look out for yourselves; for they will deliver you to the judges, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and you will stand before kings and governors for my sake, and as a testimony to them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But take heed to yourselves, for they will deliver you to Judges and you will be scourged in their synagogues and you will stand before Kings and Governors for my sake as a testimony to them.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
These are the beginning of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be scourged in the synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Godbey New Testament
These are the beginnings of travails. But you take heed to yourselves: for they will deliver you into councils; and will beat you in the synagogues: and you shall stand before governors and kings on account of me, for a testimony unto them.

Haweis New Testament
But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to their sanhedrims, and to the synagogues; ye shall be beaten with rods, and be set before kings and governors for my name?s sake, for a testimony unto them.

Mace New Testament
these are the beginning of sorrows, then look to your selves: for they will deliver you up to the tribunals, and scourge you in the synagogues: you will be brought before governours, and princes upon my account, to be my witnesses against them.

Weymouth New Testament
"You yourselves must be on your guard. They will deliver you up to Sanhedrins; you will be brought into synagogues and cruelly beaten; and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to be witnesses to them for me.

Worrell New Testament
"But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to the councils; and in synagogues ye will be beaten; and before governors and kings ye will stand for My sake, for a testimony to them.

Worsley New Testament
But look to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils, and synagogues: and ye shall be scourged, and set before governors and kings on my account, for a testimony against them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Witnessing to All Nations
8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:17-18
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Luke 21:12-13
But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. / This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses.

Acts 5:40-41
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Acts 9:15-16
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. / I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

Acts 22:19-20
‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. / And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 15:20-21
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. / But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me.

Matthew 24:9
Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

Acts 4:1-3
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.

Acts 6:12-14
So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

Acts 7:59-60
While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” / Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 12:1-4
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. / And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. ...

Acts 16:19-24
When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” ...

Acts 21:30-34
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ...


Treasury of Scripture

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues you shall be beaten: and you shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

take.

Mark 13:5
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

Matthew 10:17,18
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; …

Matthew 23:34-37
Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: …

councils.

Mark 5:22
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

Mark 5:24
And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

a.

Mark 1:44
And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 6:11
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Matthew 10:18
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

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Mark 13
1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
9. the persecutions for the gospel;
10. that the gospel must be preached to all nations;
14. that great calamities shall happen to the Jews;
24. and the manner of his coming to judgment;
32. the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray














But be on your guard
The phrase "be on your guard" is translated from the Greek word "blepete," which means to see, perceive, or take heed. This is a call to vigilance and spiritual alertness. In the context of Mark 13, Jesus is warning His disciples about the trials and persecutions they will face. The exhortation to be on guard is not just a physical readiness but a spiritual preparedness, emphasizing the need for discernment and faithfulness in the face of adversity. Historically, the early Christians faced significant persecution, and this warning would have been a source of encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith.

They will deliver you over to councils
The term "councils" refers to local Jewish courts known as "Sanhedrins." These were assemblies of elders and leaders who had the authority to judge religious and civil matters. The early Christians, including the apostles, were often brought before these councils for preaching the gospel. This phrase highlights the reality of religious opposition and the cost of discipleship. It serves as a reminder that following Christ may lead to conflict with established religious authorities, but it also provides an opportunity to testify to the truth of the gospel.

and you will be beaten in synagogues
The synagogue was not only a place of worship but also a community center where legal matters could be addressed. The act of being beaten in synagogues indicates the severity of the persecution faced by early Christians. The Greek word for "beaten" is "derō," which implies physical punishment. This phrase underscores the physical suffering that believers might endure for their faith. It is a call to endure hardship with the knowledge that such suffering is for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

On My account, you will stand before governors and kings
This phrase points to the broader scope of the disciples' witness, extending beyond Jewish religious leaders to include Gentile authorities. "Governors and kings" represent the political powers of the time. The Greek word "hēgemonas" (governors) and "basileis" (kings) indicate the high-ranking officials before whom the disciples would testify. This reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' commission to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Historically, figures like Paul stood before Roman governors and even Caesar, demonstrating the reach of the gospel message.

as witnesses to them
The word "witnesses" comes from the Greek "martyrion," which is the root of the English word "martyr." This term implies not only the act of testifying but also the potential for suffering and even death for one's testimony. The early Christians understood their role as witnesses to be both a privilege and a responsibility. This phrase emphasizes the purpose behind the trials: to bear witness to the truth of Christ before all people, regardless of the cost. It serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful in their testimony, trusting that God will use their witness for His glory.

(9) But take heed to yourselves.--The emphatic repetition of the warning is peculiar to St. Mark (comp. Mark 13:23). The description of the sufferings of the disciples (Mark 13:9-13) is found in Luke 21:12 and in Matthew 10:17-22 (where see Notes), but not in St. Matthew's report of this discourse.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[So]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

be on your guard.
Βλέπετε (Blepete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

You
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

will be handed over
παραδώσουσιν (paradōsousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] councils
συνέδρια (synedria)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4892: A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

beaten
δαρήσεσθε (darēsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1194: To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] synagogues.
συναγωγὰς (synagōgas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4864: From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.

On My account,
ἕνεκεν (heneken)
Preposition
Strong's 1752: Or heneken hen'-ek-en or heineken hi'-nek-en; of uncertain affinity; on account of.

you will stand
σταθήσεσθε (stathēsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

before
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

governors
ἡγεμόνων (hēgemonōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2232: From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

kings
βασιλέων (basileōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

as
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

witnesses
μαρτύριον (martyrion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3142: Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue.

to them.
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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