On Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Jesus when the temple will fall.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 13:26 At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 13:26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.
And then they will observe for themselves the son of the man showing up in clouds with great power and prominence.
There word translated as "clouds" that refers to a mist that obscures our vision. As we might say, "Our vision is clouded." The word translated as "see" is not the common word for "see" but one that means "observe" and "envision." Jesus is maybe hinting that the future is obscured. In other words, it is clouded. Jesus arrives in this mist. However, this is a contradiction to the punchline, which has the sense of "prominence." So Jesus is in a mist, but he is also prominence.
Jesus uses the term translated as "power" to mean both the regular abilities of people (Matthew 25:15) and God (Matthew 26:64). It does not mean authority over others. When Jesus says that he is given "all power in heaven and earth" (Matthew 28:18), he does not use this term but another Greek word which means "authority."
The word translated as "glory" has more the sense of "recognition" and "prominence." See this article for more.
Jesus is both clouded in mist and very prominent.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "see" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW -- Missing Word -- This verb is a middle voice, which requires a "by/for themselves" or a "themselves" as an object.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "man" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "glory" does not capture the word's more general meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "people" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "see" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW -- Missing Word -- This verb is a middle voice, which requires a "by/for themselves" or a "themselves" as an object.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "glory" does not capture the word's more general meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "everyone" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "see" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- MW -- Missing Word -- This verb is a middle voice, which requires a "by/for themselves" or a "themselves" as an object.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "glory" does not capture the word's more general meaning.
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
then -- The Greek word for "then" means "at this time" or "then".
shall - This helping verb "shall" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
they - This is from the third-person, plural form of the following verb.
see -- (CW) "Shall see" is a verb that means "to see," "to behold," "to look," "to aim at," "to look towards," and similar meanings. It is not one of the common words for simply saying"see." Jesus uses this verb in a specific way, in the future tense and the middle voice. The middle voice means that the subject is acting for or by themselves so "will behold for yourself." However, it also has the same root as the Greek word "eye," so "will behold with your own eyes" comes the closest. It is a light-hearted way to make a promise about the future.
missing "for themselves" -- (MW) The middle voice of the verb indicates that the subject does something to, for, or by themselves.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Son -- The word translated as "son" more generally means "child" or "children". It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual. More about it in this article.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of", "which is", "than" (in comparisons), or "for", "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
man -- The Greek word for "man" means "man", "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men", "people", and "peoples".
coming -- The word translated as "coming" primarily means "to start out" but Christ usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. The form is a participle, "coming" or "showing up."
in -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for."
the -- There are no Greek words that can be translated as "the" in the source, but in English articles are used more commonly with plurals than in Greek.
clouds -- "Clouds" is a noun that means "clouds" or "mist" but in Greek this word is associated with a metaphor for death and sorrow.
with -- "With" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of". It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.
great -- The word translated as "great" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
power -- "Power" is from a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done so "power", "might", "influence", "authority," and "force." This is the "influence" that was shaken in the previous verse when the sun and mood darken and stars fall.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
glory. -- (CW) The Greek noun translated as "glory" means "expectation," "notion," "opinion," "repute," and "popular repute." Translations as "glory" or "splendor" are found primarily in translating the Bible. Though it can have both a positive ("shining reputation") and negative ("bad repute") in Greek, Jesus only uses it to describe the word's "magnificent" aspect. The verb form has the sense of "recognize," but "recognition" while positive in the sense of rewarding people simply means knowing them in the noun form. See this article for more.
missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
At that time -- The Greek word for "then" means "at this time" or "then".
people - (IW) This is from the third-person, plural form of the following verb.
will - This helping verb "will" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
see -- (CW) "See" is from a verb that means "to look", "to have sight", "to observe", "to look out for," and so on. It is a metaphor for mental sight, "to perceive", "to discern", "to see visions", "to appear in visions (passion), and "to interview." Christ usually uses this word to refer to seeing something symbolical as we might say, "envision."
missing "for themselves" -- (MW) The middle voice of the verb indicates that the subject does something to, for, or by themselves.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Son -- The word translated as "son" more generally means "child" or "children". It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual. More about it in this article.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of", "which is", "than" (in comparisons), or "for", "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
man -- The Greek word for "man" means "man", "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men", "people", and "peoples".
coming -- The word translated as "coming" primarily means "to start out" but Christ usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. The form is a participle, "coming" or "showing up."
in -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for."
clouds -- "Clouds" is a noun that means "clouds" or "mist" but in Greek this word is associated with a metaphor for death and sorrow.
with -- "With" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of". It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.
great -- The word translated as "great" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
power -- "Power" is from a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done so "power", "might", "influence", "authority," and "force." This is the "influence" that was shaken in the previous verse when the sun and mood darken and stars fall.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
glory. -- (CW) The Greek noun translated as "glory" means "expectation," "notion," "opinion," "repute," and "popular repute." Translations as "glory" or "splendor" are found primarily in translating the Bible. Though it can have both a positive ("shining reputation") and negative ("bad repute") in Greek, Jesus only uses it to describe the word's "magnificent" aspect. The verb form has the sense of "recognize," but "recognition" while positive in the sense of rewarding people simply means knowing them in the noun form. See this article for more.
missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
Then -- The Greek word for "then" means "at this time" or "then".
everyone - (IW) This is from the third-person, plural form of the following verb.
will - This helping verb "will" indicates that the following verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
see -- (CW) "Shall see" is a verb that means "to see," "to behold," "to look," "to aim at," "to look towards," and similar meanings. It is not one of the common words for simply saying"see." Jesus uses this verb in a specific way, in the future tense and the middle voice. The middle voice means that the subject is acting for or by themselves so "will behold for yourself." However, it also has the same root as the Greek word "eye," so "will behold with your own eyes" comes the closest. It is a light-hearted way to make a promise about the future.
missing "for themselves" -- (MW) The middle voice of the verb indicates that the subject does something to, for, or by themselves.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Son -- The word translated as "son" more generally means "child" or "children". It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations. Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual. More about it in this article.
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of", "which is", "than" (in comparisons), or "for", "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, "the." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
man -- The Greek word for "man" means "man", "person" and "humanity" in the singular. In the plural, it means "men", "people", and "peoples".
coming -- The word translated as "coming" primarily means "to start out" but Christ usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. The form is a participle, "coming" or "showing up."
in -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for."
the -- There are no Greek words that can be translated as "the" in the source, but in English articles are used more commonly with plurals than in Greek.
clouds -- "Clouds" is a noun that means "clouds" or "mist" but in Greek this word is associated with a metaphor for death and sorrow.
with -- "With" is the Greek word that usually means "with" or a related concept such as "among" or "by the means of". It also refers to "after" or "behind" when referring to a place, time, or pursuit.
great -- The word translated as "great" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
power -- "Power" is from a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done so "power", "might", "influence", "authority," and "force." This is the "influence" that was shaken in the previous verse when the sun and mood darken and stars fall.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
glory. -- (CW) The Greek noun translated as "glory" means "expectation," "notion," "opinion," "repute," and "popular repute." Translations as "glory" or "splendor" are found primarily in translating the Bible. Though it can have both a positive ("shining reputation") and negative ("bad repute") in Greek, Jesus only uses it to describe the word's "magnificent" aspect. The verb form has the sense of "recognize," but "recognition" while positive in the sense of rewarding people simply means knowing them in the noun form. See this article for more.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."
τότε [53 verses] (adv) "Then" is tote, which means "at that time" and "then."
ὄψονται [13 verses](verb, 3rd, plural, future, indicative, mid) "They shall see" is optanomai , which means "to see" an object, "to behold", "to perceive," and "to observe." It is used as a metaphor for mental sight.
“τὸν [821 verses](article g masc acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
υἱὸν [158 verses](noun sg masc acc) "Son" is from huios, which means a "son," and more generally, a "child." It is used generally to refer to any male descendant.
τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ἀνθρώπου [209 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Of man" is from anthropos, which is "man," and, in plural, "mankind." It also means "humanity" and that which is human and opposed to that which is animal or inanimate.
ἐρχόμενον ι [198 verses] (part sg pres mp masc acc) "Coming" is from erchomai, which means "to start," "to set out", "to come", "to go," and any kind of motion. It means both "to go" on a journey and "to arrive" at a place.
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means "in", "on", "at", "by", "among", "within", "surrounded by", "in one's hands", "in one's power," and "with".With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." -- The word translated as "in" also means "within", "with," or "among." With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for."
νεφέλαις [6 verses](noun pl fem dat) "Clouds" is from nephelê, which means "clouds", "mist," and "fog."
μετὰ [103 verses](prep) "With" is from meta, which means "in the midst of", "among", "between", "in common", "along with," and "by the aid of." With genitive, with pl. Nouns "in the midst of," "among," "between," " in common," "along with", of things, "in conjunction with," rarely of Time, "during ."
δυνάμεως [21 verses](noun sg fem gen) "Power" is dynamis, which means "power," "might," "influence," "capacity," "elementary force," "force of a word," and "value of money." Elemental forces are forces such as heat and cold
πολλῆς [61 verses]( adj sg fem gen ) "Great" is polys, which means "many (in number)," "great (in size or power or worth)," and "large (of space)." As an adverb, it means "far," "very much," "a great way," and "long."
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."
δόξης [26 verses] ( noun sg fem gen) "Glory" is doxa, which means "expectation," "notion," "opinion," "repute," and "popular repute." Translations as "glory" or "splendor" are found primarily in translating the Bible. The words "recognition," "honor." and "reputation" come closest to capturing the Greek word, but Jesus uses it only in the most positive sense so "prominence" may come closest.
The term "meta" uses with "great power and glory" has a double meaning here. It means "with" but it also means "by the aid of." There is a sense that this arrival is made possible by great power.