Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 13:29

οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς. In Mark 7:18, where no comparison is drawn, καί belongs to ὑμεῖς, “ye also.” Here it strengthens οὕτως, even so ye, as often (John 5:21; Romans 5:18; Romans 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:22; etc.). “Also” may have much the same effect as “even,” but we do not need both as in R.V. The ὑμεῖς is emphatic; “anyone can recognize the signs of the fig-tree, but you disciples must recognize the signs of the times”; ταῦτα is not the end, but the signs of the end.

γινώσκετε. This may be indic., as in Mark 13:28, but it is probably like μάθετε in Mark 13:28, imperat. Scitote (Vulg.). There are many passages in which a similar doubt arises, esp. in Jn (Mark 5:39; Mark 12:19; Mark 14:1; Mark 15:18; Mark 15:27) and in 1 Jn (1 John 2:27; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 4:2).

ὅτι ἐγγύς ἐστιν. The nom. is left indefinite, and it is probably impersonal, “the End” (Mark 13:7), or “the Kingdom” (Lk.), or “the time” (Revelation 1:3; Revelation 22:10); but R.V. makes it personal, “He” (James 5:9; Philippians 4:5). The difference is not great. Lk. omits ἐπὶ θύραις, which illustrates Mk’s love of fulness. It is a popular expression for nearness; ἐπὶ τῇ θύρᾳ (Acts 5:9). For the sense cf. 1 Corinthians 16:22.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 13:29

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