Mark 13:24
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Mark 13:24 (KJV)
Context
Mark 13:24 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus answers His disciples’ questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The verse begins with “But in those days, after that tribulation,” directly linking the cosmic signs that follow to the preceding period of great distress described in Mark 13:14-23. This phrase ties the darkening of the sun and the moon’s failure to give light to the suffering and calamities Jesus had just warned about.
Interpreters differ on what “that tribulation” refers to. Some connect it to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70, while others see it as a future end-times tribulation. The verse itself does not settle the question, but it clearly marks a transition from the tribulation to the events that follow.
Meaning
The language of the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light is apocalyptic and symbolic, drawing on Old Testament prophetic imagery. It signifies a dramatic divine intervention in the created order, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over creation and the certainty of the events Jesus prophesied. The parallel passage in Matthew 24:29 uses nearly identical wording, adding that the stars will fall and the powers of the heavens will be shaken, indicating that this is part of a broader prophetic description of cosmic upheaval.
While the language may sound literal, Jesus often used symbolic language to convey spiritual truths. The darkening of the sun and the loss of the moon’s light may not be literal astronomical events but rather symbolize the disruption and chaos that will accompany the end times. This cosmic imagery sets the stage for the coming of the Son of Man in glory, described in the subsequent verses.
Application
This verse reminds believers that the return of Christ and the end of the age will not happen without turmoil and challenges. It encourages vigilance, spiritual preparedness, and trust in God’s promises even in the midst of difficult times. The certainty of the prophesied events calls for faithful endurance and hope in God’s ultimate purposes.
