Mark14
World English Bible · Public Domain
1It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception and kill him.
2For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot among the people.”
3While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar and poured it over his head.
4But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “Why has this ointment been wasted?
5For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” So they grumbled against her.
6But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me.
7For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me.
8She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying.
9Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
10Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them.
11They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him.
12On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare that you may eat the Passover?”
13He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and there a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him,
14and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’
15He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Get ready for us there.”
16His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.
17When it was evening he came with the twelve.
18As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me.”
19They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, “Surely not I?” And another said, “Surely not I?”
20He answered them, “It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.
21For the Son of Man goes as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”
22As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body.”
23He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it.
24He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.
25Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.”
26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
29But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.”
30Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
31But he spoke all the more, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same thing.
32They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.
34He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
35He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him.
36He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
37He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour?
38Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39Again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.
40Again he returned and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they didn’t know what to answer him.
41He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42Arise! Let’s get going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
43Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came—and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
44Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.”
45When he had come, immediately he came to him and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him.
46They laid their hands on him and seized him.
47But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48Jesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me?
49I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”
50They all left him, and fled.
51A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him,
52but he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.
53They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him.
54Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire.
55Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.
56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn’t agree with each other.
57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,
58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”
59Even so, their testimony didn’t agree.
60The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?”
61But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
62Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.”
63The high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need have we of witnesses?
64You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” They all condemned him to be worthy of death.
65Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, “Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.
66As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came,
67and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!”
68But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.
69The maid saw him and began again to tell those who stood by, “This is one of them.”
70But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, “You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”
71But he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know this man of whom you speak!”
72The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the words that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Mark 14.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Christ anointed at Bethany. (1–11). The passover, Jesus declares that Judas would betray him. (12–21). The Lord's supper instituted. (22–31). Christ's agony in the garden. (32–42). He is betrayed and taken. (43–52). Christ before the high priest. (53–65). Peter denies Christ. (66–72).
vv1-11
Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us, and shall we think any thing too precious for him? Do we give him the precious ointment of our best affections? Let us love him with all the heart, though it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed; and remember that charity to the poor will not excuse any from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Christ commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages. Those who honour Christ he will honour. Covetousness was Judas' master lust, and that betrayed him to the sin of betraying his Master; the devil suited his temptation to that, and so conquered him. And see what wicked contrivances many have in their sinful pursuits; but what appears to forward their plans, will prove curses in the end.
vv12-21
Nothing could be less the result of human foresight than the events here related. But our Lord knows all things about us before they come to pass. If we admit him, he will dwell in our hearts. The Son of man goes, as it is written of him, as a lamb to the slaughter; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed! God's permitting the sins of men, and bringing glory to himself out of them, does not oblige them to sin; nor will this be any excuse for their guilt, or lessen their punishment.
vv22-31
The Lord's supper is food for the soul, therefore a very little of that which is for the body, as much as will serve for a sign, is enough. It was instituted by the example and the practice of our Master, to remain in force till his second coming. It was instituted with blessing and giving of thanks, to be a memorial of Christ's death. Frequent mention is made of his precious blood, as the price of our redemption. How comfortable is this to poor repenting sinners, that the blood of Christ is shed for many! If for many, why not for me? It was a sign of the conveyance of the benefits purchased for us by his death. Apply the doctrine of Christ crucified to yourselves; let it be meat and drink to your souls, strengthening and refreshing your spiritual life. It was to be an earnest and foretaste of the happiness of heaven, and thereby to put us out of taste for the pleasures and delights of sense. Every one that has tasted spiritual delights, straightway desires eternal ones. Though the great Shepherd passed through his sufferings without one false step, yet his followers often have been scattered by the small measure of sufferings allotted to them. How very apt we are to think well of ourselves, and to trust our own hearts! It was ill done of Peter thus to answer his Master, and not with fear and trembling. Lord, give me grace to keep me from denying thee.
Key Words
ἦν (ēn): I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
δύο (dýo): "two"
ἡμέρα (hēméra): day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context)
πάσχα (páscha): the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἄζυμος (ázymos): unleavened, i.e. (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the Passover week
ἀρχιερεύς (archiereús): the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest
γραμματεύς (grammateús): scribe, town-clerk
ζητέω (zētéō): to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
πῶς (pōs): an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
Cross References
Mark 14Prophetic prototype of the familiar friend eating bread who lifts up his heel against the Messiah.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Directly quoted by Jesus to predict the scattering of the disciples when the Shepherd is smitten.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Direct parallel in Matthew where Jesus says the hour has come and the Son of man is betrayed.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Jesus directly alludes to the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Jesus alludes to sitting at the right hand of power, referencing this Messianic psalm.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel details identifying the woman as Mary of Bethany and the aromatic filling the house.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct parallel account of Judas negotiating the betrayal price with the chief priests.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
The Old Testament institution of the Passover and unleavened bread, pointing to Christ's sacrifice.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Matthew's parallel institution of the Lord's Supper, sharing identical sacramental actions and formulas.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The blood of the old covenant sprinkled on the people, typifying Christ's blood of the new testament.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Matthew's parallel account of the agony in Gethsemane, detailing the same prayers and struggle.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Prophecy of smiting the shepherd and the sheep scattering, fulfilled as all disciples forsook Him and fled.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel record of the disciples forsaking Jesus in fulfillment of the prophetic Scriptures.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel stating the chief priests and council sought false witness to put Jesus to death.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
The actual statement of Jesus about destroying the temple of His body, which they twisted.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Fulfills the prophecy of the silent, suffering Servant who opens not his mouth.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel account of the High Priest's adjuration and Jesus' silence.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel account of Jesus' declaration of His deity and future coming.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Prophetic fulfillment of giving His back to smiters and not hiding His face from spitting.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Matthew's parallel showing Jesus explicitly foretelling His crucifixion two days before the Passover.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The Old Testament law behind Jesus' statement that the poor will always be in the land.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Luke's parallel, noting Satan's entry into Judas before he approached the chief priests.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Prophetic pricing of the Good Shepherd, prefiguring the specific silver covenant made with Judas.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel detail of Jesus being deeply troubled in spirit when declaring the betrayal.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Prophecy of the 'new covenant' fulfilled in the shedding of Christ's blood.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Luke's parallel account of going to the Mount of Olives as was His custom.
Supported by Matthew Poole
John's parallel recording the crossing of the brook Cedron to the garden of Gethsemane.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Spirit of His Son in our hearts crying 'Abba, Father', echoing Jesus' personal Gethsemane cry.
Supported by JFB
Describes Christ offering up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The parallel detailing the sign of the betrayal kiss given to the multitude by Judas.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel describing the drawing of the sword and the striking of the high priest's servant.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel account where Jesus questions being seized with swords and staves as against a thief.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Jesus confirms He spoke openly and daily taught in the temple and synagogues.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Luke's parallel recording the Son of man seated at the right hand of God.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel custom of tearing clothes in response to perceived blasphemy or extreme distress.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Mosaic law code mandating the death penalty for blaspheming the name of Jehovah.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole