About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~9 minVerses: 72
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

King James Version

Mark 14

72 verses with commentary

The Plot to Kill Jesus

After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>After two days was the feast of the passover</strong>—Mark's precise temporal marker situates us on Wednesday of Passion Week, with Passover beginning Friday evening. The Greek <em>meta duo hēmeras</em> (μετὰ δύο ἡμέρας) creates dramatic irony: while Israel prepared to commemorate deliverance from Egypt, the ultimate Passover Lamb was about to be sacrificed.<br><br><strong>The chief priest...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XIV.** (1, 2) **After two days was the feast of the passover.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:1-5. Better, *was the passover, and the feast of unleavened bread.* The latter designation is common to St. Mark and St. Luke, as an explanation intended for Gentile readers. The same fact accounts, perhaps, for the omission by both of the name of Caiaphas as the chief mover in the scheme.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**38. And he said unto them in his doctrine--**rather, "in His teaching"; implying that this was but a specimen of an extended discourse, which Matthew gives in full (Mt 23:1-39). Luke says (Lu 20:45) this was "in the audience of all the people said unto His disciples." **Beware of the scribes, which love--**or like. **to go in long clothing--**(see on Mt 23:5). and love salutations in the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But they said, Not on the feast day</strong> (μὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ, <em>mē en tē heortē</em>)—The chief priests and scribes feared a riot if they arrested Jesus during Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims and messianic expectation ran high. Their caution reveals both political calculation and unconscious acknowledgment of Jesus's popular support. Yet God's sovereign plan overruled thei...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39. And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms--**or positions. **at feasts--**On this love of distinction, see on Lu 14:7; Mt 6:5.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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Jesus Anointed at Bethany

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. spikenard: or, pure nard, or, liquid nard

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper</strong>—The location is significant: Bethany (בֵּית־אַנְיָה, "house of affliction") was Jesus's retreat during Passion Week, home to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Simon the leper (Σίμων ὁ λεπρός) was likely healed by Jesus—he would not be hosting a meal otherwise—demonstrating Christ's power over ritual uncleanness.<br><br><strong>An alaba...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3-9) **And being in Bethany.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:6-13. **Ointment of spikenard.**—The Greek word so translated is, as the various renderings in the margin show, of doubtful import. It is used by St. John (John 12:3) in his account of the same facts. **She brake the box.**—As in the “breaking through” the roof in Mark 2:4, the vivid touch that brings the manner of the act distinctly before o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

40. Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: **these shall receive greater damnation--**They took advantage of their helpless condition and confiding character to obtain possession of their property, while by their "long prayers" they made them believe they were raised far above "filthy lucre." So much the "greater damnation" awaited them. (Compare Mt 23:33). A lifelike d...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there were some that had indignation</strong> (ἀγανακτέω, <em>aganakteō</em>)—strong displeasure or irritation, not mere disappointment. John 12:4-5 identifies Judas Iscariot as the primary objector, though others joined his protest.<br><br><strong>Why was this waste of the ointment made?</strong> (ἀπώλεια, <em>apōleia</em>)—the Greek <em>apōleia</em> means "destruction, loss, ruin," t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **There were some that had indignation.**—Note St. Mark’s limitation of the murmurers to “some,” as an intermediate stage between St. Matthew’s “the disciples” and St. John’s naming “Judas.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence</strong> (τριακοσίων δηναρίων, <em>triakosion denariōn</em>)—approximately one year's wages for a laborer, emphasizing the extravagance of the anointing. The critics' calculation reveals their focus on economic utility over worship's intrinsic worth.<br><br><strong>And have been given to the poor</strong>—John's Gospel identifie...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **For more than three hundred pence.**—The specific mention of the sum, not given by St. Matthew, is one of the few points common to St. Mark and St. John (John 12:5).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Let her alone; why trouble ye her?</strong> (Ἄφετε αὐτήν· τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε;)—Jesus defends the woman against the disciples' criticism with a sharp rhetorical question. The verb <em>aphete</em> ("let alone") is an imperative command, demanding they cease their reproach. <strong>She hath wrought a good work on me</strong> (καλὸν ἔργον ἠργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί)—<em>kalon ergon</em> means "beau...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **She hath wrought a good work on me.**—“Good” in the sense of “noble,” as implying the higher form of goodness. The use of the word here is peculiar to St. Mark.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For ye have the poor with you always</strong>—Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15:11, not to justify indifference toward poverty, but to establish the unique significance of this moment. The phrase <em>πάντοτε</em> (pantote, "always") underscores the ongoing nature of poverty in a fallen world and the perpetual call to compassion.<br><br><strong>But me ye have not always</strong>—Christ identifies...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Whensoever ye will ye may do them good.**—Peculiar to St. Mark; the other words being given by him in common with St. Matthew and St. John.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>She hath done what she could</strong> (ὃ ἔσχεν ἐποίησεν, <em>ho eschen epoiēsen</em>)—Jesus defends the woman's act with this profound commendation. The Greek literally means 'what she had, she did,' emphasizing the totality of her devotion. Her act was not measured by external standards but by the completeness of her sacrifice.<br><br><strong>She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world</strong> (ὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, hopou ean kērychthē to euangelion)—Jesus prophesies the global spread of the gospel message with divine certainty. The verb κηρυχθῇ (kērychthē) means "proclaimed" or "heralded," the same term used for royal announcements. <strong>This also that she hath done shall be spoken of for...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 13 Mr 13:1-37. Christ's Prophecy of the Destruction of Jerusalem, and Warnings Suggested by It to Prepare for His Second Coming. ( = Mt 24:1-51; Lu 21:5-36). **Jesus had uttered all His mind against the Jewish ecclesiastics, exposing their character with withering plainness, and denouncing, in language of awful severity, the judgments of God against them for that unfaithfulness to their t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve</strong> (Ἰούδας Ἰσκαριώθ, εἷς τῶν δώδεκα, Ioudas Iskariōth, heis tōn dōdeka)—Mark's emphasis on "one of the twelve" underscores the tragedy. Not an outsider but an intimate disciple betrayed Jesus. The name Iscariot likely means "man of Kerioth," a Judean town, making Judas the only non-Galilean disciple. <strong>Went unto the chief priests, to betray him...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10, 11) **And Judas Iscariot.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:14-15.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings?--**"Ye call My attention to these things? I have seen them. Ye point to their massive and durable appearance: now listen to their fate." **there shall not be left--**"left here" (Mt 24:2). **one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down--**Titus ordered the whole city and temple to be demolished [Josephus, Wars o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When they heard it, they were glad</strong> (ἐχάρησαν, echarēsan)—the chief priests rejoiced at Judas's offer, revealing hearts that celebrated murder. Their gladness stands in grotesque contrast to proper response to the Messiah. <strong>Promised to give him money</strong> (ἀργύριον, argyrion)—silver coins, the price of blood. Money motivated Judas; convenience motivated the priests. <str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **They were glad, and promised to give him money.**—It may be noted (1) that the mention of the priests being “glad” is in common with St. Luke, and (2) that St. Mark does not name the specific sum which was promised as the price of blood.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, over against the temple--**On their way from Jerusalem to Bethany they would cross Mount Olivet; on its summit He seats Himself, over against the temple, having the city all spread out under His eye. How graphically is this set before us by our Evangelist! **Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately--**The other Evangelists tell us merel...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline 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) **Verses 1-11** Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us,...
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The Passover with the Disciples

And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? killed: or, sacrificed

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The first day of unleavened bread</strong> (τῇ πρώτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῶν ἀζύμων, tē prōtē hēmera tōn azymōn) refers to Nisan 14, when leaven was removed from homes before Passover. <strong>When they killed the passover</strong> (ὅτε τὸ πάσχα ἔθυον, hote to pascha ethyon)—thousands of lambs were slaughtered in the temple on Passover eve (afternoon of Nisan 14), then consumed that evening (beginning o...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12-21) **And the first day of unleavened bread.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:20-25. **When they killed the passover.**—Better, *when they used to sacrifice;* the Greek tense implying a custom. Here, again, both St. Mark and St. Luke write as explaining the custom for their Gentile readers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?--**"and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" They no doubt looked upon the date of all these things as one and the same, and their notions of the things themselves were as confused as of the times of them. Our Lord takes His own way of meeting their question...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He sendeth forth two of his disciples</strong>—Luke 22:8 identifies them as Peter and John. Sending two fulfills the principle of paired witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). <strong>There shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water</strong> (ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων, anthrōpos keramion hydatos bastazōn)—this sign was remarkable because water-carrying was women's work. A man carrying...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **And he sendeth forth two of his disciples.**—The number is given by St. Mark; the names, Peter and John, by St. Luke only. The sign of the pitcher of water is common to both Gospels, but not to St. Matthew.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

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

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Say ye to the goodman of the house</strong> (οἰκοδεσπότῃ, oikodespotē)—the "master of the house," the homeowner. <strong>The Master saith</strong> (Ὁ διδάσκαλος λέγει, Ho didaskalos legei)—Jesus identifies Himself as "the Teacher," a title carrying rabbinic authority. The definite article ("the") may indicate the disciples were to use this as a prearranged signal. <strong>Where is the gues...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **The goodman of the house.**—Better, *the master.* The better MSS. give the reading, “Where is *my* guest-chamber,” a form which implies discipleship on the part of the owner of the house, even more than that given by St. Matthew. The word translated “guest-chamber” is the same as that which appears in Luke 2:7 as “inn.” It was, in fact, the generic term for a hired lodging.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ--**(see Mt 24:5)--"and the time draweth nigh" (Lu 21:8); that is, the time of the kingdom in its full splendor. **and shall deceive many--**"Go ye not therefore after them" (Lu 21:8). The reference here seems not to be to pretended Messiahs, deceiving those who rejected the claims of Jesus, of whom indeed there were plenty--for our Lord is...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared</strong> (ἀνάγαιον μέγα ἐστρωμένον ἕτοιμον, anagaion mega estrōmenon hetoimon)—three adjectives emphasize the room's suitability. "Large" (μέγα, mega) accommodated thirteen people. "Furnished" (ἐστρωμένον, estrōmenon) means "spread with carpets" or "furnished with dining couches," showing the room was fully prepared for Passover fe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Furnished and prepared.**—The first word implied that it was not a bare, empty chamber, but set out with cushions or *divans,* on which the guests could recline; the second, that it was specially arranged for the Paschal Supper of that evening.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled--**(See on Mr 13:13, and compare Is 8:11-14). **for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet--**In Luke (Lu 21:9), "the end is not by and by," or "immediately." Worse must come before all is over.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>His disciples went forth, and came into the city</strong>—Peter and John obeyed Jesus's detailed instructions. <strong>Found as he had said unto them</strong> (εὗρον καθὼς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, heuron kathōs eipen autois)—perfect fulfillment of Jesus's prophecy, confirming His divine foreknowledge and reliability. Every detail—the man, the water pitcher, the homeowner's response, the furnished upp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. These are the beginnings of sorrows--**"of travail-pangs," to which heavy calamities are compared. (See Jr 4:31, &amp;c.). The annals of Tacitus tell us how the Roman world was convulsed, before the destruction of Jerusalem, by rival claimants of the imperial purple.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the evening he cometh with the twelve</strong> (ὀψίας γενομένης ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα, opsias genomenēs erchetai meta tōn dōdeka)—"evening" (ὀψίας) refers to Thursday evening after sunset, beginning Nisan 15 by Jewish reckoning (days start at sunset). Jesus arrived with the full complement of twelve disciples—including Judas Iscariot, whose presence adds tragic irony. This would be th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. But take heed to yourselves: for--**"before all these things" (Lu 21:12); that is, before these public calamities come. **they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten--**These refer to ecclesiastical proceedings against them. **and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings--**before civil tribunals next. **for my sake, for a testimony against them--*...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>As they sat and did eat</strong> (ἀνακειμένων αὐτῶν καὶ ἐσθιόντων, anakeimenōn autōn kai esthiontōn)—they reclined (Roman dining posture) while eating the Passover. <strong>Verily I say unto you</strong> (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, amēn legō hymin)—Jesus's solemn formula introduces weighty pronouncements. <strong>One of you which eateth with me shall betray me</strong> (εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με ὁ ἐσθ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **As they sat.**—Better, *as they reclined.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. And the gospel must first be published among all nations--**"for a witness, and then shall the end come" (Mt 24:14). God never sends judgment without previous warning; and there can be no doubt that the Jews, already dispersed over most known countries, had nearly all heard the Gospel "as a witness," before the end of the Jewish state. The same principle was repeated and will repeat itself t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They began to be sorrowful</strong> (ἤρξαντο λυπεῖσθαι, ērxanto lypeisthai)—grief seized the disciples at Jesus's announcement. The ingressive aorist ("began") marks onset of sorrow. <strong>To say unto him one by one, Is it I?</strong> (λέγειν αὐτῷ εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς· Μήτι ἐγώ; legein autō heis kath heis· Mēti egō?)—each disciple individually questioned whether he might be the betrayer. The par...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand--**"Be not anxious beforehand." **what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate--**"Be not filled with apprehension, in the prospect of such public appearances for Me, lest ye should bring discredit upon My name, nor think it necessary to prepare beforehand what ye are to say." **but whatsoever shall be given y...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>It is one of the twelve</strong> (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα, heis tōn dōdeka)—Jesus repeats this phrase (from v. 10), emphasizing the betrayer's intimate circle membership. <strong>That dippeth with me in the dish</strong> (ὁ ἐμβαπτόμενος μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὸ τρύβλιον, ho embaptomenos met emou eis to tryblion)—the present participle indicates ongoing action: one currently dipping into the common bowl. Sh...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him</strong> (ὁ μὲν υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὑπάγει καθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ, ho men huios tou anthrōpou hypagei kathōs gegraptai peri autou)—Jesus affirms His death fulfills Scripture (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, etc.). "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) from Daniel 7:13-14 identifies Jesus as the messianic figure receiving eternal dominion. <strong>But ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Good were it for that man.**—St. Mark, it will be noted, omits the fact recorded by St. Matthew, that the last “Is it I?” was uttered by the Traitor.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake--**Matthew (Mt 24:12) adds this important intimation: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many"--"of the many," or "of the most," that is, of the generality of professed disciples--"shall wax cold." Sad illustrations of the effect of abounding iniquity in cooling the love even of faithful disciples we have in the Epistle of Jame...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-21** 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 ...
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Institution of the Lord's Supper

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

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KJV Study Commentary

During the Last Supper, Jesus says: 'Take, eat: this is my body.' This institutes the Lord's Supper, central Christian sacrament. 'This is' (Greek touto estin) has sparked theological debate. Roman Catholics hold transubstantiation (bread becomes Christ's literal body); Lutherans consubstantiation (Christ's body present 'in, with, under' bread); Reformed view it as symbolic memorial and spiritual ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22-25) **As they did eat.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:26-29. **Take, eat.**—The latter word is wanting in many of the best MSS.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. But when ye shall see--**"Jerusalem compassed by armies"--by encamped armies; in other words, when ye shall see it besieged, and **the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not--**that is, as explained in Matthew (Mt 24:15), "standing in the holy place." **(let him that readeth understand)--**readeth that prophecy. That "the abomination of de...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse captures the institution of the Lord's Supper, the cup representing Christ's blood shed for covenant redemption. "He took the cup" (λαβὼν ποτήριον, labōn potērion) describes Jesus' deliberate action during the Passover meal. The definite article "the cup" likely refers to the third cup of the Passover Seder, the "cup of redemption," drunk after the meal. Jesus transformed this Jewish ri...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **When he had given thanks.**—St. Mark agrees with St. Matthew in using the word “blessing” of the bread, and “giving thanks” of the cup. St. Luke uses the latter word of the bread, and implies by the word “likewise” that the form was repeated with the cup.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. And let him that is on the housetop not get down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house--**that is, let him take the outside flight of steps from the roof to the ground; a graphic way of denoting the extreme urgency of the case, and the danger of being tempted, by the desire to save his property, to delay till escape should become impossible.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

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KJV Study Commentary

At the Last Supper, Jesus said: 'This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many' (Τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν). The cup represents Christ's blood establishing 'new testament/covenant' (diathēkē, διαθήκη). This echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkled blood saying, 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' Jesus' blood ratifies the new covenant prophes...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Which is shed for many.**—Better, *is being shed,* the participle, both here and in St. Matthew, being in the present tense.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus speaks these solemn words during the Last Supper, instituting the New Covenant in His blood. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" (amēn legō hymin, ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν) marks this as an authoritative divine pronouncement. Jesus' vow to abstain from wine until the kingdom's consummation demonstrates His complete commitment to accomplishing redemption. The "fruit of the vine" refers to wine in the Pa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Of the fruit of the vine.**—Better, *of the product.* Note the difference between “the kingdom of God” here, and “the kingdom of My Father” in Matthew 26:29.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. But woe to them--**or, "alas for them." **that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days--**in consequence of the aggravated suffering which those conditions would involve.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. hymn: or, psalm

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.</strong> The hymn (ὑμνέω, hymneō) was likely the second half of the Hallel (Psalms 115-118), traditionally sung at Passover's conclusion. Jesus and the disciples sang praise knowing what lay ahead—His betrayal, their desertion, His death. The verb ὑμνέω carries the sense of worship through song, making this one of Scri...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26-42) **And when they had sung an hymn.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:30-46.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter--**making escape perilous, or tempting you to delay your flight. Matthew (Mt 24:20) adds, "neither on the sabbath day," when, from fear of a breach of its sacred rest, they might be induced to remain.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. offended: or, scandalized, or, shall stumble

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All ye shall be offended because of me this night</strong>—Jesus predicts universal desertion using σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), meaning to cause to stumble or fall away. This wasn't speculation but prophetic certainty. <strong>For it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered</strong> quotes Zechariah 13:7, but with crucial modification: in Zechariah, God commands...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be--**Such language is not unusual in the Old Testament with reference to tremendous calamities. But it is matter of literal fact that there was crowded into the period of the Jewish war an amount and complication of suffering perhaps unparalleled; as the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.</strong> Even while predicting desertion, Jesus promises resurrection and reunion. The phrase <strong>I will go before you</strong> (προάξω ὑμᾶς, proaxō hymas) echoes shepherd imagery—the Good Shepherd goes before His sheep (John 10:4). Galilee, despised by Judean religious elite, becomes the location for resurrection appearance...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh--**that is, no human life. **should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days--**But for this merciful "shortening," brought about by a remarkable concurrence of causes, the whole nation would have perished, in which there yet remained a remnant to be afterwards gathered out. This portion ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.</strong> Peter's boast contains tragic irony. The intensive conjunction ἀλλά (alla, "but") signals strong contradiction—Peter pits his assessment against Jesus' prophetic word. The phrase <strong>yet will not I</strong> (ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγώ, all' ouk egō) emphasizes the pronoun, suggesting Peter considers himself superior to...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. And then, if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo he is there; believe him not--**So Lu 17:23.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.</strong> Jesus responds to Peter's boast with devastating specificity. The double time marker—<strong>this day, even in this night</strong> (σήμερον ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτί, sēmeron tautē tē nykti)—emphasizes immediacy: not someday, but tonight. The cock-crow detail proves Jesus' forekn...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Before the cock crow twice.**—The word “twice” is omitted in many MSS. It agrees, however, with the emphatic mention of the cock crowing a “second time” in Mark 14:72, and with the form of the prediction in the same verse, and may fairly be regarded as the true reading, the omission in some MSS. being accidental.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders. No one can read Josephus' account of what took place before the destruction of Jerusalem without seeing how strikingly this was fulfilled. **to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect--**implying that this, though all but done, will prove impossible. What a precious assurance! (Compare 2Th 2:9-12).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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But he spake the more vehemently , If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But he spake the more vehemently</strong> (ὁ δὲ ἐκπερισσῶς ἐλάλει, ho de ekperissōs elalei)—the adverb indicates exceeding intensity, escalating contradiction. Peter's vehemence reveals the depth of his self-deception. <strong>If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise</strong> ironically predicts exactly what he will fail to do hours later. The absolute negation οὐ μή (ou...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **He spake the more vehemently.**—The Greek tense implies frequent and continuous speaking.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. But take ye heed; behold, I have foretold you all things--**He had just told them that the seduction of the elect would prove impossible; but since this would be all but accomplished, He bids them be on their guard, as the proper means of averting that catastrophe. In Matthew (Mt 24:26-28) we have some additional particulars: "Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the deser...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-31** 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 ...
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Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane</strong> (Γεθσημανί, <em>Gethsēmani</em>)—from Hebrew גַּת שְׁמָנִים (<em>gat shemanim</em>, 'oil press'). This olive orchard at the Mount of Olives' foot became the stage for Jesus's most agonizing prayer. Mark's sparse narrative contrasts with Luke's medical details (sweat like blood) but shares the geographic precision.<br><br><strong>...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **While I shall pray.**—Literally, *till I shall have prayed.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. But in those days, after that tribulation--**"Immediately after the tribulation of those days" (Mt 24:29). the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He taketh with him Peter and James and John</strong>—Jesus chose His inner circle of three disciples who witnessed His transfiguration (Mark 9:2) to accompany Him deeper into Gethsemane. This selective intimacy reveals Christ's humanity: even the sinless Son of God needed human companionship in His darkest hour.<br><br><strong>Began to be sore amazed</strong> (ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι, <em>ekthambeist...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Began to be** **sore amazed.**—Note St. Mark’s use of the stronger word as compared with St. Matthew’s “to be sorrowful.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. And the stars of heaven shall fall--**"and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth" (Lu 21:25, 26). **and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken--**Though the grandeur of this language carries the mind over the head of all periods but that ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death</strong> (περίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου ἕως θανάτου)—Jesus declares His <em>psychē</em> (soul, inner life) is <em>perilypos</em> (surrounded by grief, overwhelmed with sorrow) to the point of death itself. This echoes Psalm 42:5-6, 11 and 43:5 where the psalmist cries, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" Christ experiences the full weight of anticipa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory--**In Mt 24:30, this is given most fully: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man," &amp;c. That this language finds its highest interpretation in the Second Personal Coming of Christ, is most certain. ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground</strong> (ἔπιπτεν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς)—the imperfect tense suggests repeated prostration, not a single act. This vivid detail, unique to Mark's eyewitness account (likely from Peter), shows Christ's profound agony. The Greek <em>proseucheto</em> (ἠρχετο προσεύχεσθαι) implies continuous, agonizing prayer, not casual petition.<br><br><strong>That,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. And then shall he send his angels--**"with a great sound of a trumpet" (Mt 24:31). **and shall gather together his elect, &amp;c.--**As the tribes of Israel were anciently gathered together by sound of trumpet (Ex 19:13, 16, 19; Le 23:24; Psa 81:3-5), so any mighty gathering of God's people, by divine command, is represented as collected by sound of trumpet (Is 27:13; compare Re 11:15); an...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

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KJV Study Commentary

Gethsemane's anguish reveals Jesus' humanity and divinity. 'Abba, Father' combines Aramaic intimacy (Abba—'Papa') with Greek formality (Patēr), expressing the relationship's depth. This unique address appears only here in the Gospels (also Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6 describing believers' Spirit-enabled prayer). 'All things are possible unto thee' affirms God's omnipotence—no external constraint li...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **And he said, Abba, Father.**—The record of the word “Abba” as actually uttered, is peculiar to St. Mark. We, perhaps, find traces of the impression it made on the minds of men in the “Abba, Father” of Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28. Now learn a parable of the fig tree--**"Now from the fig tree learn the parable," or the high lesson which this teaches. **When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves--**"its leaves."

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

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KJV Study Commentary

In Gethsemane, Jesus found disciples sleeping and said to Peter: 'Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?' (Σίμων, καθεύδεις; οὐκ ἴσχυσας μίαν ὥραν γρηπνῆσαι;). This gentle rebuke addressed Peter specifically—he who boasted loyalty (v. 29, 'Though all shall be offended, yet will not I') couldn't stay awake one hour. The question format shows disappointment, not harsh condemnation. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **Simon, sleepest thou?**—Note that while St. Matthew and St. Luke give the question in the plural, St. Mark reports it in the singular, and joins it with the emphatic utterance of the name of the disciple. His report, too, includes the two questions which appear separately in the other two Gospels.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. So ye, in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass--**rather, "coming to pass." **know that it--**"the kingdom of God" (Lu 21:31). **is nigh, even at the doors--**that is, the full manifestation of it; for till then it admitted of no full development. In Luke (Lu 21:28) the following words precede these: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus exhorts sleeping disciples: 'Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.' 'Spirit' (Greek pneuma) refers to regenerate human spirit, renewed and willing to obey. 'Flesh' (sarx) represents fallen human nature, weak and prone to sin. This tension exists in all believers (see Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:17). The disciples' spirits desired ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass fill all these things be done--**or "fulfilled" (Mt 24:34; Lu 21:32). Whether we take this to mean that the whole would be fulfilled within the limits of the generation then current, or, according to a usual way of speaking, that the generation then existing would not pass away without seeing a begun fulfilment of this prediction, th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.</strong> Jesus' repeated prayer (τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον εἰπών, ton auton logon eipōn, "saying the same word") demonstrates persistent intercession, not vain repetition. This pattern—pray, return, find disciples sleeping, return to prayer—reveals both Christ's humanity (needing repeated prayer) and His submission (continuing to ask for ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away--**the strongest possible expression of the divine authority by which He spake; not as Moses or Paul might have said of their own inspiration, for such language would be unsuitable in any merely human mouth. Warnings to Prepare for the Coming of Christ Suggested by the Foregoing Prophecy (Mr 13:32-37). **It will be obser...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,)</strong>—Mark provides the explanatory note βεβαρημένοι (bebarēmenoi, "weighed down, burdened") regarding their eyes. This suggests not mere physical tiredness but spiritual heaviness, possibly supernatural oppression during Satan's hour (Luke 22:53). <strong>Neither wist they what to answer him</strong> (καὶ οὐ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32. But of that day and that hour--**that is, the precise time. **knoweth no man--**literally, no one. **no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father--**This very remarkable statement regarding "the Son" is peculiar to Mark. Whether it means that the Son was not at that time in possession of the knowledge referred to, or simply that it was not among the things whic...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he cometh the third time</strong>—biblical pattern of three (Jonah's three days, Peter's three denials, Christ's third-day resurrection) marks finality. <strong>Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough</strong> (καθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε· ἀπέχει, katheudete to loipon kai anapaueste; apechei)—this phrase puzzles interpreters. Some read it as permission ("Go ahead, sleep")...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And he cometh the third time.**—We may note St. Mark’s omission of the third repetition of the prayer. **It is enough.**—Peculiar to St. Mark, and probably noting the transition from the half-reproachful permission, “Sleep on now, and take your rest,” to the emphatic and, as it were, startled exclamation, “the hour is come.” **Is** **betrayed.**—The tense, as in St. Matthew, is present, “is...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

33. Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Rise up, let us go</strong> (ἐγείρεσθε ἄγωμεν, egeiresthe agōmen)—Jesus takes initiative, moving toward His betrayer rather than fleeing. The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, "rise up") will soon take different meaning when applied to resurrection (16:6). <strong>Lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand</strong> (ὁ παραδιδούς με ἤγγικεν, ho paradidous me ēngiken)—the present participle "betraying" indicate...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, &amp;c.--**The idea thus far is similar to that in the opening part of the parable of the talents (Mt 25:14, 15). **and commanded the porter--**the gatekeeper. **to watch--**pointing to the official duty of the ministers of religion to give warning of approaching danger to the people.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-42** Christ's sufferings began with the sorest of all, those in his soul. He began to be sorely amazed; words not used in St. Matthew, but very full of meaning. The terrors of God set themselves in array against him, and he allowed him to contemplate them. Never was sorrow like unto his at this time. Now he was made a curse for us; the curses of the law were laid upon him as our Su...
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The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve</strong>—the title <strong>one of the twelve</strong> (εἷς τῶν δώδεκα, heis tōn dōdeka) stings with tragic irony. Mark repeatedly emphasizes this throughout chapter 14 (vv. 10, 20, 43), underscoring that betrayal came from within the inner circle. <strong>And with him a great multitude with swords and staves</strong> (ὄχλ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43-45) **And immediately, while he yet** **spake.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:47-50. Note the re-appearance of St. Mark’s characteristic “immediately.” Many of the better MSS. add the distinguishing “Iscariot” to the name of Judas.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. Watch ye therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning--**an allusion to the four Roman watches of the night.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he that betrayed him had given them a token</strong> (σύσσημον, syssēmon)—a prearranged signal, military term suggesting coordination. <strong>Saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he</strong>—the kiss (φιλήσω, philēsō) was the customary disciple-to-rabbi greeting, making Judas's betrayal use of it especially heinous. He weaponizes affection's gesture for arrest's purpose.<br><...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **Take him.**—Better, *seize.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36. Lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping--**See on Lu 12:35-40; Lu 12:42-46.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him</strong>—Judas wastes no time, moving εὐθύς (euthys, "immediately") to execute betrayal. <strong>And saith, Master, master; and kissed him</strong> (ῥαββί, rhabbi...κατεφίλησεν, katephilēsen)—the doubled address and intensive verb (κατα-φιλέω, "kiss repeatedly, kiss tenderly") suggest either feigned affection or Judas's inner conflict...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(45) **Master, master.**—Better, *Rabbi, Rabbi.* All the MSS. give the Hebrew word, and not its Greek equivalent.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37. And what I say unto you--**this discourse, it will be remembered, was delivered in private. **I say unto all, Watch--**anticipating and requiring the diffusion of His teaching by them among all His disciples, and its perpetuation through all time.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they laid their hands on him, and took him.</strong> The stark brevity captures the moment's horror—hands that should worship now arrest. The verb κρατέω (krateō, "took") means to seize with force, to overpower. Yet John 18:6 records that when Jesus identified Himself, the crowd fell backward, demonstrating that this arrest succeeded only because Christ permitted it. Isaiah 53:7's prop...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(46-50) **Took him.**—Better, as before, *seized.* See Notes on Matthew 26:51-56.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And one of them that stood by drew a sword</strong>—John 18:10 identifies this as Peter wielding a μάχαιρα (machaira, a short sword or large knife). <strong>And smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear</strong>—the violent verb ἀφαίρεω (aphaireō, "cut off, remove") describes the blow that removed Malchus's ear (John 18:10). Peter's action reveals misguided zeal attempting to...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 14 Mr 14:1-11. The Conspiracy of the Jewish Authorities to Put Jesus to Death--The Supper and the Anointing at Bethany--Judas Agrees with the Chief Priests to Betray His Lord. ( = Mt 26:1-16; Lu 22:1-6; Joh 12:1-11). The events of this section appeared to have occurred on the fourth day (Wednesday) of the Redeemer's Last Week. Conspiracy of the Jewish Authorities to Put Jesus to Death...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?</strong> Jesus' question (ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστήν, hōs epi lēstēn, "as against a robber/revolutionary") exposes the absurdity of armed arrest for one who taught publicly. The term λῃστής (lēstēs) denotes not a common thief but a violent revolutionary or bandit—the term used for Barabba...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(48) **As against a thief.**—Better, *as against a robber,* the word implying the bolder form of theft.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. But they said, Not on the feast day--**rather, not during the feast; not until the seven days of unleavened bread should be over. **lest there be an uproar of the people--**In consequence of the vast influx of strangers, embracing all the male population of the land who had reached a certain age, there were within the walls of Jerusalem at this festival some two million people; and in their...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not</strong>—Jesus contrasts public ministry with midnight arrest. The imperfect tense ἤμην (ēmēn, "I was") indicates continuous, repeated presence—day after day openly teaching. Their choice of darkness over daylight exposes evil's nature: "Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).<br><br><...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(49) **Ye took me not.**—Better, *ye seized Me not,* or, *ye laid no hold on Me.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. And being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman--**It was "Mary," as we learn from Joh 12:3. **having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard--**pure nard, a celebrated aromatic--(See So 1:12). **very precious--**"very costly" (Joh 12:3). **and she brake the box, and poured it on his head--**"and anointed," adds John (Joh 12:3), "the feet o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And they all forsook him, and fled.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they all forsook him, and fled.</strong> The devastating brevity matches the moment's tragedy—πάντες (pantes, "all") and ἔφυγον (ephygon, "fled") capture total desertion. Hours earlier they vowed loyalty unto death (v. 31); now they fulfill Jesus' prediction (v. 27) rather than their promises. The verb φεύγω (pheugō) means to flee in fear, like running from battle. These future apostle...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. And there were some that had indignation within themselves and said--**Matthew says (Mt 26:8), "But when His disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying," &amp;c. The spokesman, however, was none of the true-hearted Eleven--as we learn from John (Joh 12:4): "Then saith one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray Him." Doubtless the thought stirred first in his br...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body</strong>—this vivid detail appears only in Mark's Gospel, prompting speculation. The term νεανίσκος (neaniskos, "young man") and σινδών (sindōn, "linen cloth")—expensive material—suggests wealth. Many scholars identify this unnamed follower as Mark himself, including autobiographical detail with char...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(51) **And there followed him a certain young man.**—The remarkable incident that follows is narrated by St. Mark only. It had clearly made a deep impression on the minds of some of the disciples (probably enough, on that of Peter), from whom, directly or indirectly, the report came. Who it was that appeared in this strange fashion we are left to conjecture. Some have supposed that it was St. Mark...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence--**between nine and ten pounds sterling. **and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her--**"This he said," remarks John (Joh 12:6), and the remark is of exceeding importance, "not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and had the bag"--the scrip or treasure chest--"and bare what was put therein"...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.</strong> The young man escapes by abandoning his garment, fleeing γυμνός (gymnos, "naked/unclothed"). This vivid image mirrors the disciples' desertion—all abandon Jesus, some literally leaving behind even their dignity. The verb φεύγω (pheugō, "fled") echoes verse 50, reinforcing the theme of total abandonment.<br><br>Some interpreter...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me--**It was good in itself, and so was acceptable to Christ; it was eminently seasonable, and so more acceptable still; and it was "what she could," and so most acceptable of all.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 43-52** Because Christ appeared not as a temporal prince, but preached repentance, reformation, and a holy life, and directed men's thoughts, and affections, and aims to another world, therefore the Jewish rulers sought to destroy him. Peter wounded one of the band. It is easier to fight for Christ than to die for him. But there is a great difference between faulty disciples and hypoc...
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Jesus Before the Council

And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they led Jesus away to the high priest</strong> (ἀπήγαγον τὸν Ἰησοῦν πρὸς τὸν ἀρχιερέα, <em>apēgagon ton Iēsoun pros ton archierea</em>)—The verb ἀπάγω (<em>apagō</em>) means 'to lead away,' often used of prisoners led to execution. Jesus is brought before Caiaphas, though John's Gospel clarifies He first appeared before Annas (John 18:13). <strong>All the chief priests and the elders ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(53-65) **And they led Jesus away.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:57-66.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. For ye have the poor with you always--**referring to De 15:11. **and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always--**a gentle hint of His approaching departure, by One who knew the worth of His own presence.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Peter followed him afar off</strong> (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν, <em>apo makrothen</em>)—The phrase reveals Peter's conflicted state: courageous enough to follow, fearful enough to keep distance. Contrast this with his earlier boast: 'Although all shall be offended, yet will not I' (14:29). <strong>Even into the palace</strong> (ἕως ἔσω εἰς τὴν αὐλήν, <em>heōs esō eis tēn aulēn</em>)—Peter penetrated t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(54) **Sat** . . . **and warmed himself.**—Better, *was sitting and warming himself.* **With the servants.**—Better, *with the officers.* **At the fire.**—Literally, *at the light;* the word bringing out very vividly the effect of the glare of the charcoal fire on St. Peter’s face,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. She hath done what she could--**a noble testimony, embodying a principle of immense importance. **she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying--**or, as in John (Joh 12:7), "Against the day of my burying hath she kept this." Not that she, dear heart, thought of His burial, much less reserved any of her nard to anoint her dead Lord. But as the time was so near at hand when that off...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus</strong> (ἐζήτουν κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ μαρτυρίαν, <em>ezētoun kata tou Iēsou martyrian</em>)—The verb ζητέω (<em>zēteō</em>) reveals their predetermined agenda: they were hunting for testimony, not truth. The preposition κατά (<em>kata</em>, 'against') shows hostile intent. <strong>To put him to death</strong> (εἰς τὸ θανατῶσ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For many bare false witness against him</strong> (πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ, <em>polloi gar epseudomartyroun kat' autou</em>)—The compound verb ψευδομαρτυρέω (<em>pseudomartyreo</em>) means to bear false witness, directly violating the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). The imperfect tense suggests repeated, ongoing perjury. <strong>But their witness agreed not together</strong>...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(56) **Their witness agreed not together.**—St. Mark gives what St. Matthew only implies as the cause of the failure.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them--**that is, to make his proposals, and to bargain with them, as appears from Matthew's fuller statement (Mt 26:14, 15) which says, he "went unto the chief priests, and said, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver." The thirty pie...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him</strong> (καί τινες ἀναστάντες ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ, <em>kai tines anastantes epseudomartyroun kat' autou</em>)—The participle ἀναστάντες (<em>anastantes</em>, 'having stood up') suggests a dramatic moment in the trial. After the initial wave of failed testimonies (v. 56), new witnesses arise. The continued use of ψευδομαρτυ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(57) **There arose certain.**—St. Mark is here less definite than St. Matthew, who, writing for Jews, was apparently anxious to show that the rule which required “two or three witnesses” in support of a criminal charge had barely been complied with.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money--**Matthew alone records the precise sum, because a remarkable and complicated prophecy, which he was afterwards to refer to, was fulfilled by it. **And he sought how he might conveniently betray him--**or, as more fully given in Luke (Lu 22:6), "And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray Him unto them in the abs...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>We heard him say, I will destroy this temple</strong> (ὅτι Ἐγὼ καταλύσω τὸν ναὸν τοῦτον, <em>hoti Egō katalysō ton naon touton</em>)—The verb καταλύω (<em>katalyō</em>) means to demolish or overthrow. Jesus did say something similar (John 2:19): 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,' but He spoke of His body, not Herod's temple. <strong>Made with hands</strong> (χειρο...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(58) **This temple.**—The word here, as in Matthew 26:61 and John 2:19, is that which indicates generally the sanctuary or shrine, and here the “Holy Place” of the Temple. **Made with hands . . . made without hands.**—The antithesis is peculiar to St. Mark, but we may, perhaps, trace an echo of it in the “more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands,” of Hebrews 9:11.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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But neither so did their witness agree together .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But neither so did their witness agree together</strong> (καὶ οὐδὲ οὕτως ἴση ἦν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν, <em>kai oude houtōs isē ēn hē martyria autōn</em>)—Even this more sophisticated false testimony failed the ἴση (<em>isē</em>, 'equal/consistent') standard. Matthew 26:60 specifies 'at the last came two,' suggesting these were the most promising witnesses, yet even they couldn't maintain consis...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(59) **Neither so did their witness** **agree together.**—This, again, is peculiar to St. Mark. We are not told in what respects their evidence failed to agree; possibly in details of time and place, possibly in the absence or presence of the words reported in the previous verse.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the high priest stood up in the midst</strong> (ἀναστὰς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἰς μέσον, <em>anastas ho archiereus eis meson</em>)—Caiaphas rises to center stage, his standing conveying authority and frustration. The phrase εἰς μέσον (<em>eis meson</em>, 'into the middle') suggests he moved from his seat to confront Jesus directly, breaking normal judicial protocol. <strong>Answerest thou nothin...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

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KJV Study Commentary

At Jesus' trial, 'the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' (ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, Σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ εὐλογητοῦ;). This is the climactic question of Jesus' trial. The high priest asked directly: 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' (euphemism for God, avoiding the divine name). Jesus had remained silent through...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(61) **The Son of the Blessed.**—In St. Matthew and St. Luke we have simply “the Son of God;” but the use of “the Blessed” as a name of God in doxologies and other solemn formulæ was a common practice.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus answered: 'I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven' (Ἐγώ εἰμι, καὶ ὄψεσθε τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκ δεξιῶν καθήμενον τῆς δυνάμεως καὶ ἐρχόμενον μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ). Jesus' answer is emphatic: 'I am' (Egō eimi, Ἐγώ εἰμι)—echoing God's name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14, 'I AM'). He then quotes Daniel 7:13-14 ('Son ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then the high priest rent his clothes</strong> (ὁ δὲ ἀρχιερεὺς διαρρήξας τοὺς χιτῶνας αὐτοῦ, <em>ho de archiereus diarrēxas tous chitōnas autou</em>)—The verb διαρρήγνυμι (<em>diarrēgnymi</em>) means to tear completely. Leviticus 21:10 actually forbade the high priest from tearing his garments, making this act doubly significant: Caiaphas violated priestly law while claiming to defend it. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(63) **Then the high priest rent his clothes.**—It is noticeable that St. Mark uses the word for the inner garment, St. Matthew that for the outer.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ye have heard the blasphemy</strong> (ἠκούσατε τῆς βλασφημίας, <em>ēkousate tēs blasphēmias</em>)—The noun βλασφημία (<em>blasphēmia</em>) means reviling God's name or claiming divine prerogatives. Leviticus 24:16 prescribed death for blasphemy: 'he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death.' <strong>What think ye?</strong> (τί ὑμῖν φαίνεται; <em>ti hymin phain...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(64) **Guilty of death.**—Here, as in Matthew 26:66, the translators follow the old English usage, and connect the word “guilty,” not as we now do, with the crime of which a man is convicted, but with the punishment to which he is liable.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And some began to spit on him</strong> (καί τινες ἤρξαντο ἐμπτύειν αὐτῷ, <em>kai tines ērxanto emptýein autō</em>)—The verb ἐμπτύω (<em>emptýō</em>) means to spit upon, expressing contempt. Isaiah 50:6 prophesied: 'I hid not my face from shame and spitting.' <strong>To cover his face</strong> (περικαλύπτειν αὐτοῦ τὸ πρόσωπον, <em>perikalýptein autou to prosōpon</em>)—blindfolding the proph...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(65) **And to cover his face.**—It was this (recorded by St. Mark and St. Luke, but not by St. Matthew) which gave point to the taunt “Prophesy.” They blindfolded the Prophet, and then called on Him to use His power of supernatural vision. **The servants did strike him.**—Better, as before, *the officers.* The two forms of outrage, with the clenched fist and with the open palm, are specified by bo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 53-65** We have here Christ's condemnation before the great council of the Jews. Peter followed; but the high priest's fire-side was no proper place, nor his servants proper company, for Peter: it was an entrance into temptation. Great diligence was used to procure false witnesses against Jesus, yet their testimony was not equal to the charge of a capital crime, by the utmost stretch ...
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Peter Denies Jesus

And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And as Peter was beneath in the palace</strong> (Καὶ ὄντος τοῦ Πέτρου κάτω ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ, <em>Kai ontos tou Petrou katō en tē aulē</em>)—The word κάτω (<em>katō</em>, 'below') creates physical and spiritual geography. While Jesus stands trial 'above,' Peter remains 'beneath' in the courtyard, symbolizing his moral descent from the Upper Room's bold declarations. <strong>There cometh one of th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(66) **And as Peter was beneath.**—See Notes on Matthew 26:69-75.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when she saw Peter warming himself</strong> (καὶ ἰδοῦσα τὸν Πέτρον θερμαινόμενον, <em>kai idousa ton Petron thermainomenon</em>)—The participle θερμαινόμενον (<em>thermainomenon</em>) recurs from v. 54, emphasizing Peter's continued comfort-seeking. The firelight illuminated his face, allowing recognition. <strong>She looked upon him</strong> (ἐμβλέψασα αὐτῷ, <em>emblepsasa autō</em>)—...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(67) **Thou also wast** **with Jesus of Nazareth.**—The order of the words varies in the MSS.; but the better ones give the words as spoken with an emphatic scorn, “And thou also wast with the Nazarene, Jesus.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest</strong> (ὁ δὲ ἠρνήσατο λέγων, Οὔτε οἶδα οὔτε ἐπίσταμαι σὺ τί λέγεις, <em>ho de ērnēsato legōn, Oute oida oute epistamai sy ti legeis</em>)—The verb ἀρνέομαι (<em>arneomai</em>) means to deny, disown, reject—the same word Jesus used predicting this moment (14:30). Peter employs double negatives: οὔτε οἶδα (<em>oute oi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(68) **And he went out into the porch.**—The noun is not the same as that used by St. Matthew, but signifies literally “the space before the palace,” *i.e.,* the vestibule. Substantially, of course, it comes to much the same meaning.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And a maid saw him again</strong> (καὶ ἡ παιδίσκη ἰδοῦσα αὐτὸν πάλιν, <em>kai hē paidiskē idousa auton palin</em>)—The same servant girl (ἡ παιδίσκη, <em>hē paidiskē</em>, with definite article) persists, or Matthew/Luke suggest a different maid joined the accusation. <strong>And began to say to them that stood by</strong> (ἤρξατο λέγειν τοῖς παρεστῶσιν, <em>ērxato legein tois parestōsin</...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(69) **A maid.**—Better, *the maid*—*i.e.,* the one that had pointed him out before.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he denied it again</strong> (ὁ δὲ πάλιν ἠρνεῖτο, <em>ho de palin ērneito</em>)—The adverb πάλιν (<em>palin</em>, 'again') marks the second denial. The imperfect tense ἠρνεῖτο (<em>ērneito</em>) suggests continued or repeated denial—Peter kept denying. <strong>And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter</strong> (καὶ μετὰ μικρὸν πάλιν οἱ παρεστῶτες ἔλεγον τῷ Πέτρῳ, <em>ka...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(70) **And thy speech agreeth thereto.**—Singularly enough, the words, which seem so natural, are wanting in many of the best MSS., and may, therefore, possibly have been an interpretative addition, possibly made by St. Mark himself, in what we may call a revised edition of his Gospel.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's third denial: 'he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak' (ἤρξατο ἀναθεματίζειν καὶ ὀμνύναι ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον τοῦτον ὃν λέγετε). The verbs 'curse' (anathematizein, ἀναθεματίζειν, invoking curses on himself) and 'swear' (omnynai, ὀμνύναι, taking oaths) show escalating vehemence. Peter called down curses to prove he didn't know Jesus—the ultimate de...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. when: or, he wept abundantly, or, he began to weep

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KJV Study Commentary

Immediately after Peter's denial, 'the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him... And when he thought thereon, he wept' (ἐκ δευτέρου ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν. καὶ ἀνεμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τὸ ῥῆμα ὡς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς... καὶ ἐπιβαλὼν ἔκλαιεν). The rooster's crow triggered memory of Jesus' prediction (v. 30). Peter 'called to mind' (anemnēsthē, ἀνεμνήσθη, remembered) Jesus' word an...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(72) **When he thought thereon.**—The Greek word is a somewhat peculiar one, and means literally “throwing at,” or “on.” The English version assumes that it means “casting his mind or thoughts,” just as “to reflect” is “to bend the mind,” and is probably right. The marginal readings give two conjectures. Yet another may be found in the idea that the word describes St. Peter’s action “casting himse...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 66-72** Peter's denying Christ began by keeping at a distance from him. Those that are shy of godliness, are far in the way to deny Christ. Those who think it dangerous to be in company with Christ's disciples, because thence they may be drawn in to suffer for him, will find it much more dangerous to be in company with his enemies, because there they may be drawn in to sin against him...
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