King James Version

What Does Mark 14:10 Mean?

Mark 14:10 in the King James Version says “And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:10 · KJV

Context

8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9

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.

10

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

11

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

12

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve (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. Went unto the chief priests, to betray him (παραδοῖ αὐτὸν, paradoi auton)—the verb παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi) means "hand over" or "deliver up," used repeatedly in passion narratives.

Judas took initiative—he "went" seeking opportunity. This wasn't impulsive reaction but calculated decision. The chief priests didn't approach Judas; Judas approached them. Mark places this immediately after the anointing (vv. 3-9), creating stark contrast: the woman gave extravagantly; Judas sold cheaply. She loved much; he loved money. Her act memorialized forever; his name synonymous with treachery. Judas's betrayal fulfills Scripture (Psalm 41:9) while demonstrating human culpability—divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexist.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The chief priests (ἀρχιερεῖς) were the high priest's family and leaders of the Sadducean party who controlled the temple. They had plotted to kill Jesus (v. 1) but feared popular uprising during Passover when Jerusalem swelled from 50,000 to 250,000+ pilgrims. Judas solved their problem—an insider could identify Jesus for nighttime arrest away from crowds. Matthew 26:15 specifies Judas received thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13. This was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), showing how cheaply Judas valued the Son of God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What warning does Judas—a disciple who followed Jesus for three years—provide about proximity to Christ versus genuine faith?
  2. How does greed (love of money) blind spiritual perception and lead to horrific sin, even among religious people?
  3. In what ways might we "betray" Christ through small compromises that culminate in great apostasy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ2 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰούδας3 of 16

“Judas”

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

ὁ4 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰσκαριώτης,5 of 16

“Iscariot”

G2469

inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor

εἷς6 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

τῶν7 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δώδεκα8 of 16

“of the twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ἀπῆλθεν9 of 16

“went”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

πρὸς10 of 16

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς11 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεῖς12 of 16

“the chief priests”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

ἵνα13 of 16

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

παραδῷ14 of 16

“betray”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτοῖς15 of 16

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

αὐτοῖς16 of 16

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 14:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:3-6Matthew 26:14-16John 13:2Psalms 41:9John 6:70-71Matthew 10:4

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