King James Version
What Does Mark 14:11 Mean?
“And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.”
Mark 14:11 · KJV
Context
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
13
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen they heard it, they were glad (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. Promised to give him money (ἀργύριον, argyrion)—silver coins, the price of blood. Money motivated Judas; convenience motivated the priests. He sought how he might conveniently betray him (πῶς εὐκαίρως αὐτὸν παραδοῖ, pōs eukairōs auton paradoi)—εὐκαίρως means "at an opportune time."
Judas became a hunter, waiting for the right moment to strike. The adverb "conveniently" shows calculated treachery—not passionate impulse but cold pragmatism. Mark's terse narrative highlights the horror: religious leaders glad, disciple selling, Jesus betrayed, all for money. This verse exposes the alliance of religious hypocrisy and greed against the Son of God. Yet sovereign providence governs all—Judas's "convenient" timing fulfilled God's predetermined plan (Acts 2:23) without diminishing Judas's guilt.
Judas became a hunter, waiting for the right moment to strike. The adverb "conveniently" shows calculated treachery—not passionate impulse but cold pragmatism. Mark's terse narrative highlights the horror: religious leaders glad, disciple selling, Jesus betrayed, all for money. This verse exposes the alliance of religious hypocrisy and greed against the Son of God. Yet sovereign providence governs all—Judas's "convenient" timing fulfilled God's predetermined plan (Acts 2:23) without diminishing Judas's guilt.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) wanted Jesus dead but needed Roman approval for execution and feared mob reaction. Judas provided the solution: isolated arrest at night. The "convenient" time came Thursday night after the Last Supper, when Jesus went to Gethsemane with eleven disciples. Judas knew Jesus's habits (John 18:2) and led an armed crowd to arrest Him. The thirty pieces of silver Judas received (Matthew 26:15) was wages for betraying the priceless Son of God—illustrating how greed blinds to true value.
Reflection Questions
- How does the chief priests' gladness at murder opportunity reveal religion's capacity for evil when divorced from genuine love for God?
- What does Judas's careful planning of convenient betrayal teach about sin's deceptive progression from temptation to calculated action?
- How might pursuing "convenience" or comfort lead to compromising faithfulness to Christ?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 15 wordsἐχάρησαν4 of 15
“it they were glad”
G5463to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ5 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπηγγείλαντο6 of 15
“promised”
G1861to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
αὐτὸν7 of 15
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀργύριον8 of 15
“money”
G694silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
δοῦναι9 of 15
“to give”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ10 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐζήτει11 of 15
“he sought”
G2212to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
πῶς12 of 15
“how”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
αὐτὸν14 of 15
“him”
G846the 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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge