King James Version

What Does Mark 14:13 Mean?

Mark 14:13 in the King James Version says “And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bear... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 14:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

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?

15

And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.


Commentary

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

Jesus's detailed foreknowledge demonstrates divine omniscience—He knew precisely what the disciples would encounter. This miraculous knowledge parallels His prophecy of finding the colt (Mark 11:2-6) and shows sovereign control over circumstances. Some scholars suggest Jesus prearranged this meeting; others see supernatural foreknowledge. Either way, Jesus orchestrates events for Passover preparation. The cryptic sign may have protected the location from Judas, who wasn't privy to these instructions, ensuring uninterrupted final meal with His disciples.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Palestine, women typically carried water jars on their heads while men carried wineskins. A man carrying a water pitcher (κεράμιον, keramion—ceramic jar) would immediately stand out. This unusual sign ensured the disciples found the right person. Jerusalem was crowded with Passover pilgrims (possibly 200,000+), making a specific meeting place essential. The "city" (πόλιν) was Jerusalem. Jesus likely had sympathetic supporters in Jerusalem who provided the upper room, though the Gospels don't name them. Secrecy was necessary because Judas and temple authorities were plotting arrest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's detailed foreknowledge of future events strengthen confidence in His sovereignty over your circumstances?
  2. What does Jesus's careful preparation for the Passover meal teach about intentionality in observing the Lord's Supper?
  3. How might Jesus's cryptic instructions to protect the upper room location illustrate wisdom in spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἀποστέλλει2 of 22

he sendeth forth

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

δύο3 of 22

two

G1417

"two"

τῶν4 of 22
G3588

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

μαθητῶν5 of 22

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ6 of 22

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

καὶ7 of 22

And

G2532

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

λέγει8 of 22

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ9 of 22

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

Ὑπάγετε10 of 22

Go ye

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς11 of 22

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν12 of 22
G3588

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

πόλιν13 of 22

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ14 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἀπαντήσει15 of 22

there shall meet

G528

to meet away, i.e., encounter

ὑμῖν16 of 22

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἄνθρωπος17 of 22

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

κεράμιον18 of 22

a pitcher

G2765

an earthenware vessel, i.e., jar

ὕδατος19 of 22

of water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

βαστάζων·20 of 22

bearing

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

ἀκολουθήσατε21 of 22

follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ22 of 22

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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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