King James Version

What Does Mark 14:15 Mean?

Mark 14:15 in the King James Version says “And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

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

17

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Read Mark 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared (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 feast. "Prepared" (ἕτοιμον, hetoimon) indicates readiness for immediate use.

Jesus's detailed foreknowledge included not just meeting the man, but finding the room already prepared—evidence of divine omniscience or prearrangement reflecting Jesus's sovereign control. There make ready for us (ἑτοιμάσατε ἡμῖν, hetoimasate hēmin)—the disciples still had work to do: procure lamb, roast it, prepare unleavened bread, wine, bitter herbs. The prepared room shows God provides what's needed; human obedience completes the task. This upper room witnessed the Last Supper, possibly Jesus's post-resurrection appearances (Luke 24:33-36), and likely Pentecost (Acts 1:13; 2:1-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Upper rooms were prestigious spaces in first-century homes, often the largest and best-appointed rooms. They provided privacy for important gatherings. Being "furnished" with dining couches enabled reclining during the meal—the posture of free people, contrasting with Egyptian slavery when Israel ate standing (Exodus 12:11). The room's readiness fulfilled Jesus's prophecy and enabled the momentous Last Supper. Church tradition identifies this upper room with the Cenacle on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, though archaeological certainty is impossible. The room became sacred space where Jesus instituted communion and predicted His betrayal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the homeowner's preparation of the upper room illustrate cooperative partnership between divine sovereignty and human obedience?
  2. What does the "large" room suggest about Jesus's desire for spacious fellowship with His disciples?
  3. How can you prepare your heart as a furnished and ready space for Christ to meet with you in communion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτὸς2 of 11

“he”

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

ὑμῖν3 of 11

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δείξει4 of 11

“will shew”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

ἀνὼγεον5 of 11

“upper room”

G508

above the ground, i.e., (properly) the second floor of a building; used for a dome or a balcony on the upper story

μέγα6 of 11

“a large”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐστρωμένον7 of 11

“furnished”

G4766

to "strew," i.e., spread (as a carpet or couch)

ἕτοιμον·8 of 11

“and prepared”

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

ἐκεῖ9 of 11

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἑτοιμάσατε10 of 11

“make ready”

G2090

to prepare

ἡμῖν11 of 11

“for us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

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 14:15 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 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:13Proverbs 16:12 Chronicles 6:30Acts 20:8Proverbs 21:1-2Psalms 110:3

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 14 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes