King James Version

What Does Mark 14:17 Mean?

Mark 14:17 in the King James Version says “And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Mark 14:17 · KJV


Context

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.

18

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

19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the evening he cometh with the twelve (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 their final gathering as "the twelve" before Judas's betrayal and suicide.

Mark's simple statement conceals profound significance: Jesus's last Passover, institution of the Lord's Supper, revelation of the betrayer, prophetic warnings about desertion and denial. The number "twelve" symbolizes Israel's twelve tribes—Jesus reconstitutes Israel around Himself. Yet within hours, the twelve would scatter (v. 50), and Judas would betray. The evening's intimacy contrasts with the night's horror—from upper room fellowship to Gethsemane agony to courtroom trials. Jesus entered this evening knowing full well what lay ahead.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover meals began after sunset, marking the new day (Nisan 15) by Jewish reckoning. The meal followed prescribed liturgy: four cups of wine, recounting the exodus story, eating lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. During this Passover, Jesus transformed the ancient ritual, investing bread and wine with new meaning—His body and blood. The meal lasted several hours, including Jesus washing disciples' feet (John 13), predicting betrayal, and teaching extensively (John 14-16). After the meal, they sang the Hallel (Psalms 115-118) and departed to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What significance does Jesus's deliberate gathering of "the twelve" have for understanding His mission to restore Israel?
  2. How does Jesus's knowledge of the impending betrayal yet sharing intimate fellowship with Judas demonstrate His love and grace?
  3. How should the Lord's Supper's institution at Passover shape your understanding of communion as the New Covenant meal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
Καὶ1 of 7

And

G2532

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

ὀψίας2 of 7

the evening

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

γενομένης3 of 7

in

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἔρχεται4 of 7

he cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

μετὰ5 of 7

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν6 of 7
G3588

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

δώδεκα7 of 7

the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen


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 14:17 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 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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