King James Version

What Does Mark 14:19 Mean?

Mark 14:19 in the King James Version says “And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:19 · KJV

Context

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?

20

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

21

The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They began to be sorrowful (ἤρξαντο λυπεῖσθαι, ērxanto lypeisthai)—grief seized the disciples at Jesus's announcement. The ingressive aorist ("began") marks onset of sorrow. To say unto him one by one, Is it I? (λέγειν αὐτῷ εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς· Μήτι ἐγώ; legein autō heis kath heis· Mēti egō?)—each disciple individually questioned whether he might be the betrayer. The particle μήτι (mēti) expects a negative answer: "Surely not I?"

The disciples' self-doubt reveals conscience sensitivity—none presumed innocence. Each recognized potential for betrayal within his own heart. This contrasts with false confidence (Peter's boast in v. 29). Their repeated questioning ("one by one") shows genuine distress. Matthew 26:25 records Judas also asking, though his question used different grammar. The disciples' sorrow and self-examination models proper response to sin's revelation—not blaming others but searching one's own heart. Their question "Is it I?" should echo in every believer's heart: am I capable of betraying Christ?

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Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples' individual questioning stretched the moment, building tension. None could believe Jesus's announcement, yet His solemn "Verily" formula demanded they take it seriously. Their sorrow (λυπεῖσθαι) shows emotional anguish—this wasn't academic discussion but devastating revelation. The question "Is it I?" appears in all three Synoptic Gospels, indicating how this moment seared itself into apostolic memory. Early church tradition records that disciples other than Judas never discovered with certainty who the betrayer was until Judas led the arrest party to Gethsemane.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the disciples' self-doubt ("Is it I?") model healthy spiritual vigilance against presumption of immunity to serious sin?
  2. What does their individual questioning rather than accusing others teach about personal responsibility for examining our own hearts?
  3. How should Jesus's prediction of betrayal by a disciple warn against complacency in Christian community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἵ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἤρξαντο3 of 16

“they began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λυπεῖσθαι4 of 16

“to be sorrowful”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

καὶ5 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

λέγειν6 of 16

“say”

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

αὐτῷ7 of 16

“unto 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

εἷς8 of 16
G1520

one

καθ'9 of 16
G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

εἷς10 of 16
G1520

one

μήτι11 of 16

“said”

G3385

whether at all

ἐγώ12 of 16

“Is it I”

G1473

i, me

καὶ13 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

ἄλλος,14 of 16

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μήτι15 of 16

“said”

G3385

whether at all

ἐγώ16 of 16

“Is it I”

G1473

i, me

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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:21-23John 13:22Matthew 26:22

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